Hawthorn Hollow has been a nature sanctuary for over 80 years, beginning as a grove of native hawthorn trees growing along the Pike River. Today Hawthorn Hollow has grown to over 80 acres, combining nature, history and horticulture, while providing environmental education to people of all ages.  Whether it’s a field trip, learning a new skill through one of our classes, or taking a nature hike, Hawthorn Hollow attracts visitors from all over Southeastern Wisconsin and the Midwest.

Hawthorn Hollow has been a nature sanctuary for over 80 years, beginning as a grove of native hawthorn trees growing along the Pike River. Today Hawthorn Hollow has grown to over 80 acres, combining nature, history and horticulture, while providing environmental education to people of all ages. Whether it’s a field trip, learning a new skill through one of our classes, or taking a nature hike, Hawthorn Hollow attracts visitors from all over Southeastern Wisconsin and the Midwest.

Dwarf conifers greet you as you enter the center, and our landscape arboretum,or “outdoor museum” welcomes you as you enter the parking lot.  The 12 acre arboretum was designed with the intention of leaving the interior meadow open for a better view from a distance – it was meant to enjoy a casual stroll!

Our observatoryis open for specific programming throughout the year, offering classes in star gazing, tours of the solar system, and other areas of astronomy.  The observatory is located on the western edge of the arboretum, close proximity to the parking lot.  Register here for upcoming classes.

Our Nature Center is enhanced by a Pollinator Garden, and has additional information on Hawthorn Hollow and upcoming events. Members and donors are recognized throughout the property through purchases of bricks, benches, and trees. Special bricks and plaques recognizing lifetime members are found outside the Nature Center.  You can find more information on these recognition opportunities here.  The Nature Center is not open to the public, and is available for and during special events.

Hikers, bird watchers, and other nature enthusiasts, enjoy the acres of varied terrain and over 2 miles of trails winding through the woods of the Pike River Valley, includingThe Old Indian Trail.  In spring, the forest floor is covered with native wildflowers. During the spring and fall migrating seasons, many songbirds stop at Hawthorn Hollow. Others remain year ’round, making Hawthorn Hollow one of the finest bird watching spots in the area…

Events

Events EventsEvents EventsEvents EventsEvents EventsEvents EventsEvents EventsEvents EventsEvents EventsEvents EventsEvents EventsEvents EventsEvents EventsEvents EventsEvents EventsEvents EventsEvents EventsEvents EventsEvents EventsEvents EventsEvents EventsEvents EventsEvents EventsEvents Events