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Forest Exploration Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 66 Google reviews · Running trail in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Loop distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Forest Exploration Center's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Nature park with wooded areas and trails of varying lengths, including a kid-friendly hike.
What runners say about Forest Exploration Center
“Supposedly on-leash only, but lots of good places to let your dogs run in this scenic setting”
“What a wonderful place to venture about and enjoy creation with family and friends of all ages.”
Fantastic little trail. Sure, you can hear the highway a bit in spots, but it's easy enough to let that pass into white noise as you enjoy the nature surrounding you. Easy to get to. Plenty of parking. Definitely worth checking out.
This is a gem in the city!!! Absolutely gorgeous trail walk in the forest.
This is my new nearby favorite place to walk. I'd heard of nature bathing, but didn't really know what it was until now. What beautiful grounds! Easy walking on well-groomed paths. Very good signage and information boards. Was treated to two large bucks casually grazing on acorns.
I did not go into the forest. I walked the trail directly surrounding the marsh. It is absolutely gorgeous! There are tons of beautiful wildflowers and signing birds. One of the best parks I’ve ever been to in the area!
Trail conditions & character
“Supposedly on-leash only, but lots of good places to let your dogs run in this scenic setting”
“The trail loop is crushed stone and is wheelchair accessible - about 1 mile I believe.”
“Supposedly on-leash only, but lots of good places to let your dogs run in this scenic setting”
“The trail loop is crushed stone and is wheelchair accessible - about 1 mile I believe.”
“The forest trails are accessible from the parking area off of Swan Blvd, or from the side of the Wil-O-Way Center.”
“The path is smooth gravel so even if the little ones aren't paying attention they are unlikely to trip over anything.”
Plan your run at Forest Exploration Center
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- Loop distance1 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteforestexplorationcenter.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–9 pm |
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