Parks_Content Page_Peninsula Nature Center

White Cedar Nature Center

Peninsula State Park

White-tailed deer butt antlers in a taxidermy display inside the nature center.

Stop by the White Cedar Nature Center for a fun, family-friendly space where visitors of all ages can learn more about what exciting things can be found in and around Peninsula State Park. The nature center is also one of the trailheads for our accessible tracked chair, you can find more information and reserve the chair on the Accessibility at Peninsula page.

Things To Do

People gather around the amphitheater to see a presentation on a summer day.
  • Expand your critter identification skills by joining our educators for one of the many live animal programs held throughout the summer.
  • Test your knowledge of birds and mammals with games in the nature center.
  • Examine our 400+ million-year-old fossils.
  • Looking to stretch your legs? Hop on the 0.5-mile nature trail loop and learn more about white-tailed deer along your journey, or take a leisurely stroll around our prairie garden.
  • Visit during our events, including annual events such as the First Day Hike, Winter Candlelight Hike/Snowshoe, Work Play Earth Day, Invasive Species Awareness Day and others. Find all events on the DNR Events Calendar.
  • Anglers of any age may check out basic fishing equipment free of charge at the park office. This equipment was donated by the Tackle Loaner Program. Call the park office to find out what equipment is available.
  • Kids can pick up an Explorer booklet from the nature center and park office, filled with fun and educational activities to connect children to nature.
  • Stop by the park store to shop merchandise and support Peninsula State Park and the Friends of Peninsula State Park. 

Educational Programming

A table is set up for a class inside the classroom of the nature center with various animal displays on the walls.

A weekly list of nature programs for all ages is posted throughout the park during the summer season. If you would like additional programming details, stop by the main park office in Fish Creek or the nature center. You can find these special events and all our weekly programs on the DNR Events Calendar.

Field Trips

Are you an educator, organization or group leader looking to connect your group to the outdoors in a unique way? Consider a trip to Peninsula State Park. Our staff can provide a customized program based on interest, current subject of study, age, group size and length of time at park. Options can include Peninsula highlights tours, guided hikes or bike rides, outdoor or classroom programming, nature-based games, historic talks and more. Please contact Jennifer Birkholz at Jennifer.birkholz@wisconsin.gov or 920-868-1941 for more information.
 

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.

Friends of Peninsula State Park

The Friends' group is a nonprofit organization that contributes to the preservation and improvement of Peninsula State Park. They support the park’s interpretive, historical and educational programs by funding seasonal educators, live animal programming, purchasing programming supplies and funding large projects, such as the nature center addition/renovations, outdoor amphitheater, displays and taxidermy. You can help support their efforts and our educational programs by visiting their gift shops located in the main park office in Fish Creek and nature center, or by visiting them online at Friends of Peninsula State Park.

Hours

May 1st – Memorial Day: 

  • Open Sun-Fri: 10 am to 2 pm
  • Open Sat: 10 am to 4 pm

Memorial Day through Labor Day: Open Daily 10 am to 4 pm

Labor Day – Mid-October: 

  • Open Mon-Fri: 10 am to 2 pm
  • Open Sat & Sun: 10 am to 4 pm

Mid-October – April 30th: Closed