Ledge View Nature Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ledge View Nature Center |
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| Type | Park and Nature center |
| Location | W2348 Short Rd Chilton, Wisconsin |
| Area | 105 acres (42 ha) |
| Created | 1969 |
| Operated by | Calumet County Parks system |
| Hiking trails | 2.5 miles (4.0 km) |
Ledge View Nature Center is a fantastic park and learning center in Wisconsin. It covers 105 acres, which is a huge area for exploring nature! You can find it just two miles south of Chilton, Wisconsin. This special place is part of the Calumet County Parks system.
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Discover Ledge View Nature Center
Ledge View Nature Center offers lots of exciting things to do and see. It has 2.5 miles of trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. These trails wind through open fields and thick forests.
Cool Features to Explore
You can climb a 60-foot observation tower for amazing views. There's also an arboretum, which is like a special garden with many different kinds of trees. Don't miss the pretty butterfly garden and a rain garden too! You'll also find areas of tall prairie grasses.
Amazing Caves to Explore
One of the most exciting parts of Ledge View are its three natural dolomite caves. These caves were formed by water dissolving the rock over a long time. You can only explore them with a guided tour, which makes it an extra special adventure! Ledge View is one of only two public parks in eastern Wisconsin where you can visit caves.
Learning About Nature
The nature center is a great place to learn new things. They offer special programs for schools on many topics.
Fun Learning Programs
You can learn about caving and how rocks are formed. Ever wondered how maple syrup is made? They teach that too! In winter, you can even learn about winter ecology while walking on traditional snowshoes.
Interactive Exhibits and Animals
Inside the interpretive center, you'll find cool exhibits. They explain the geology of the area, like how drumlins (small hills shaped by glaciers) and the Niagara Escarpment were formed. The center also has interactive displays about lake sturgeon, different kinds of birds, and bats found in Wisconsin. You can even see some live animals!
Special Events and Support
A group of volunteers called the Friends of Ledge View Nature Center helps support the park. They raise money for the exhibits and educational programs.
Annual Fun Events
Every spring, they host "Maple Syrup Sunday." Visitors can enjoy a pancake breakfast with real maple syrup. You can even help tap trees and see how the syrup is boiled! Other fun events include the Escarpment Bicycle Tour in August and the Fall Food and Energy Fest in September. In October, you can join the spooky Halloween Candlelight Cave Tours. These events are a great way to have fun and support the nature center.
A Look Back in Time
The land for Ledge View Nature Center was bought in 1969. The main nature center building was built in 1981. Later, more parts were added in 1986. In 1998, the Frisch Family exhibit hall was built, adding even more space for learning and discovery.
