Nature Fun for Families at the
Urban Ecology Center

The Urban Ecology Center (UEC) is an urban nature center that is dedicated to providing education to urban communities about the beauty and benefits of nature and “green spaces” to our community and the world as a whole.

UEC is nestled right along the portion of the Oak Leaf Trail bike path which runs along the Milwaukee River between the Milwaukee Lakefront and Hampton Avenue.

Street address is:

The center is open daily, and caters to visitors of all ages with a special and unique focus on children.

UEC is designed in such a way to introduce children of all ages to the wonders of nature. The outreach efforts focuses on children who live in urban environments, who don't naturally have a great deal of access to nature, or who may not have a lot of opportunity to enjoy it.

UEC has a welcoming feel with lots of interesting stuff (and by stuff I mean turtles, snacks, and other critters – all contained of course) for kids to look at and learn about. The outside patio/deck area, has several levels to it, which allows folks to access great views of the river bed and the bike path, and learn all about the rain water conservation efforts utilized by UEC.

There are outside tours available, a rock climbing wall, and loads of fun activities to do at the center. There are school programs, camps, volunteer opportunities, weekly symposiums, clubs and much more. Because the UEC is located right along the bike path and the Milwaukee River, it is a great place to rent canoes and bikes, and there are even group outings, such as the canoe trip every Wednesday to Pere Marquette Park for the free outdoor concert, River Rhythms!

This is a great place and a positive staple in our community. Kids or no kids, it's worth the trip to UEC!

Entrance is free - please refer to the website for special tours and rentals, along with pricing for those activities.

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