Parks_Content Page_Whitefish Dunes Nature Center

Nature Center

Whitefish Dunes State Park

Exterior of the Nature Center at Whitefish Dunes on a sunny spring day.

The Nature Center makes a great start for your visit to Whitefish Dunes State Park. The friendly staff will help you become acquainted with all the recreational opportunities and natural wonders of the park.

The Nature Center is open to everyone, with exhibits that interest people of all ages. The building is ADA friendly, and there is a beach wheelchair and a GRIT Freedom wheelchair available to borrow from the Nature Center. Outdoor programming is regularly held on the beach or at the amphitheater outside the Nature Center. Both areas are accessible.

Things to Do

Secrets of the sand exhibit in the nature center with murals and displays.
  • Go through the exhibits to learn about the rare local ecosystem, shipwrecks and archaeology in the park. View a 20-minute movie, “People of the Dunes,” to learn more about the ancient peoples that inhabited the area.
  • Don’t forget to check out the great view from the center’s deck, which highlights Whitefish Dunes’ Lake Michigan shoreline and our Selfie Stand!
  • Visit during one of the park's annual events: the First Day Hike on January 1st, winter candlelight hike/ski on the 4th Saturday in January and summer candlelight hike on the 4th Saturday in August.
  • Join in on an educational program or event, available throughout the year. Find current events on the DNR Events Calendar.
  • Borrow snowshoes from the Nature Center in the winter.
  • The Friends of Whitefish Dunes operate a park store filled with souvenirs and nature-related books for all ages. The store offers classic and locally relevant titles, field guides and activity books. You can also find souvenir clothing, stickers, magnets and more! Purchases made at the park store go directly to the Friends of Whitefish Dunes and help support their improvement projects around the park.

Educational Programming

View of the beach and water on a sunny day on the observation deck.

Throughout the year, the park’s naturalist presents a wide array of fun-filled educational and outdoor recreation programs. The programs are held at the Nature Center or other spots within the park. There are programs for all interests and age levels.

If you want to schedule a field trip or program, contact Jessica Poppie at Jessica.Poppie@wisconsin.gov, or call the Nature Center at 920-823-2400.

Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park

The Friends group has existed since the late 1980s, supporting the park by sponsoring educational and recreational activities. They also provide financial support for an array of special park needs and projects. To join, visit their website to download the membership form, or stop at the Nature Center. The Friends co-host the First Day Hike, winter and summer candlelight hikes with the park. They also hold a volunteer workday around Earth Day every spring, and a volunteer workday in October every year.

Hours

  • Mid-May - Sept: Open Every Day 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Oct - Mid-May: Open Friday - Monday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Closed Tuesday - Thursday

Hours are subject to change.