Jul
28
to Aug 28
Filtering by: Events
Sep
18
9:00 AM09:00
CLOSED to Public
The trails and Nature Center at Wesselman Woods will be closed to the public for event preparations.
Get your tickets for Woodland Wonders!
We will reopen on Sunday, September 20.
Sep
19
2:00 PM14:00
Woodland Wonders Festival
Saturday, September 19
An All-Ages Fall Celebration at Wesselman Woods
Step beyond the mundane of the everyday and into Woodland Wonders, where the ancient forest stirs with stories of fairies, forest folk, and forgotten lore. This fall, Wesselman Woods invites you to experience the magic that lives beneath the leaves—where moss can become a stage, mushrooms mark mysterious paths, and every overturned log is a gateway to wonder.
Sep
20
9:00 AM09:00
CLOSED to Public
The trails and Nature Center at Wesselman Woods will be closed to the public for event preparations.
Get your tickets for Woodland Wonders!
We will reopen on Tuesday, September 22.
Oct
5
to Oct 11
CLOSED to Public
The trails and Nature Center at Wesselman Woods will be closed to the public for Professional Development Week.
This decision is informed by historical low attendance during the Fall Festival Week and gives staff time for professional development. This includes time to prepare for the upcoming fundraising season, planning and budgeting for 2026, and refreshing the building.
We will reopen on Tuesday, October 13 at 9 AM.
Oct
24
10:00 AM10:00
Owl Prowl
This community-favorite event helps care for the animal ambassadors who call Wesselman Woods home — from our majestic owls and curious reptiles to the furry (and not-so-furry) friends who help us teach thousands of visitors about the wild world around them.
Each year, the University of Evansville’s Chi Omega and FIJI chapters join forces to host this special fundraiser filled with fun activities, forest exploration, and friendly competition — all for a great cause.
Free general admission for all visitors on event day — come enjoy educational booths, meet local organizations, and see how every step (and every dollar) makes a difference. OR…
Want to go the extra mile? Join the walk-a-thon and earn themed prizes while raising funds for the animals of Wesselman Woods! Walk-a-thon participants will receive themed prizes and be entered into a raffle for great prizes.
So grab your friends, bring your curiosity, and help us make this year’s Owl Prowl the biggest and best yet!
Artemis the Eastern Screech Owl
Nov
14
9:00 AM09:00
CLOSED to Public
The trails and Nature Center at Wesselman Woods will be closed to the public for a half-day in order to celebrate our volunteers with a banquet.
We will reopen at 1 PM this day.
Aug
8
10:00 AM10:00
Jun
25
8:00 PM20:00
Trails at Twilight: Night Hike
Ever wondered what happens in the forest and wetlands at night? Join us as we explore the nocturnal ecology of Wesselman Woods and Howell Wetlands!
These guided night hikes for ages 18 and over will take place in the summer and fall during the nighttime to give you a unique perspective on what the forest is like when the sun goes down.
Attendees will have the special opportunity to walk through the dark trails of Wesselman Woods and Howell Wetlands.
Tickets are limited! Only 15 spots per session to make your nighttime experience safer and more enjoyable.
PRICE: $15 for public | $12 for members
Email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount code.
DATES
Wesselman Woods: June 25
Howell Wetlands: TBD
Make sure to bring your bug spray and don’t forget those flashlights or head lamps!
PLEASE NOTE: Each guided hike will be different. WW cannot guarantee you will see or hear animals. WW cannot guarantee how wildlife will respond to human presence. Keep in mind that the trails are more difficult to navigate in the dark (under limited or zero light conditions) and this event may not be suitable for everyone.
May
3
2:00 PM14:00
Philharmonic: New Traditions Diversity Series
The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra (EP) will return to Wesselman Woods for their New Traditions... tradition!
Enjoy an outdoors jazz performance by the Eykamp String Quartet at the Odonata Amphitheater (near the Nature Playscape) at 2 PM.
This performance is FREE and open to the public.
We encourage guests to enter through the bike path in Wesselman Park for easier access to the event. (Look for the directional signs!)
In case of inclement weather, this outdoor event will be canceled. Follow EP and Wesselman Woods on Facebook for up-to-date information!
Apr
26
1:00 PM13:00
Ohio Valley Birding Festival: Hike and Encounter
Wesselman Woods Schedule
1 PM = Guided Hike
2:30 PM = Raptor Encounter
Ohio Valley Birding Festival is a two-day event in April with some awesome birdwatching and hiking. Evansville Audubon Society in cooperation with Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve and John James Audubon State Park in Henderson, Kentucky, are sponsors.
Past activities have included the following:
Hikes led by birding experts at Audubon Wetlands, John James Audubon State Park, Patoka River, and Eagle Slough
“Raptors Wild!” live birds of prey shown by Talon Trust, raptor rescue and rehab professionals
Family Birding Fun!—”Make-N-Take Birdfeeders and Bird Callers,” plus the “Great Migration Challenge” giant board game
“Owl Puke—Yuck! Or Not?” owl pellet dissections
“Basic Birding 101” class to get you started on birding skills
“Hands-on Bird Banding” opportunity for citizen-science and close-up photography of birds
“Junior Birders Hike” in John James Audubon State Park for ages 8-18 and their parents
Apr
26
12:00 PM12:00
Admission-Free Day
Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!
Visit us and enjoy over four miles of trails, the five-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.
If you’d like to contribute to making free admission days possible, please contact us!
Apr
25
9:00 AM09:00
Admission-Free Day
Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!
Visit us and enjoy over four miles of trails, the five-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.
If you’d like to contribute to making free admission days possible, please contact us!
Apr
18
10:00 AM10:00
Romain Subaru presents Earth Day at Wesselman Woods
Romain Subaru Presents:
Earth Day at Wesselman Woods
Saturday, April 18 from 10 AM to 2 PM
Celebrate Earth Day with a day of adventure, discovery, and action at Wesselman Woods! This FREE community event brings together passionate local and regional organizations to share fun, hands-on activities and resources that showcase the important ways we can all make a difference for our planet.
Explore & Engage – Enjoy interactive booths, nature-based activities, and live demonstrations designed to inspire sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Wander & Play – Our trails and Nature Playscape will be free to explore from 9 AM to 5 PM, so you can soak in the beauty of the largest urban old-growth forest in the U.S.!
Savor & Support – Delicious eats from local food trucks will be available outside our gates from 11 AM to 2 PM.
Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable future. Join us for a day of celebration, education, and appreciation for the Earth!
Apr
11
8:00 AM08:00
Bee City: The Buzz Begins
Bee City USA® and Bee Campus USA unite people to make their communities better for pollinators, in particular native bees, by adding high-quality habitat and reducing pesticides.
Evansville was certified as a Bee City USA in 2025. The Evansville Bee City Committee is launching with an inaugural event to celebrate the certification and promote pollinator friendly practices and policies.
DATE: April 11, 2026, 8 AM - Noon
LOCATION: University of Evansville, School of Business Administration Building
1800 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville
COST: Free and open to the public. Registration required.
For more information, contact: Evansville Climate Collaborative [ 812-435-6145 or climate@evansville.in.gov ]
Mar
29
12:00 PM12:00
Free Day
Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!
Visit us and enjoy over four miles of trails, the five-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.
If you’d like to contribute to making free admission days possible, please contact us!
2026 Dates
January 24-25
February 21-22
March 28-29
April 25-26 sponsored by Romain Subaru
Mar
28
9:00 AM09:00
Free Day
Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!
Visit us and enjoy over four miles of trails, the five-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.
If you’d like to contribute to making free admission days possible, please contact us!
2026 Dates
January 24-25
February 21-22
March 28-29
April 25-26 sponsored by Romain Subaru
Mar
28
9:00 AM09:00
Evansville Forest Alliance: Little Westside Nut Club Park
NEIGHBORHOOD TREE Planting: Little Westside Nut Club Park
Date: March 28 from 9 AM to Noon
Meeting Location: 19 N 11th Ave, Evansville, IN (47712)
This event is open to the public and all Evansville community members are invited to take part! Join us as we continue the work of planting trees in underserved neighborhoods.
Mar
28
9:00 AM09:00
Evansville Forest Alliance: Wabash Avenue of Flags
NEIGHBORHOOD TREE Planting: Wabash Avenue of Flags
Date: March 28 from 9 AM to Noon
Meeting Location: West Side Library Lawn
This event is open to the public and all Evansville community members are invited to take part! Join us as we continue the work of planting trees in underserved neighborhoods.
Mar
21
9:00 AM09:00
Evansville Forest Alliance: Bayard Park
NEIGHBORHOOD TREE Planting: Bayard Park
Date: March 21 from 9 AM to Noon
Address: 100 E. Walnut Street, Evansville, IN (47713)
This event is open to the public and all Evansville community members are invited to take part! Join us as we continue the work of planting trees in underserved neighborhoods.
Mar
21
9:00 AM09:00
Evansville Forest Alliance: Akin Park
NEIGHBORHOOD TREE Planting: AKIN Park
Date: March 21 from 9 AM to Noon
Address: Parkside Drive and Taylor Avenue (47714)
This event is open to the public and all Evansville community members are invited to take part! Join us as we continue the work of planting trees in underserved neighborhoods.
Mar
14
1:00 PM13:00
Evansville Forest Alliance: Garvin Park
NEIGHBORHOOD TREE Planting: GARVIN Park
Date: March 14 from 1-4 PM
Address: 45 Don Mattingly Way, Evansville, IN (47711)
This event is open to the public and all Evansville community members are invited to take part! Join us as we continue the work of planting trees in underserved neighborhoods.
Mar
14
1:00 PM13:00
Evansville Forest Alliance: Jacobsville Park
NEIGHBORHOOD TREE Planting: Jacobsville Park
Date: March 14 from 1-4 PM
Address: Baker Avenue & W. Maryland Street, Evansville, IN (47710)
This event is open to the public and all Evansville community members are invited to take part! Join us as we continue the work of planting trees in underserved neighborhoods.
Mar
7
to Mar 8
Maple Sugarbush Festival 2026
See what it all boils down to at the 48th annual Maple Sugarbush Festival
Saturday and Sunday
March 7-8, 2026
from 7 AM to 1 PM each day
Our most enduring spring celebration gives our community the opportunity to enjoy fresh pancakes and Indiana syrup before wandering through the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States. Learn about maple tapping and its history, the science of sap in our brand-new Sugar Shack, and how sap production is an important part of forest ecology!
Breakfast includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, two sausage links, and your choice of unlimited coffee, orange juice, chocolate milk, or white milk! Extra sausage links can be purchased on the day of the event (2 for $1).
Compostable plates, cutlery and cups will be provided but, each year, we also offer a green incentive: Bring your own reusable cup, plate or fork and GET A FREE DAY PASS to Wesselman Woods and the Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape.
PLEASE NOTE: Wesselman Woods observes special event hours during the Maple Sugarbush Festival. The trails and Nature Center will close down at 1 PM for cleaning.
Mar
6
9:00 AM09:00
CLOSED FOR EVENT
Wesselman Woods offices and trails are closed today due to preparations for the Maple Sugarbush Festival.
Guests can purchase tickets for the event online or in-person at the Nature Center.
Feb
22
12:00 PM12:00
Free Day
Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!
Visit us and enjoy over four miles of trails, the five-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.
If you’d like to contribute to making free admission days possible, please contact us!
2026 Dates
January 24-25
February 21-22
March 28-29
April 25-26 sponsored by Romain Subaru
Feb
21
9:00 AM09:00
Free Day
Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!
Visit us and enjoy over four miles of trails, the five-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.
If you’d like to contribute to making free admission days possible, please contact us!
2026 Dates
January 24-25
February 21-22
March 28-29
April 25-26 sponsored by Romain Subaru
Jan
24
to Jan 25
CLOSED Due to Weather
With dropping temperatures, the forecast of heavy sleet and snow, and so many other closures/cancellations already being called for this weekend, Wesselman Woods has made the decision to close the Nature Center and Nature Preserve on both Saturday and Sunday, January 24-25
This decision is not made lightly! We found out that the roads in Wesselman Park will likely not be cleared until next week. Due to this added safety hazard, we want to err on the side of caution and protect our staff, volunteers, and the public.
We will be monitoring the situation of the roads and trails and posting updates, as we have them.
Until we know more, please stay warm and stay safe!
Dec
28
12:00 PM12:00
Wilderness Weekend
Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!
Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month this year.
Visit us and enjoy over four miles of trails, the five-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.
This is a part of our Eco-Access Initative. If you’d like to contribute to making these free days possible or you would like to sponsor a family or summer camper fee, donate today!
2025 Dates
December 27-28
This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness the power of our local communities to further establish and assure equal access to the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States: Wesselman Woods.
People need nature.
Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.
Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.
Dec
27
11:30 AM11:30
Yoga by Velocity Fitness
Reconnect with nature through yoga at Wesselman Woods! 🌿
Lining up with our 2025 Wilderness Weekends, Damien Burge will host a 45-minute session of yoga for FREE at 11:30 AM on the last Saturday of each month at Wesselman Woods.
Breathe deeply, stretch fully, and let the towering trees inspire your practice. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned yogi, this outdoor experience is the perfect way to relax, recharge, and connect with the peaceful energy of the forest.
Bring your mat, and let’s flow together in nature’s sanctuary!
Some yoga sessions will be hosted indoors but, weather-permitting, sessions will be held outside. No RSVP is necessary but space may be limited.
After your session with Damien, you can hit the trails in the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States for a refreshing walk!
Dec
27
9:00 AM09:00
Wilderness Weekend
Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!
Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month this year.
Visit us and enjoy over four miles of trails, the five-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.
This is a part of our Eco-Access Initative. If you’d like to contribute to making these free days possible or you would like to sponsor a family or summer camper fee, donate today!
2025 Dates
December 27-28
This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness the power of our local communities to further establish and assure equal access to the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States: Wesselman Woods.
People need nature.
Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.
Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.
Nov
30
12:00 PM12:00
Wilderness Weekend
Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!
Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month this year.
Visit us and enjoy over four miles of trails, the five-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.
This is a part of our Eco-Access Initative. If you’d like to contribute to making these free days possible or you would like to sponsor a family or summer camper fee, donate today!
2025 Dates
November 29-30
December 27-28
This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness the power of our local communities to further establish and assure equal access to the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States: Wesselman Woods.
People need nature.
Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.
Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.
Nov
29
11:30 AM11:30
Yoga by Velocity Fitness
Reconnect with nature through yoga at Wesselman Woods! 🌿
Lining up with our 2025 Wilderness Weekends, Damien Burge will host a 45-minute session of yoga for FREE at 11:30 AM on the last Saturday of each month at Wesselman Woods.
Breathe deeply, stretch fully, and let the towering trees inspire your practice. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned yogi, this outdoor experience is the perfect way to relax, recharge, and connect with the peaceful energy of the forest.
Bring your mat, and let’s flow together in nature’s sanctuary!
Some yoga sessions will be hosted indoors but, weather-permitting, sessions will be held outside. No RSVP is necessary but space may be limited.
After your session with Damien, you can hit the trails in the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States for a refreshing walk!
Nov
29
9:00 AM09:00
Wilderness Weekend
Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!
Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month this year.
Visit us and enjoy over four miles of trails, the five-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.
This is a part of our Eco-Access Initative. If you’d like to contribute to making these free days possible or you would like to sponsor a family or summer camper fee, donate today!
2025 Dates
November 29-30
December 27-28
This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness the power of our local communities to further establish and assure equal access to the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States: Wesselman Woods.
People need nature.
Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.
Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.
Nov
6
6:00 PM18:00
Oct
26
4:00 PM16:00
Forest Wisdom: Restoring the Connection
Forest Wisdom
Join us in a series of conversations and experiences that tap into the lessons offered by the old-growth forest community at Wesselman Woods. This series is free and open to all.
Together, we will hike, listen, and learn how healthy ecosystems can be a model for building human connections and resilience.
The four-part series occurs quarterly on the last Sunday of the month, during our free Wilderness Weekends.
Admission: FREE | Audience: Ages 18+ | Cap: 30 people | Time: 4-5:30 PM
Oct
26
12:00 PM12:00
Wilderness Weekend
Enjoy the trails for free TODAY!
Wesselman Woods will be open for free the last weekend of each month this year.
Visit us and enjoy over four miles of trails, the five-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, the Arwood Family Treehouse, and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.
This is a part of our Eco-Access Initative. If you’d like to contribute to making these free days possible or you would like to sponsor a family or summer camper fee, donate today!
2025 Dates
October 25-26
November 29-30
December 27-28
This offering is available thanks to the Eco-Access Initiative, which aims to harness the power of our local communities to further establish and assure equal access to the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States: Wesselman Woods.
People need nature.
Donors can contribute in various ways to provide equal access to Wesselman Woods, ever-bearing in mind that we all can experience less advantageous realities and economic ebbs and flows from time to time. These sponsorships are used to assist in covering the costs incurred in the pursuit of environmental education and connecting people and nature.
Our donors make a real difference by sponsoring a child or family to create lasting memories and inspire greater environmental stewardship. Find out how you can make a direct difference in someone’s life.