We are so lucky to be living in this beautiful community. One perfect spot in lake country is Lapaham Peak, I am sure most have you have visited, if you have not, you must. If you have, there is always something new going on, so we are going to help you out! The Kettle Moraine and Lapham Peak were formed 10,000 years ago when a glacier covered much of Wisconsin. Lapham Peak’s glaciated topography provides excellent hiking, backpacking and cross-country skiing on lighted trails. Climb a 45-foot observation tower atop the highest point in Waukesha County (1,233 feet above sea level).
Lapham Peak normal visiting hours:
The forest is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. spring, summer and fall and from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the winter.
Directions
Lapham Peak is 25 miles west of Milwaukee and one mile south of Interstate 94 near Delafield, on County Highway C. Geographic coordinates are 43° 2′ 27.6″ N, 88° 24′ 14.5″ W.
Here are the Lapham Peak Community Classes they are offering this spring:
Herpetology Hike
Spring is the time of year to hear frogs out and about after their long winter. Frogs in Wisconsin can be located and identified by the sounds that they make. Join us on a hike and learn the specific frog calls as we explore the trails of Lapham Peak. If possible please bring a headlamp or flashlight and boots or waders. Parent/guardian must register, pay and attend with child. Fee is per person. Class fee is non-refundable and not eligible for free or reduced fees. For vehicles without a valid admission sticker, a $5.00 vehicle sticker is required and will be available for purchase at Lapham Peak.
Lapham Peak (Ages 8-99) …..#51119
Sat., Jun 6, 6:00PM- 8:00PM
$5.00 Res $5.00 Non-Res
Stroll-er-ing in Nature
Come join us for a naturalist-led stroll through the beautiful trails of Lapham Peak State Park. Our goal is to provide nature appreciation tools to parents, grandparents and their children, while developing networks among families with a common interest in enjoying the great outdoors. Each week we will focus on a different nature-based theme. Along with each theme we will provide a hands-on learning experience using field guides, butterfly nets, bug magnifiers and other tools related to the hike. Parents and grandparents, with or without strollers are welcome to hike with their young children. Please feel free to bring your own binoculars and/or camera. An adult must register pay and attend with a child. Class fee is non-refundable and not eligible for free or reduced fees. Children are free of charge. For vehicles without a valid admission sticker, a $5.00 sticker is required and will be available for purchase at Lapham Peak.
Lapham Peak (Ages 18-99) …..#51122
(Flowers)
Wed., May 20, 9:00AM-10:00AM
$5.00 Res $5.00 Non-Res
Lapham Peak (Ages 18-99) …..#51123
(Bugs)
Wed., May 27, 9:00AM-10:00AM
$5.00 Res $5.00 Non-Res
Spring Bird Hike
Which bird heralds spring for you? The American Robin? Baltimore Oriole? Turkey Vulture? Many birds return to Wisconsin each spring, even more pass through on their way back home. But how do they know where to go, and when to get there? Join us as we explore why birds migrate, how they find their way, migration routes and some basic bird identification. Parent/guardian must register, pay and attend with a child. Fee is per person. Class fee is non-refundable and not eligible for free or reduced fees. Lapham Peak: For vehicles without a valid admission sticker, a $5.00 vehicle sticker is required and will be available for purchase at Lapham Peak.
Lapham Peak (Ages 6-99) …..#51037
Sat., May 23, 10:00AM-11:30AM
$4.00 Res $4.00 Non-Res
Wild About Wildflowers
Join our naturalist for a spring trek searching for wildflowers. You’ll learn strategies for identifying plants and flowers of all seasons. Children will plant seeds and learn what these seeds will need to grow into healthy plants. By the way, don’t be surprised if you find some aliens–Mr. Buck Thorn and Ms. Garlic Mustard have been seen lurking around the forest! Parent/guardian must register, pay and attend with a child. Fee is per person. Class fee is non-refundable and not eligible for free or reduced fees. Lapham Peak: For vehicles without a valid admission sticker, a $5.00 vehicle sticker is required and will be available for purchase at Lapham Peak.
Lapham Peak (Ages 6-99) …..#51116
Sat., Jun 13, 10:00AM-11:30AM
$4.00 Res $4.00 Non-Res
Here are links to our Outdoor Education Field Trips, Community Classes & Rentals:
Summer Community Classes: https://www.milwaukeerecreation.net/activity-guide/outdoor-nature.pdf
Field Trip Opportunities: https://milwaukeerecreation.net/outdoor-education/eftg.htm
Lapham Peak Hausmann Nature Center Rental: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/lapham/
The Hausmann Nature Center at the Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest is a result of the generosity of the Hausmann Family. Dr. Paul and Bernice Hausmann donated their home to the WI Department of Natural Resources in 1985 with the desire their residence and land be used for environmental education and conservation purposes. Dr. Paul, a well-known thoracic surgeon, and his wife Bernice, an individual with a love for nature, were land stewards and conservationists who dedicated endless hours to restoring and transforming the agricultural land into woods and grasslands. They planted thousands of trees and native species of plants. They even won the Tree Farm of the Year award in 1972. Along with forestry, the Hausmanns restored native prairies and preserved wetland habitat by excavating two ponds on the property. In 1985, the Hausmanns donated their 8,700-square-foot home and 35 acres of nearby land to the WI Department of Natural Resources. At the same time, they sold an additional 374 acres of their glacier-sculpted property to the WI DNR. The building affords spectacular panoramic views of this land, which is now a large portion of Lapham Peak. Today, thousands of school children visit the Hausmann Nature Center every year to connect with nature and learn the importance of land conservation. This unique facility is now available for private gatherings, including weddings and business retreats. The rental fees will help us expand our educational programs, maintain the building, and continue the Hausmanns’ noble mission to protect and preserve this beautiful, awe-inspiring landscape for future generations.
Spring Community Class Registration & general website: www.milwaukeerecreation.net
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