Nature & natural history museums in Wisconsin

The Milwaukee County Zoo is home to a vast array of animals, with 2,275 individuals from 330 different species as of January 2011. Spread over 81 hectares, the zoo provides ample space for these animals, ensuring their well-being while also offering visitors an immersive and educational experience. The diversity of species housed in the zoo makes it a fascinating destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Henry Vilas Zoo, located in Madison, Wisconsin, spans across 28 acres and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This accreditation ensures that the zoo meets the highest standards of animal care and welfare, making it a reliable and safe destination for visitors interested in wildlife.

The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, also known as Mitchell Park Domes or The Domes, is a conservatory located at Mitchell Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting over 200,000 visitors annually. The conservatory is composed of three beehive-shaped glass domes that span 140 feet in diameter and are 85 feet high, covering 45,000 square feet of display area. These domes are known as the world's first conoidal domes.

Discovery World is a renowned science and technology museum located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The museum was founded by Robert Powrie Harland, Sr. and was initially known as the Science, Economics and Technology Center. It offers a wide range of exhibits and interactive experiences that cater to all ages, making it a great destination for families and individuals alike.

The Milwaukee Public Museum, also known as MPM, is a museum dedicated to natural and human history. It is conveniently located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, making it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike. The museum offers a unique blend of exhibits that delve into various aspects of natural and human history, providing a comprehensive and engaging experience for all visitors.

The Rotary Gardens is a sprawling 15-acre botanical garden situated in Janesville, Wisconsin. It is managed and maintained by the Rotarians, a global network of community volunteers. The garden is a testament to the Rotarians' commitment to community service and environmental conservation.

The Alfred L. Boerner Botanical Gardens is a beautiful arboretum and botanical garden nestled in the heart of Whitnall Park in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. This serene location offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, providing visitors with a chance to immerse themselves in nature and explore a diverse range of plant species.

The Racine Zoological Gardens, also known as the Racine Zoo, is located on a 32-acre property along the shore of Lake Michigan in Racine, Wisconsin. This expansive area provides a diverse and natural habitat for a variety of animal species, making it a unique destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

The Neville Public Museum of Brown County is a recognized cultural institution that promotes history, science, and art. It is named after Arthur C. Neville, who was the 25th mayor of Green Bay. The museum is a testament to Neville's contributions to the city and his passion for cultural preservation.

The Villa Louis, a National Historic Landmark, is situated on St. Feriole Island in Prairie du Chien, southwestern Wisconsin. This historic site offers visitors a glimpse into the past, with its beautifully restored 19th-century estate and mansion. The Villa Louis is a significant part of Wisconsin's history, having been the home of the prominent H. Louis Dousman family, descendants of a fur trader and entrepreneur.

The Green Bay Botanical Garden, located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, spans across a vast area of 47 acres. This expansive garden offers a wide variety of plant species and themed gardens, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and horticulture enthusiasts.

Copper Culture State Park, located in Oconto, northeastern Wisconsin, spans across 42 acres of land. The park is a diverse mix of natural areas, farmlands, archaeological sites, and a Native American museum. This variety of attractions offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the region's history and natural beauty.

The International Crane Foundation (ICF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of cranes and their habitats. The foundation's work extends to the ecosystems, watersheds, and flyways that these magnificent birds depend on for survival. As a visitor, you will have the opportunity to learn about the foundation's conservation efforts and the importance of preserving these habitats for the cranes.

Lincoln Park Zoo is home to just under 200 animals, including species such as the black bear, bald eagle, cougar, and lynx. This variety of animals provides a unique opportunity for visitors to observe and learn about different species in one location.

Ledge View Nature Center is a sizable 105-acre park and interpretive center situated just two miles south of Chilton, Wisconsin. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors and tourists who are in or around the area. The nature center is part of the Calumet County Parks system, which is operated by Calumet County.

The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is a unique blend of a visitor center and a natural history museum. It is conveniently located west of Ashland, Wisconsin, near the intersection of Highway G and U.S. Highway 2. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists traveling in the region.

The Olbrich Botanical Gardens, located in Madison, Wisconsin, is a sprawling 16-acre outdoor botanical garden complemented by a 10,000-square-foot conservatory. This expansive space offers a diverse range of flora and fauna, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate nature's beauty.

A tiny zoo that features some friendly animals that you can see for free. Great if you need to entertain the kids for a while.

The park houses a small zoo that is home to several North American species and at least three exotic animals. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to observe and learn about a variety of animals in a close and personal setting.

The Dinosaur Discovery Museum in Kenosha, Wisconsin, is a unique institution that focuses on the exploration and explanation of the relationship between modern birds and ancient carnivorous biped dinosaurs, known as theropods. These theropods include species such as Carnotaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex, and Archaeopteryx. This relationship is well documented in the fossil record, providing a fascinating insight into the evolution of these creatures.

The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant urban wildlife refuge, spanning over 600 acres. It holds the title of being the largest park in the Green Bay, Wisconsin Park system. This vast sanctuary provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and appreciate the diverse wildlife and natural beauty within an urban setting.

The Weis Earth Science Museum, abbreviated as WESM, is situated at 1478 Midway Rd, on the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, Fox Cities Campus in Menasha, Wisconsin, USA. The museum was inaugurated in the year 2002 and has since been a hub for those interested in earth sciences.

The UW–Madison Geology Museum, located in Weeks Hall on the southwest part of the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus, is a dedicated space for the exploration and understanding of geology and paleontology. The museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the fascinating world of earth science, with a focus on the geological and paleontological aspects.

The Gardens of the Fox Cities is a botanical garden and arboretum that spans 35 acres. It is situated in the Appleton Memorial Park in Appleton, Wisconsin. This expansive garden is a perfect place for nature lovers to explore and enjoy the diverse flora and fauna.

The Lynden Sculpture Garden, previously known as the Bradley Sculpture Garden, is a vast outdoor sculpture park that spans 40 acres. It is situated at 2145 West Brown Deer Road in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This expansive garden is home to a collection of over 50 monumental sculptures, making it a unique destination for art and nature lovers alike.

The Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo, commonly referred to as the NEW Zoo, is a popular destination located in Suamico, Wisconsin. The zoo spans 43 acres and is situated northwest of the Brown County Reforestation Camp. Together, these two attractions cover a vast area of 1,560 acres and draw in over half a million visitors each year. The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals and offers numerous exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages.

The Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center is a non-profit organization that is committed to the preservation, interpretation, and sharing of the natural environment and cultural heritage of the Coulee Region. It is conveniently located near Coon Valley, in La Crosse and Vernon counties, Wisconsin, United States.

The Cofrin Memorial Arboretum, a sprawling 290-acre area, is located around the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay campus in Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States. This vast expanse of greenery provides a serene environment for visitors to explore and enjoy.

Irvine Park, situated in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, is a city park with a rich history. It was established in 1906 by William Irvine, making it a significant part of the city's heritage. The park offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it an interesting destination for tourists.

The Menominee Park Zoo, located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is a small 8-acre zoo that is free to visit. It is situated within Menominee Park and is operated by the Oshkosh Zoological Society. This makes it an accessible and affordable option for families and individuals interested in wildlife.