A Place for Everyone

Every person deserves to have access to nature year round. Wehr Nature Center is committed to sustaining an accessible nature destination; a place for all seasons, a place for everyone.

Accessible Park Features

Wehr Nature Center strives to make its trails, facilities, exhibits, and programs accessible to all visitors regardless of age, ability, or background because everyone deserves access to nature. The center staff are consistently working to increase physical accessibility. As this is an ongoing project that is moving along at a substantial pace, please check back for updates. Below is a listing of the main features currently accessible to all.

Accessible Boardwalk

Via All Abilities Loop (1 mile)

Wehr offers a 1-mile, accessible All Abilities Loop trail with a hard surface boardwalk as the footing type which makes it easier for wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or strollers to access.

Accessible Pier

Via All Abilities Loop (1 mile)

Along the loop, you will pass by the accessible pier overlooking Mallard Lake which is a great place to rest, birdwatch, and look for frogs.

Accessible Observation Blind

Via All Abilities Loop (1 mile)

Work is currently underway to expand the boardwalk to the new (built in 2023) Observation Blind so that people of all abilities can experience the thrill of searching for dragonflies, muskrats, and all types of birds via this newly created structure.

Visitor Center Exhibits

and Universal Restroom

Exhibits in the Visitor Center are available to interact and learn about the nature you experience outdoors. Restrooms are equipped with wide entry doors, grab bars, accessible sinks, and adequate space for maneuvering wheelchairs. Our family restroom is equipped with a universal changing table. The parking, walkways, and center entrance is accessible making it possible for anyone to be comfortable not only visiting but staying as long as you like.

View Accessibility Assessment

View Assessment with Photos

Accessibility and Inclusion Coordinator Emily Brown with park visitors

Connect with…

Our Accessibility & Inclusion Coordinator

Email Emily Brown

Reserve an AAW Outdoor All-Terrain Chair

Wehr is a host site for an all-terrain chair provided in partnership with Access Ability Wisconsin (AAW). AAW and Wehr Nature Center believe in Outdoor Access for All! Reserve the outdoor chair for use at Wehr Nature Center or for offsite use to tow to another site – all for free. A deposit and DNR Customer Number are required.

Reserve Now

Adaptive Equipment – Ability Corner

Check out our onsite adaptive equipment rental. For free of charge, available upon first come first serve, items for all abilities are available to ensure visitors feel welcomed and comfortable extending their stay.

Sensory Sensitive Packs

Wehr is proud to be a KultureCity® Sensory Inclusive™ Certified Location and has backpacks available with nonverbal cue cards, fidgets, and other tools to help those with sensory processing disorders feel comfortable while at the nature center. Reserve in person or by phone.

Call Now

Mobility Tools

Walkers, wheelchairs, canes, and seat canes are just a few of the mobility tools that are available for free for nature center visitors.

tools with monocular phone adapter and parabolic ears

Vision and Hearing Tools

Monocular viewing scopes with a tripod and phone adapter are available to assist visitors with low vision to be able to view birds or wildlife. Parabolic ears are available to assist visitors with hearing impairments to better hear the sounds of nature. Lastly, Aira users have access to Aira visual interpreting services while visiting Wehr Nature Center.

Outdoor Explore backpack with birding essentials

Outdoor Explore Packs

Naturalists of all ages can explore the trails with binoculars, scavenger hunt packs, bug boxes and more for free of charge. Checkout at the front desk. Packs are proudly inspired by former Teaching Naturalist Volunteer, “Ziggy” who helped thousands of kids connect to nature.

Adaptive Programming

Wehr Nature Center partners regularly with outside groups who are serving the disability community in unique and meaningful ways. We are committed to meeting the needs of all abilities by hosting events and programs that are accessible and inclusive.

Group observes the nature center turtle with accessibility and inclusion director

Regular Special Audience Programs

Wehr staff provide monthly programs for veterans, older adults with memory loss, young adults with disabilities and senior center programs. All events are themed around seasonal natural phenomena and tailored to accommodate the unique needs of the group.

See Event Calendar

Group with Accessibility and Inclusion Program Director in front of Wehr Nature Center Sign

Request a Program

At Wehr or at your center, we welcome your inquiry to provide adaptive programming that meets the needs of your group and allows for a deeper awareness or connection to nature.

Email us

Our Partners in Accessibility

Milwaukee County Aging and Disability Resources

The Disability Resource Center of Milwaukee County provides FREE information and assistance regarding community resources and services for adults with differing abilities ages 18 to 59. DRC staff assist individuals to plan for short-term and long-term needs, access community services and resources, and learn about programs and benefits available.

Visit Site

Access Ability Wisconsin

AAW provides recreational opportunities for physically challenged people, including wheelchair users, who want to enjoy the great outdoors. They partner with organizations to include people of all abilities, from equipment reservations to education and awareness programs.

Visit Site

The Ability Center

The goal of The Ability Center is to provide a higher quality of life for people of all abilities by transforming greater Milwaukee into the most universally inclusive recreation destination in the world.

Visit Site