Get your tickets for Woodland Wonders!
We will reopen on Sunday, September 20.
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.
We will reopen on Tuesday, October 13 at 9 AM.
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.
Artemis the Eastern Screech Owl
We will reopen at 1 PM this day.
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!
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
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!
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!
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.
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 ]
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!
January 24-25
February 21-22
March 28-29
April 25-26 sponsored by Romain Subaru
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!
January 24-25
February 21-22
March 28-29
April 25-26 sponsored by Romain Subaru
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Guests can purchase tickets for the event online or in-person at the Nature Center.
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!
January 24-25
February 21-22
March 28-29
April 25-26 sponsored by Romain Subaru
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!
January 24-25
February 21-22
March 28-29
April 25-26 sponsored by Romain Subaru
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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. In 2025, these two Greek organizations are going head-to-head to see who can raise the most for the animals!
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.
Artemis the Eastern Screech Owl
FREE Yoga with Velocity Fitness for this month is CANCELED because Velocity Fitness Damien will be traveling to Germany with the World Kickboxing and Karate Union to compete on behalf of the United States! Help us cheer him on from afar and send him the best of luck 🤞🏻
