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Wehr Nature Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 223 Google reviews · Running trail in Franklin, Wisconsin · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Wehr Nature 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.
Hiking and birding spot dotted with wildflowers, plus a waterfall and trails around a lake.
What runners say about Wehr Nature Center
“While there was not much greenery yet the trails are easily accessible and clean!”
“Lots of good work being done, beautiful as always lots of wildlife sightings.”
My friend was brave and went "hiking" with the All Terrain Chair! A deer crossed our path, we paused at the waterfall and had a fun adventure on the trail around the lake. The staff was so helpful and gave instructions on how to use the chair. So glad this is available at Wehr Nature Center!
Great place to go for a little hike and for taking photos. It is $4 to park in the parking lot but they do accept credit or cash. The lady at the desk (so sorry that I forgot your name, you were lovely!) was really nice and informative.
First time visiting, and on a drizzly Thursday I spent the majority of my day exploring the grounds. Upon arrival I went into the Nature Center paid for my parking and the young lady was very informative and answered all my questions. While there was not much greenery yet the trails are easily accessible and clean!
A great nature center! Plenty of parking ($4). 5 mi of trails. 1.5 mi loop around the lake. About 200 acres. Accessible boardwalk. Within Whitnall park and adjacent to botanical gardens. Wedding venue. Membership provides free parking, discounts in gift shop and newsletter.
Trail conditions & character
“A deer crossed our path, we paused at the waterfall and had a fun adventure on the trail around the lake.”
“Upon arrival I went into the Nature Center paid for my parking and the young lady was very informative and answered all my questions.”
“While there was not much greenery yet the trails are easily accessible and clean!”
Plan your run at Wehr Nature Center
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitewehrnaturecenter.com
- Phone(414) 425-8550
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Sunday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
Running trails near Franklin
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Whitnall Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,799 reviews
Wooded park offering a nature center with tours, botanical gardens, a golf course & walking trails.
Whitnall Park Waterfall
4.5 ★★★★★ 13 reviews
Mangan Woods
5 ★★★★★ 6 reviews
Root River Parkway South
4 ★★★★☆ 1 reviews
Access Trail
3.5 ★★★★☆ 2 reviews