As the Outdoor Education Center for Milwaukee Public Schools, more than 12,000 students visit Hawthorn Glen each year. We offer a wide variety of programs that tie directly to classroom curricula and will meet or exceed state standards. The naturalists guide students through hands-on learning experiences by conducting nature hikes and visits to the Little Nature Museum, which is home to many native Wisconsin animals.
Our nature center is conveniently hidden in an urban setting, located just north of 60th and State Street in Milwaukee. Join our naturalists in exploring the woods, a restored prairie and our Little Nature Museum. Bring your own bag lunch or food for a cookout. A campfire outside (or inside during inclement weather) and roasting forks are provided. Please indicate when registering if you wish to have a cookout. No cookouts during December - March.
Sessions may be scheduled for outings held between 9-11:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Many session times include a lunch break and a short playground visit (if requested and weather permitting). Please inform us of any time variations. Additional playground time before/after your visit is not permitted. Our naturalists are prepared to focus learning experiences on material related to your classroom curricula. Programs are listed by seasonal availability. A copy of our current Outdoor Education Field Trip Guide is located under resources.
Field trip buses: Please work with your school administrator to identify which bus companies are permitted to be used for MPS field trips.
