MacKenzie Center

The is a really cute little space. The hiking trails are really nice, the small zoo includes some of Wisconsin's cool animals, like a wolf, raven, and the majestic bald eagle. We also loved climbing the fire tower and seeing smoky the bear 😊

It is more than a state park! They have a very good educational program covering the natural world around us. It includes a neat small zoo focusing on the wildlife found in Wisconsin. There are also exhibits teaching about the logging and maple syrup industries in Wisconsin. There are even marked nature trails. It would be a great place for field trips!

They are in the process or renovating and updating several of the displays. However there are still several exhibits still open that are worth seeing. Still, it will be really nice when all is done. Because it is a state nature center they could use a little financial support. Definitely worth it!

We stopped here on our way from Wausau to Waukesha and wanted to avoid bad traffic in Madison. We easily spent 2 hours here. There is dog friendly hiking and lots of activities around to see. I can see that this place is all set up for school field trips.

We took the dog back to the car and visited the wildlife area that houses rescued wild animals. The center is very respectful about keeping quiet and still around the wild animals. We also went half way up the fire tower (as far as you are allowed to go).

The main office also has indoor restrooms and a magazine area that included interactive books for kids and other nature related booklets. All in all, I was really surprised at just now learning about this center and we are already talking about going back since it's just over and hr from Waukesha.

Such a great day to have the fall festival!! Thank you for such an amazing time!!!

A great place for your group excursion. The bunkrooms are clean and warm, given we were there on a rather cold weekend. The facilities in the main lodge are comfortable, with a nice fireplace. The kitchen is more than adequate for preparing meals for groups of 50 or even more. The training aids and equipment provided are excellent resources to help prepare for outdoor adventures.

The Mackenzie Center offers a wide range of things tondo... seriously..Google It!! I was lucky enough to work on clearing trails here back in the day and now I always stop to see the animal rehab area. It's great to see the wolves and other native wildlife. They have a good variety of animals to peer at as well as the fire tower to take some of that energy out of your kid!! Its a 15min hop off the interstate and definitely worth the side trip. Also I always throw some $$ in the donation box....Its a privalage to have the ability to walk through and see and learn about our native species. PSA: Dont Hoot at the Owls!!1

What a wonderful place! I cant believe it's free! I hope people donate to this wonderful place so we can keep it open and clean! Also please try to be respectful of the animals when visiting. Explain to children why we need to keep quiet, and be respectful and responsible. We had heard lots kids yelling upon entering when visiting.

Awesome place to take the family hours and hours of fun and hiking. We even found a snake while their

Love this place. I haven't fully explored the trails but that animal area is amazing. My only complaint isn't with the park... its the trash people who come there from time to time. Its a animal refuge and they ask everyone to be quiet while in that area. There are signs everywhere saying not to howl at the wolves, to not kaw at the birds... just lower your voice and respect this FREE and amazing place. Bring your trash out with you..

Other than that.. this place is soo cool. I heard one lady say "Well that was underwhelming". I couldn't imagine what it takes to make a person like that happy. There are WOLVES and EAGLES and WILD CATS! How freaking cool.

Highly recommend!

My boys love to go see the animals. Then go hiking on the trails. The logging museum was open and that was neat. Especially the ice saw thats there from Frozen. Lol

Great little park with a variety of animal exhibits. The apple trees and little pond were also nice to see. We also enjoyed the logging museum and small walking trails.

Jewel of Wisconsin. Just got back from a cub scout trip to the group camp part of this park. Outstanding educational resource for the region. Live animals on display including lynx, wolf, deer, fox, etc. Hundreds of stuffed animals to study. At the group center they had snow shoes, animal tracks making, bird education, it was a great weekend. Even for those not using the group center, the museums at the center open to the public are worth the trip.

Beautiful area! Will be back with the kids to spend more time on the trails and check out the animals.

Visited during the winter. Got to see some animals and walk through the outdoor museum. Very fun!

Amazing park and is always very quiet, especially in the winter.

Went here for school trips when I was a kid. Daughters went here for school trips. Taking granddaughters today for the Maple Syrup Festival. 🍁 They've expanded and their main goal is teaching natural Wisconsin history, environmental conservation, some animal rescue for injured wildlife. Despite the 2022 "third winter" (is it summer yet?) It wasn't too cold just damp. Still a great time and the kids didn't want to go home. How does your wingspan compare? See pics below.

Such an interesting place. Great venue with good informative classes.

A neat place to visit with walking trails and an animal sanctuary. During our trip, we saw a deer, bison, wolves, an eagle, owls, a raven, and a Canadian lynx. They also have a historical section with an old saw mill and cabin.

Fantastic Wisconsin state center. Animal and history exhibits are great.

Absolutely love this place! First time here, i mainly went for the animals. Definitely will come back for the trails, hopefully i can find the museum. Also loved the barred owl! I kept whispering pretty bird to it. Loved the timberwolves, walked towards them and they followed me, whined, and honestly made me think they were just dogs, not wolves. Little sad i couldn't see the lynx, never saw one in person, also couldn't find the great horned owl either. Other than those two downs, i loved everything else.