Parks_Content Page_Chippewa Moraine Nature Center

David R. Obey Ice Age Interpretive Center

Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area

Outside the nature center looking at door, wildflower garden in bloom.

The David R. Obey Ice Age Interpretive Center houses first-class displays of glacial, cultural, and natural history. It offers many hands-on, interactive activities that let you discover how our last glacier formed the Chippewa Moraine. 

The center is named for David R. Obey, former United States Congressman, who was instrumental in ensuring that the reserve and its interpretive center would be a showplace of glacial history and in extending the Ice Age National Scenic Trail throughout the state. The center is accessible to visitors in wheelchairs, and adults and children of all ability levels can see and use the exhibits.

Things to Do

inside of the interpretive center, looking at animal terrariums, wall displays and other nature exhibits
  • Many hands-on and interactive activities are offered at the center. You can pet a turtle, hold a snake, watch a nature video, dig for fossils, borrow snowshoes, try the voyageurs' paddle race, play voyageurs' tug-of-war and much more.
     
  • Take a hike along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Trailheads for the popular loop trails start from the center, and the Ice Age Trail is just 30 steps from the front door.
     
  • The Chippewa Moraine offers 4,400 acres of unspoiled beauty with kettle lakes and many glacial features. Hiking our loop trails, snowshoeing, backpack camping, fishing and bird watching are popular activities. 
     
  • Visit the rain garden, prairie garden and wildflower/fern garden to enjoy and identify native flowers.
     
  • Visit the gift shop within the interpretive center and browse. 

Educational Programming

Kids snowshoe in a line through winter woods.

Educational programming is offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays, September through May annually. Our programs highlight glacial land formation, indigenous culture, logging culture, educator-led hiking/snowshoeing, and hands-on opportunities with a traditional crosscut saw and tomahawk throwing. 

For information regarding programs and scheduling opportunities, please call the Obey Center at 715-967-2800. 

Hours

  • Open year-round: Wed. - Sun. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed most holidays.