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White Cedar Nature Center

Peninsula State Park

Peninsula Nature Center

Peninsula's White Cedar Nature Center is a fun, family-friendly place featuring a little of everything: park and natural history; wildlife, bird and fish displays; a reading corner, fossils, furs, nature programs and more. The nature center is on Bluff Road next to the wood yard.

Hours

During winter, the nature center is closed. The center may open during special events or other times as staffing permits.

Things to do

Hikes, nature crafts, outdoor skills workshops and more are scheduled throughout the year. Peninsula also offers a variety of on-your-own year-round programs.

Calendar of events

Event and program schedules are available at the park headquarters and nature center and are posted on campground bulletin boards. See the DNR Events Calendar for a list of all nature programs and events that are offered during your visit.

Like to Hike

Like to Hike Pin2026 Like to Hike pin.

Over the past 25 years, the Like to Hike program has celebrated many features of the park, including foxes, the Niagara Escarpment, wood violets, bald eagles, nuthatches, rusty patched bumble bees, raccoons and so much more. This year, we’re celebrating you! Commemorating the first Like to Hike pin, we want to thank you for stepping up, visiting and caring for your state park. As you complete these activities, take note of the things you observe, as they may not stick around long. A monarch butterfly taking its last flight before migration, the first bloom of the dwarf lake iris wildflower or a maple tree losing its leaves before winter creeps around the corner. We hope you continue this tradition, leaving only footprints, and taking only memories and the collector pin. So, get those boots on or reserve our all-terrain tracked wheelchair, and celebrate 25 years of fun!

How to participate in the Like to Hike program:

  1. Pick up an activity log at the park headquarters or nature center, or download it online: 2026 Like to Hike Activity Log
  2. Complete five or more activities in the Like to Hike log. Activities can be modified for those with special needs.
  3. Use the activity log to record activities. Bring it to the park headquarters or the nature center. Park staff will stamp the log so you can purchase the pin at a discount.
  4. Limited-edition collector pins, sponsored by the Friends of Peninsula State Park, are available for purchase. Those who complete five or more activities can purchase a pin for a reduced rate! Peninsula's Like to Hike pin designs are protected by copyright.

Other year-round programs

Wisconsin Explorer Booklets: Discover nature with the newly revised Wisconsin Explorer booklets, available to kids ages 3 and older. Booklets are free at Park Headquarters and the Nature Center. Return the booklet to any state park to receive a free patch. While supplies last.

Fishing poles are available for free loan to Peninsula campers.

Friends of Peninsula State Park merchandise

Stop at the park office to purchase field guides, kids' items and park clothing. All proceeds from Peninsula Friends merchandise support nature education at the park.

Field trips

Please contact the property for more information about school field trips.