I can't believe there is such a neat place so close to downtown. I was in the area and was…read moreintrigued since they mentioned they had wolves at the center, as well as a lot of other rescued animals that are unable to be released back into the wild. When you drive into the park, you immediately notice the amount of Canada goose and mallards swarming the area. There's a huge pond that they call home, and they're also joined by wood ducks, herons, and even a sand hill crane. It turns out that the center sells cracked corn that the birds go crazy for, which leads to a love-hate relationship as they love the corn, but are wary of you as a large animal. There's a nature center which has exhibits geared more towards children, although there's still plenty to learn for adults. There's also animals inside, and several bird feeders right outside. The observation building is where I had the most fun. Outside they have injured raptors, while inside they keep bats, songbirds, and shorebirds. Behind the glass, you can see the volunteers and staff nurturing baby rabbits. The woodland building is home to animals such as rabbits, opossums, skunks, and more. Outside there are foxes, wolves, and deer. I was surprised hear the wolves howling, and it was amazing that I could see them easily from the building. There's a daily program at various times where you can see a up close look at the animals. I went for the Eagles one, where the staff took out Liberty the eagle. She was found with severe visual impairment (likely from West Nile) and so couldn't fly or feed herself that well.

This sanctuary visitors center is full of hands-on exhibits that immerse kids and adults in animal…read morehabitats and fun! While moms and dads will feel this center is straight from their childhood, the exhibits have stood the test of time and continue to delight kids. There are many local species of birds and animals stuffed for up-close observation, and the deck features bird feeders for many close views of birds in action. There are tunnels and hollows to explore, a great underwater habitat exhibit, and an amazing otter slide. We spent an hour in the visitors center and could have stayed longer. It's not all taxidermy though, there are also live animals on exhibit that have been saved by the sanctuary but cannot return to the wild. My kids especially enjoyed the fancy mice. If you have more time, there are 5 different trails to walk or ski apparently. You can also sometimes purchase food to feed the many ducks which was our initial purpose, but avian flu nearby has the experience on hold. I wish we'd come earlier! This was an excellent way to spend a wintry hour while visiting Green Bay with our 4 kids. I hope for a chance to visit in summer and do it all.

Beautiful walking trail along Lake Michigan. I love the beautiful sunrises over the lake in the…read moremorning. You can walk for hours and not tire of the view. I'm sure I'll wear out more than one pair of shoes on this trail.

Beautiful 6 mile trail from the Wisconsin Maritime Museum to Two Rivers. Bike, walk, run,…read morerollerblade; nicely paved and well maintained. The lake is the main attraction, but gardens, sculptures, and waysides beckon. Highly recommend. It continues on as Rawley Point Trail to Point Beach State Park.

We have hiked this trail a couple times. It has a variety of hills and flats. The trails are well…read moremaintained. There is a network of twisting winding trails within this park, so you need a map or app so you know exactly where you are. On the weekends the trails see more foot traffic as well as mountain bikes. Be respectful of each other.

The Baird Creek Trail is my favorite place to be on the weekends. There are paved and rustic trails…read moreto explore, nice terrain ranging from riverside treks, marshes and heavily wooded areas. Bring your dog, bring your bike, bring a friend and hop on board!

This tower has the best views other than flying over. The tower has over 200 steps to the tower and…read more96 up the tower itself. It was definitely worth the effort and time, as you can see for over 20 miles. They have picnic tables and restrooms near the parking area, primative restrooms. Enjoy your lunch with all the wildlife you can imagine.

Another one of Wisconsin's gems. This State Park is an absolute blast to hike. The loop is…read moreapproximately 4 miles that take you up and down and around another section of the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Plymouth. A set of long stairs usher you up to the tower and that is where we started our journey. We climbed to the top and what a sight it is to see. This tower is high up as it sits on the crest of a hill. Amazing and a bit scary all the same time when you get to the top. Bring your pup cause this place is a perfect little spot to hike thorough with them. Trails are well marked and walking through the forest here is a bit surreal as you are led through windy twists and turns that are littered with rocks and trees and so much nature it is just a pleasure to experience. We drove up from Milwaukee and it takes about 50 minutes to get here. When heading home I suggest taking the scenic route back and driving by Long lake and through the country side of Wisconsin. Lot's to see and just an enjoyable jaunt all around!

This is a rails to trails hiking path. It was a railroad track that was removed and surfaced with…read morecrushed limestone. It is flat and good for long hikes or cross country skiing in the winter. The trail is also used by horseback riders, bicycles, and snowmobiles. It is a total of 46 miles in length and winds through Door and Kewaunee counties. I usually pick it up blocks from my house on Perry street in Algoma beside the Hardwoods company. The trail appears to be well maintained. Right now is an excellent time to walk it. The leaves are just beginning to turn to their fall colors.

Awesome area for a walk alongside Lake Michigan. Free parking, picnic tables and indoor bathrooms…read moreare available for use. Nice sandy beach but you are a brave soul to go into the lake unless it's crazy hot, chilly water! Nice walk out to the lighthouse and views of the city from the shoreline. Worth the stop.

A small, lakeside park just north of the marina. there is an ample parking lot and a very nice…read morebathroom facility at the north end. A couple of picnic spots and a small but nice beach area. The real attraction here is the walk on the north Manitowoc jetty. On your way to the lighthouse you will come upon a water impoundment that can be rife with shore birds. A little further on is the Paws and Play dog park. Beyond is the walk to the lighthouse. If it is windy and the surf is up you might skip the lighthouse walk because you'll get wet or worse. All in all a nice area to spend a couple of hours. Bring your binoculars and snacks. On a sunny day this can be a great day in the making. On a cold, rainy day, not so much. People in Manitowoc are usually friendly. Take the time to chat, you might make a new friend.

What a delightful find, hidden away in Chilton Wisconsin. Ledge View Nature center is a free,…read moreinteractive nature center featuring live animals (various tortoise, a bat, frogs and snakes), taxidermy animals (bear, bobcat, hedgehog, etc), and learning activities inside the building. There are educational boards on historic sedimentary layers with rock specimens, as well as opportunities to learn about laws regarding sturgeon fishing in Wisconsin. The nature center provides maps for various walking/hiking trails on the property. There is a Sugar Shack, which is used at certain times of the year for educating on maple syrup. The trail map was a wee bit confusing, as it doesn't provide any key regarding mileage and may, in fact, be a mirror image of the trails itself, but there are signs available. A forest trail takes you around the entire property. I recommend the rock quarry trail for a good view. As a sign on a tree indicates, the trail is a dead end and leads to the view of beautiful rock formations. There is also a very large tower you can climb to enjoy views of the surrounding farm land. I came with family. We walked approximately 3 miles in a loop, but didn't cover all the trails. There are shorter distances. There are also caves on site that are open on Saturdays at particular times only- call for details about availability, timing, and private tours. There is a price to go on the 1 mile cave tour. There is a large space for group sessions. We went today and no one was working the front desk. Overall, the Ledge View Nature Center has a plethora of family fun opportunities that highlight the beauty of Wisconsin.

This is a nicely maintained trail running between Manitowoc and Denmark WI. It is about 14 miles…read moreand is crushed limestone. This is an excellent trail for hiking, biking, skiing, and snowmobiling. It's obvious that the trail is well maintained as there are piles of freshly cut brush along the edges. I like to start at Rockwood Rd near Manitowoc and walk north from there.. the trail passes farms, fields, and woods. You will see all kinds of birds and other wildlife on a hike. This will become one of my favorite hikes.

This is a very pleasant 14 mile bike and walking trail that I really enjoy using. Wide and well…read moremaintained hard pack gravel makes for an easy ride. The trail is mostly straight and has minimal elevation change (less than 50 feet over the entire 14.25 miles). While the views may not be stunning, they are quite bucolic. Rolling fields with grazing cows, lush farmland, wooden bridges over deep ravines contains bubbling brooks. There are small parking areas along the trail allowing for various start points. The main trail head is in Denmark and the other end is on Rockwood Road (near Big Apple (bar and grill). I recommend starting at Rockwood, packing a picnic, and taking a break at the Denmark trail head pavilion (which has restrooms).