Parks Kicks Off Domes, Wehr Nature Center Discount Days

Mitchell Park Domes’ Tropical Dome. Photo by Jeramey Jannene.

Once again, Milwaukee County Parks lovers will want to mark off the last Thursday of each month on their calendars this year.

The parks department is starting early this year, offering free parking and discounted admission for popular amenities on the final Thursday of each month, beginning this Thursday, Feb. 27. The department is offering discounted admission to the Mitchell Park Domes and free parking at Wehr Nature Center.

“Milwaukee County Parks is committed to making nature accessible to everyone,” said Parks Director Guy Smith. “Whether you’re exploring the serene trails at Wehr Nature Center or journeying through the spectacular plants surrounding the Victorian steam era at the Mitchell Park Domes, there’s something to excite everyone this winter.”

Wehr Nature Center, 9701 W College Ave. in Franklin, offers five miles of trails across a 220-acre nature preserve. That includes an All-Abilities Trail, which can be accessed by wheelchair. The nature center offers snow-shoe rentals during the winter.

The Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd., are the largest horticultural conservatory in Wisconsin, with more than 1,800 species of plants from around the world. Admission to the Domes, which is typically $9 for adults, is reduced to $5 on the final Thursday of each month.

The Domes are currently exhibiting their Train Show, with 600 feet of model train tracks looping around and through thousands of plants. The show this year is called “The Golden Age of Steam” and features model trains traveling through Victorian-era vignettes.