In the past, we’ve told you about the amazingness that is Bay Beach Amusement Pack in Green Bay, but did you know that right next door there is a giant urban wildlife refuge called Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary? This wonderful spot has free admission and offers a variety of things to see, do and learn, all right on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful 600 acre urban wildlife refuge featuring live animal exhibits, educational displays, miles of hiking/skiing trails and various wildlife viewing opportunities.
This gorgeous spot right on the shore of Lake Michigan is home to rescued and rehabilitating animals and the staff here are wonderful in showing visitors everything they're involved in.
There are 6.5 miles of trails to explore, alongside the three-story Nature Center. This is a premier bird-watching destination and there are always waterfowl that can be fed with a corn mixture purchased on site.
As the largest park in the Green Bay park system, the Sanctuary is free of charge. Home to the second largest wildlife rehabilitation program in Wisconsin, the Sanctuary care for more than 4,500 orphaned and injured animals annually.
In habitats, you'll find otters, foxes, badgers, cougars, bobcats, snakes, turtles, owls, eagles and more. Visitors can get up close and personal with many of the animals on site here, but are cautioned and reminded this is a sanctuary. We're lucky enough to get to be a small part of the animals' lives and have to respect their boundaries and needs.
The Sanctuary began way back in 1935 as a waterfowl rehabilitation site. That tradition carries on today nearly 100 years later. Today, it continues to receive over 4,000 injured, orphaned and sick animals each year.
One of the very best things about the Bay Beach Sanctuary is how it brings nature and care of our environment into a free, urban setting. Many who visit aren't familiar with any of these animals outside of much more formal zoo settings. The Sanctuary does a wonderful job with education to ensure the safety of their animals today and in the future.
From mid-April through mid-September, the Nature Center is open from 8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. daily. Hiking trails open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m. The Observation Building, Animal Care, and Injured Animals Areas are open 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 pm.. daily and the Woodland Building and Habitrek are open 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily.
And don't forget that when you're finished at the Wildlife Sanctuary, Bay Beach Amusement Park is right next door! With tickets that are just $0.25 and rides costing just a ticket or two, it's the perfect way to round out an amazing day on the beachfront!
