Scarecrow Lane
October 22 @ 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
Ready for Fall? ?? Get your family or group to create a family-friendly scarecrow to display on Scarecrow Lane at Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha! The dates for the self-guided walk are September 20 through October 31, 2025. Hours are sunrise to 10:00 pm.
Explore the magic of autumn at Retzer Nature Center with a fan-favorite self-guided hike along Scarecrow Lane! Wander the Blue Trail and take in the fall colors while discovering a variety of creative, one-of-a-kind scarecrow displays. Start your journey near the Children’s Garden on the west end of the Learning Center building and follow the Blue loop to the scenic Retzer pond.
We are ready for fall and crisp air and all things outside! Will your family take a walk and visit the many scarecrows? This is such an innovative idea from Waukesha County Parks to get creative, involve the community, and stay socially/physically distant. Walking on the trails is a great way to get the littles outside and burn some energy. If you visit, tag @lakecountryfamilyfun on Facebook/Instagram! We love seeing families having fun!
We went every year since 2020, more than once, and had so much fun! See our pictures below or HERE on Instagram.
DATES & TIME: Daily, from September 20 – October 31, 2025 • Sunrise – 10 p.m.
LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)
COST: Free (all ages)*
*September 20 only – $10 admission per car during Apple Harvest Festival.
REGISTRATION: No registration; walk-ins welcome.
NOTE: Expect woodchipped and mowed grass trails with some sloped terrain. The trail is not paved and is not lit after dark.
To Participate in Making Scarecrow Lane
Families, schools, churches, businesses, scouts, 4-H, day-care centers, sports groups, clubs and individuals are all encouraged to display their own scarecrow creation!
There is no fee to participate in this activity.
Feeling creative? Join the “Build-A-Scarecrow at Home” fun!
| BUILD-A-SCARECROW AT HOMEBe part of the fun on Scarecrow Lane! Schools, churches, families, businesses, scouts, 4-H groups, daycares, and individuals are invited to build a family-friendly scarecrow at home and install it at Retzer Nature Center. Your creation will be on display along the Blue Trail from September 20 to October 31, 2025, as part of a self-guided autumn hike.
DATES & TIME: Build your scarecrow at home, then install it between September 15–19, 2025, anytime from sunrise to 10 p.m. LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI) COST: Free, this is a volunteer activity. REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon on September 14, 2025. You will need to create an account in our system. NOTE: |
Related:
Your Guide to the Waukesha County Parks System
