Escape to Nature, From Your Home to Ours: Enjoy Free and Discounted Activities at Milwaukee County Parks

Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee County Parks celebrates summer with free and discounted experiences for everyone to enjoy! Visit us for free admission on the last Thursday of the month at the Boerner Botanical Gardens, free parking days at Wehr Nature Center, and a special discounted admission at the Mitchell Park Domes. Mark your calendars for the last Thursday of each month, and join us for a day of affordable adventure in nature.

Boerner Botanical Gardens – Free Admission

• Location: 9400 Boerner Drive, Hales Corners, WI 53130
• Phone: 414- 525-5600
• Plan your visit: Thanks to the generosity of Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens, admission to Boerner Botanical Gardens is FREE on the last Thursday of every month, through Oct. 30, 2025. Bring the kiddos to explore the new children’s garden, Margie’s Garden, and enjoy all the garden spaces Boerner has to offer!
• Website: https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks/Explore/Boerner-Botanical-Gardens

Wehr Nature Center – Free Parking Day

• Location: 9701 W College Ave, Franklin, WI 53132
• Phone: 414-425-8550
• Trails and Accessibility: Open from dawn to dusk, featuring the All Abilities Trail, Accessible Pier, and Observation Blind.
• Visitor Center: Universally designed facilities open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Friends of Wehr Nature Store: Variable hours from 10 AM – 2 PM; calling ahead is recommended.
• Currently At Wehr: Enjoy the All Abilities Trail with its wheelchair-friendly boardwalk, or view wildlife from the accessible pier and observation blind. The Visitor Center features engaging exhibits, live animals, and fully accessible facilities ensuring a welcoming experience for every guest.
• Website: https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/

Mitchell Park Domes – Discounted Admission

• Location: 524 S Layton Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53215
• Phone: 414-257-5600
• Hours of Operation: Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with last admission at 4 PM.
• Special Rate: Enjoy admission for just $5 on the last Thursday of each month (children 2 & under free).
• Plan your visit: The Desert Dome is sure to delight as you explore the deserts of Africa, Madagascar, South America and North America. Snap a selfie by giant cacti, seek out succulents, agave and more. Next, you’ll explore the jungle, where you can look for coffee beans, cocoa pods, and bananas in the Tropical Dome! Stay tuned for the next show in the Show Dome, set to open June 7th!
• Website: https://www.mitchellparkdomes.com/

“Milwaukee County Parks is committed to making nature accessible to everyone,” says Guy Smith, Executive Director of Milwaukee County Parks. “Whether you’re exploring the serene trails at Wehr Nature Center or journeying through the spectacular plants at the Mitchell Park Domes and the Boerner Botanical Gardens, there’s something to excite everyone this summer.”
Join us on May 29th, 2025 to take advantage of these fantastic opportunities. Experience the outdoor beauty at Boerner Botanical Gardens, Wehr Nature Center, or the fantastical desert and tropical plants at the Mitchell Park Domes. Start your summer with Milwaukee County Parks!

About Milwaukee County Parks
Milwaukee County Parks is dedicated to enriching the lives of the community by providing safe, enjoyable, and affordable recreational opportunities while preserving the natural and cultural resources of the parks. Spanning over 15,000 acres, the Milwaukee County Park System includes more than 150 parks and parkways, over 100 miles of trails, numerous community centers, golf courses, botanical gardens, beaches, and hundreds of playgrounds, athletic fields, and picnic areas. Committed to sustainability, health, and equity, Milwaukee County Parks continues to strive towards a vision where everyone, regardless of background, can enjoy the benefits of green spaces and recreational facilities.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.