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Molinaro Visitor Center and Nature Explore Classroom

Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Visitor center wall with educational displays, one describing the history of the park.

The Molinaro Visitor Center is a great place to start your park adventure. Hands-on exhibits introduce you to the nature and history of the recreation area. A sun-filled solarium showcases rotating seasonal exhibits including nature free-play, bird identification and more. Kids of all ages will enjoy playing in the outdoor Nature Explore Classroom near the visitor center. A wide array of fun-filled educational and outdoor recreation programs are offered throughout the year. There are programs for all interests and age levels.

This is the spot to pick up directions for several self-guided adventures: Discovery Quest, Geology Adventure Quest, Orienteering Course, Water Trail and History Tour as well as Wisconsin Explorer Books.

Things to Do 

A snake looks at the viewer from inside a terrarium.
  • Discover who Richard Bong was and why the park is named for him, along with the unique history of the park's land. 
  • View live animals. 
  • Take an educational program or visit during one of our events, organized by the Bong Naturalist Association. Find out what's coming up next at the park or by visiting the Bong Naturalist Association website.
  • See Potawatomi artifacts and learn about the indigenous history of the area. 
  • Try dressing or living like the first pioneer family. 
  • Check out the bird feeders where an impressive number of species can be seen up close.
  • Browse through merchandise available for sale in the visitor center, sold by the Bong Naturalist Association. 

Nature Explore Classroom

Along the crushed gravel nature trail behind the visitor center, you will happen upon the Nature Explore Classroom. This open-air classroom nestled in nature, is a free-play space that welcomes visitors of all ages, abilities and sensitivities.

A open wooden gate over a trail with greenery around it.

A child-centered, wellspring of constructive play serves its purpose by giving way to active, sensory and social recreation through: 

  • Music and movement
  • Messy materials
  • Gardening
  • Water Exploration
  • Nature art
  • Climbing and crawling
  • Invention
  • Dirt and sand digging

The curriculum is simple: splash, laugh, discover and grow!

Bong Naturalist Association (Friends Group) 

The Bong Naturalist Association is a volunteer Friends group that is dedicated to supporting and promoting the conservation, educational, interpretative and recreational goals of Richard Bong State Recreation Area. The Friends partner with the park to enhance and protect the natural resources and to educate visitors about the need for conservation and preservation. Learn more and find out how to join on Bong Naturalist Association website.

Hours and Contact

  • The Molinaro Visitor Center is open weekends in the summer.
  • The Visitor Center is open occasionally on weekends during the winter months.

Hours are subject to change due to staff availability. If you plan to visit the center please call ahead at 262-878-5601 to verify the center is open any time of the year. 

Organizations and schools interested in field trips should contact the property for more information.