Wesselman Nature Society manages Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve as well as Howell Wetlands, on Evansville’s west side.

This plot of land is the largest tract of virgin, old-growth forest within any city limits in the United States. As an Indiana Nature Preserve and National Natural Landmark, Wesselman Woods is a surviving remnant of Southern Indiana’s original forests.

Read more about our Vision, Mission, and Values on our About page.

HOURS of Operation

* Winter season hours are in effect until March of 2025 (closing time is now 4 PM).

Winter Hours

CLOSED on Mondays

Tuesday through Saturday
9 AM - 4 PM

Sunday
12 - 4 PM

The Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape closes at 3 PM. This includes the Arwood Family Treehouse and Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

Admission includes access to the Nature Center, over 4 miles of walking trails, and the 5-acre Nature Playscape. The Nature Playscape includes the Arwood Family Treehouse and the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

• Adults - $5

• Children (ages 3 – 12 years old) - $3

• Children under 3 years old are free.

• Always free for members!

Is cost a barrier for you or your family? We have many ways to access Wesselman Woods for FREE! Find out more on our Eco-Access Initiative page.

Member of a nature center in your town? As a part of the Association of Nature Centers Administrators (ANCA) Reciprocal Program, Wesselman Woods offers free admission and merchandise discounts to fellow ANCA organizations. See if your nature center is a member of ANCA and visit us during your stay in Evansville!

Safety

WARNING: use of these natural areas involves inherent risk of injury including trips, slips, and falls. Use this area at your own risk.

Wesselman Woods is a dedicated Nature Preserve: State laws are encfored here by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

For your safety and the preservation of the wildlife:

• No pets

• Stay on marked trails

• No bicycles or motocycles

• No jogging

• Children must be supervised by adults

• No smoking or vaping

• Wear appropriate footwear

• Use caution when wet

• Do not use during inclement weather

• No harvesting or foraging 

All plants, animals, fungi, and minerals are protected here. Take nothing with you and leave nothing behind.

Prohibited activities include: hunting, trapping, camping, fires, horseback riding, use of motor vehicles, removal or destruction of any plant or wildlife, removal of living or dead trees whether standing or fallen.

Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve is located at 551 North Boeke Road in Evansville, Indiana.

Enter Wesselman Park and stay to the right. Once you reach the woods, the road takes a sharp left. After a quarter of a mile, the entrance is on the right.

Most of the trails are surfaced with mulch or wooden boardwalks. The trails traverse uneven terrain and may be muddy or soggy, especially after rain. Strollers with large wheels usually do fine but wheelchairs may encounter problems.