This is one of my favorite reserves with several different trails. You can go sit down and bring lunch for your family then go for a walk, or ride a bike to get exercise, home with friends, etc. They have placed maps around the trails that do not obstruct your view. You can walk through just the wood the whole time or around the lake. The visitor center is lovely offering information about local wildlife and a small museum area as well as a small shop. (It is currently closed due to covid but plans to reopen soon I believe). There are restroom facilities, pavilions where free walks and learning events take place. I’ve frequently come across deer, turkey, birds, squirrels, and snakes (don’t worry the snakes are very afraid of you and slither away quickly), while I’ve walked these trails. The only thing that is difficult with the trails is if you are in a wheelchair and do not have a off-road wheelchair it will be difficult for you to wheel across the rocky part of the terrain. I have taken my wheelchair with my hard wheels there and it was possible but extremely difficult with someone pushing me and me wheeling myself. There is NO HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE TRAIL. I do understand that this would take away some of the appeal of the trails but it would allow more...
Read moreDespite being so near the campus and many businesses Schmeekle is a haven for those who love the woods. There are many hiking trails, a running loop, it connects to the Green Circle trail which loops through the cities of Point and Plover. They are working on a new out door theater, to be completed likely in the Summer or Fall of 2019. The have a great pumpkin trail walk around Halloween and many informational events regarding nature through out the year. Wildlife abounds. In winter you can see lots of animal tracks, it's cool for kids and grownups. Come enjoy a carefully laid out track to allow you to see largely unspoiled nature. Also stay on the track and don't litter that way every one can enjoy Schmeekle for a very long time to come. They also have a museum and gift shop in the...
Read moreFantastic nature reserve in the heart of Stevens Point. I stopped back here recently while visiting family in town and this brought back a lot of memories of running cross country practice on these trails. I was happy to see that not only has everything been well maintained, the reserve is also being updated in new ways—including the addition of an amphitheater. The wonderful boardwalk style trails allow you to hover over some of the marshes and quietly take in the wildlife and nature around you. The visitor center is pretty impressive itself—with a cute little museum featuring some history of the state and area. All in all I highly recommend paying this place a visit if you’re in town and check out the incredible work UWSP is doing to preserve...
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