Parks_Content Page_Kohler Andrae Nature Center

Sanderling Nature Center

Kohler-Andrae State Park

Owl Pellet program at kohler andrae in the nature center.

The Sanderling Nature Center is located amidst the dunes overlooking beautiful Lake Michigan. It is surrounded by Kohler Park Dunes State Natural Area with direct access to the beach, Creeping Juniper Trail and the Dunes Cordwalk. Nature center visitors can explore exhibits about local wildlife and use interactive kiosks to learn more about the park. Families can enjoy reading together from our picture book collection or engage with hands-on activities. Visitors can observe Lake Michigan vessels and waterfowl from the rooftop observation deck. 

Things to Do

  • Visitors can watch an 8-minute movie, "Welcome to Kohler-Andrae" or one of many other nature films.
  • Become a Wisconsin Explorer and discover the natural world. Pick up a booklet at the nature center. The booklets are full of hands-on, exciting and educational activities for days on the beach, rainy days at home or starry nights. Complete at least half of the activities and return them to any state park, forest or recreation area. Receive a patch and certificate for completing the activities.
  • Visitors can find souvenirs at the nature center gift shop. Souvenirs include field guides, park clothing, chocolates, patches, note cards and other surprises. The gift shop is operated by the Friends of Kohler-Andrae State Park. This nonprofit group uses profits to support park improvements.

Educational Programming

Kids look at a monarch butterfly outside at Kohler Andrae.

Kohler-Andrae State Park offers more than 100 interpretive programs each year. Check out the DNR Events Page for an up-to-date schedule of events, including:

  • Spring, summer, and fall candlelight hikes
  • Music in the park
  • Weekly discovery bird walks
  • Marsh and dunes exploration

Schools can reach out to the park office for more information about visiting the Sanderling Nature Center as a part of a field trip. Naturalist guided private programs are available for a fee. 

Volunteer at the Nature Center

The Sanderling Nature Center is staffed by volunteers! Want to share your love of nature? You can become a nature center host too. Complete a volunteer application online or contact the park office for more information.

Friends of Kohler-Andrae State Park

Support the activities in the nature center and throughout the park by joining the Friends of Kohler-Andrae State Park. The Friends of Kohler-Andrae State Park is a non-profit support organization dedicated to assisting the Department of Natural Resources at the parks. Members are dedicated to furthering the historical, educational, recreational, interpretive and visitor service programs within the parks. Learn more on their website. 

Hours

During the off-season, please call the park office at 920-451-4080 for times of operation.

Open daily May through September. 

  • Monday-Friday: 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Saturday-Sunday: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Open every third Saturday October through April.

  • 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Photos by Karen Doering.