North Lakeland Discovery Center

North Lakeland Discovery Center Outdoor playscape and gardens. Facility rentals. As a nonprofit, we are fully supported by memberships, program fees, donations, and grants.

A Natural Destination for Discovery - Nature center with live animals, exhibits, and public programs. 12 miles of nature trails open to hiking and biking, groomed for skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Located in the heart of Wisconsin's Northwoods, the North Lakeland Discovery Center is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit environmental education center focused on connecting people to nature. Our 63-acre c

ampus surrounds pristine Statehouse Lake and is part of the 240,000-acre Northern Highland American Legion State Forest. The grounds include a hands-on Nature Center with live animals, 12 miles of trails, a self-guided interpretive nature trail, bog boardwalk, nature playscape, and several educational gardens. We provide environmental education programs for all ages, recreation opportunities, events, and facilities that encourage lifelong learning and create a sense of community and personal wellness. Memberships start at $30 and support all mission-based programming, trail maintenance, Nature Center exhibit and animal care, citizen-based science programs and activities, and more.

Were you able to make it to the Grand Opening of the Northwoods Forest History Experience on Saturday? We had a great tu...
06/15/2026

Were you able to make it to the Grand Opening of the Northwoods Forest History Experience on Saturday? We had a great turnout, thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

WATCH OUT FOR TURTLES AND BABY WILDLIFE WHEN OUTSpring and early summer are busy seasons for wildlife, and many young an...
06/12/2026

WATCH OUT FOR TURTLES AND BABY WILDLIFE WHEN OUT

Spring and early summer are busy seasons for wildlife, and many young animals are beginning to explore the world around them. As you travel, keep an eye out for baby animals and turtles crossing roads. Slowing down and staying alert can help protect these vulnerable creatures and ensure they have a safe start in life.

If you encounter a turtle crossing the road and it is safe to do so, you can help it across in the direction it was headed — never turn it around, as it will simply try to cross again.

Pictured is a snapping turtle recently spotted in the NLDC parking lot. Please scan the driveway and parking lot when visiting!

The Grand Opening of the Northwoods Forest History Experience is just a few days away! Join us between 12-5pm on Saturda...
06/10/2026

The Grand Opening of the Northwoods Forest History Experience is just a few days away! Join us between 12-5pm on Saturday, June 13 to experience the changes of forestry in the Northwoods over time through exhibit exploration, games and activities, photos with Smokey Bear, and so much more! Food and drinks will be available to support the North Lakeland School 8th grade class.

Registration is encouraged. To register, visit https://nldc.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/nldc/event.jsp?event=51910&

There are some plants still available from the Native Plant Sale last week! Stop by the Nature Center between 9am and 3 ...
06/09/2026

There are some plants still available from the Native Plant Sale last week! Stop by the Nature Center between 9am and 3 pm Monday through Saturday to pick up some new greenery to add to your space.

Join us Friday for this exciting paddle at Tillicum Conservation Area!
06/08/2026

Join us Friday for this exciting paddle at Tillicum Conservation Area!

Next week, our friends at North Lakeland Discovery Center will be taking participants out for a paddle at one of our conserved lands, Tillicum Conservation Area. With shoreline on three different under-developed lakes, this property is an excellent place for carry-in paddling. We will be portaging between two lakes on the property, Stone Lake and Ess lake, to view a variety of forest and bog habitats. We'll be there to tell the story of Tillicum Conservation Area and the uninque natural features it now protects. Register at NLDC's website here: https://nldc.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/nldc/event.jsp?event=51891&

06/08/2026

Join North Lakeland Discovery Center and the Manitowish Waters Historical Society from 12-5pm on Saturday, June 13 for the Grand Opening of the Northwoods Forest History Experience!

There will be special presentations and activities, a dedication ceremony, food and drink. This is a free event and registration is not required, but encouraged. To register, call 715-543-2085, click on the link in the Grand Opening Facebook event on the NLDC page, or visit the upcoming programs calendar at discoverycenter.net.

Join us to celebrate the transformation of our 1930’s Civilian Conservation Corps barracks into an immersive experience that is more than a museum. Join our exhibit captains to view their displays from Indigenous times to the lumbering era and up through modern forestry. Learn how to get out and explore the rich history of our evolving forests.

Manitowish Waters Again Recognized by Bird City WisconsinThe Town of Manitowish Waters has once again achieved High Flye...
06/06/2026

Manitowish Waters Again Recognized by Bird City Wisconsin

The Town of Manitowish Waters has once again achieved High Flyer status in the Bird City Wisconsin program! This program recognizes communities for conservation and education activities used to make the community healthier for birds and humans alike. “A community must take actions across four categories (Habitat, Threat Reduction, Education & Engagement, and Sustainability) and officially recognize and celebrate World Migratory Bird Day,” to be recognized as a Bird City. “Bird City also offers High Flyer recognition for those communities that truly go above and beyond in their conservation and education programs.” Congratulations to the Manitowish Waters community for this achievement!
To become involved with the birding community here in Manitowish Waters, you can join the Discovery Center Bird Club by visiting discoverycenter.net/bird-club.

As we kick off the summer season, the Woods and Water team has been hard at work on the lakes on the Manitowish Chain an...
06/05/2026

As we kick off the summer season, the Woods and Water team has been hard at work on the lakes on the Manitowish Chain and across Vilas County! You may see them out on your lake in the next few weeks as they survey for curly leaf pondweed, an aquatic invasive species.

Registration Now Open for Foraged Feast with the Naturalists on Aug. 28Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Disco...
06/05/2026

Registration Now Open for Foraged Feast with the Naturalists on Aug. 28

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Discovery Center during Foraged Feast with the Naturalists from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on August 28. This exclusive dining experience celebrates the wild flavors of Northern Wisconsin with a thoughtfully curated four-course meal prepared by Rustic Roots Catering, featuring foraged and locally-sourced ingredients that highlight the season’s natural abundance.

Throughout the evening, Discovery Center naturalists Jenna Richardson and Licia Johnson will guide guests through each course, sharing fascinating insights about the featured plants, sustainable gathering techniques, and the inspiration behind this one-of-a-kind culinary experience. This is a unique opportunity to savor the connection between nature and nourishment in an intimate, educational setting. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot early. Menu details will be posted soon, with vegetarian and gluten-friendly options available.

To register, call us at 715-543-2085 or visit https://nldc.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/nldc/event.jsp?event=52202&

Address

14006 Discovery Lane
Manitowish Waters, WI
54545

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 3pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+17155432085

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when North Lakeland Discovery Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share