Woodland Dunes Nature Center & Preserve — Attraction in Two Rivers

If you are a birder, like to hike, or just commune with nature, this place should be a magnet to you. This is a non-profit organization. There are miles of trails. The range of habitats is very diverse. There are wet lands, old fields, riparian areas, and wooded areas. I like Todd's Pond. Great special events, always something to do. Nature programs for kids to get them to appreciate the natural world. Whether it's observing warbler migrations, watching the banding of saw whet owls, watching osprey raise their young, or if you just want a great place to walk and leave the polluted and hectic world behind, you will want to go here. Staff is always friendly. Don't have a birding book? You can purchase one in the store that is in an older, but handsome, building that is the headquarters. There are actually three distinct areas which make for more habitats to explore. Walk the butterfly garden, climb the new observation tower, walk the boardwalk into a marshy area. It's all good! I, myself, go out there at least three times a month. If you run into me, I'll show you edible plants and help with bird identification. If you are a fan of Mother Nature you will find kindred spirits here; and you just might find a friend for life, a wonderful place. If you find yourself in Two Rivers (if you want to blend with locals say "Trivers") I highly recommend that you spend some time at the Dunes. You WILL enjoy your time there. Did I mention it's free; but leave a small donation to help keep it going. Hoka hey! This is still my favorite place to hike. The Headquarter area has an elevated wooden walkway all the way through a marshland to the West Twin River. Sedge Wrens will torment birders by appearing for seconds before disappearing .The Cattail, Goldenrod, and Willow trails are easy and adorned by natural wonders. But this update is to inform folks about other trails that are not as well known. You can catch the Conifer Trail (0.5 mi.) off of Columbus Street south of the headquarters. A little father on Columbus is a terminus of the Ice Age Trail that will take the back way to Manitowoc. Driving west down Hwy 310 will take you to a left on Woodland Drive and a left on Goodwin Road. Off of Goodwin is the Coneflower Trail (.74 mi.), a bit farther on are the Trillium (1.5 mi.), Black Cherry (0.8 mi.) and Yellow Birch (0.3 mi.) Trails. Some of these trails are elevated and accessible. Bring a bottle of wine and a lunch, and water, you'll want them. Be prepared to identify warblers and vireos. FYI, Domestic pets are not allowed on the trails; but leashed animals are permitted on the over 2 mile segment of the Ice Age Trail. No bicycles or snowmobiles, these trails are for hikers only. The trails are free; but give a donation to help this great...

Amazing place for kids of all ages. I can’t believe it took over 8 years of living here to hear about this place! ☹️ Could stop here for a little while to play in the outdoor nature inspired playground or pack a lunch and spend the whole day outside, inside and exploring the trails. The indoor educational area is amazing. My toddler loved the bird sound books and painted rocks. I didn’t realize the marsh can be hands on explored beforehand so will definitely be returning with boots next time! Closest thing to a children’s museum in this area. AND FOR FREE. I am excited to add this to our list of the few free things Manitowoc has to offer...

I have been going to woodland dunes for many years. All of the trails are well kept for hiking. This year the water is high so there may be some muddy areas. Just to listen to the wildlife takes me into a peaceful world. At the Marsh Haus there is a boardwalk trail that takes you into the marsh. You can hear different wildlife enjoying their habitat. There will be teachers who will give you lots of information when the covid virus ends. There is also many things to see in the Marsh Haus. The teachers are helpful and welcoming and will tell you about the...