Nature Trails
Woodland Dunes offers six trails that allow visitors to explore the 1,200 acre preserve that includes woodlands, meadows and marshes. All trails are relatively level and easily hiked.; they range from ¼ to 2 ½ miles long. Two of the trails, Cattail and Yellow Birch, are wheelchair accessible boardwalks. In winter, trails are open for cross- country skiing, although not groomed. Trails are open from sunrise to sunset.
Trail guides can be picked up at the Nature Center office or you may download a PDF of the trail map. They are also stocked in the metal mailbox on the wall by the entrance. On the orientation sign near the red barn you will find a large map showing the preserve and the trails.
TRAIL GUIDELINES
At Woodland Dunes we are seeking to protect a delicate but vital natural
environment, not only for all the wildlife and plant species that live
here, but for generations of families seeking a connection with the
natural world. Please help us in our preservation efforts by following
these simple rules.
Stay on the trail---Our forest floor and wetlands support many species of birds, animals and plants. If you venture off the path you may be harming a precious environment.
No pets---Domesticated animals can be very harmful to the wildlife and plants established in our natural area. An exception is the Ice Age Trail, where pets on a leash are allowed.
No bicycles, snowmobiles or other vehicles---Our trails are designed for the enjoyment of their unique natural surroundings. Slow down and take the time to observe the beauty of nature.
No smoking---Did you know that cigarette filters can be harmful to animals and birds?
Trails beginning at the Nature Center:
Willow Trail 0.9 mile: This trail passes through diverse habitats, starting with a shady shrub carr. After emerging from the cool shrub carr, you come out into an open meadow, which is a prairie restoration. It is particularly breathtaking from mid-summer to late fall. The Goldenrod Loop takes you around Todd's Pond, where you can pause to enjoy the peace and serenity of this wetland dedicated to a very special young man. Continue along Willow Trail through meadows and shrubland ,then take the Horsetail Loop to visit the largest tree in Manitowoc County. The final part of the trail, about a quarter of a mile, takes you to the bank of the West Twin River, and an observation deck with an informative sign.
Cattail Trail 0.3 mile: The whole family will enjoy this boardwalk
that meanders through a shrub swamp, a sedge meadow and a cattail marsh
where birds and wetland animals live or visit. Signs along this trail
introduce you to the plants and animals found there.We recently extended this trail; it now reaches a branch of the West Twin
River.
Trails beginning near the Nature Center:
Conifer Trail 0.5 mile: Conifer Trail starts about two blocks from the Nature Center, on Columbus Street. Signs on the west side of the road identify the trailhead. This unique trail follows two ancient beach ridges, crossing a swale in between. You will walk through a mixed hardwood forest. A special guide describing the habitats and trees found along the trail is available at the Nature Center. Signs along the trail provide information as well.
Ice Age Trail Woodland Dunes segment 2.25 miles: This segment of the Ice Age Trail
runs through the Woodland Dunes Preserve and is concurrent with Trillium
Trail for part of its length. It is marked by yellow blazes. Unlike
other Woodland Dunes trails, the Ice Age Trail is open to dogs on leashes,
however, they must stay on the trail.
Trails beginning on Goodwin Road:
Yellow Birch Trail 0.3 mile: This wheelchair accessible boardwalk takes visitors through woods and wetland where many unusual birds, amphibians and plants can be seen.
Black Cherry Trail 0.8 mile, Trillium Trail 1.5 miles: A pair of wooded walks through the swales and ridges of an ancient beach. You'll pass though upland mixed hardwoods and a wooded swamp, and may see amphibians, birds and Canadian Carpet plants in summer. Several small bridges cross seasonally wet swales. Open for skiing in winter. The Ice Age Trail follows through a portion of the Trillium Trail.
Coneflower Trail .74 mile: Circle through Woodland Dunes’ prairie planting and learn about prairie plants, listen to grassland bird songs, and enjoy the changes from one season to the next. Informative signs and demonstration plot with typical prairie plants identified.