Museum Renovation: Nature Discovery Area

Schmeeckle Reserve staff and the Friends group are working together to renovate the museum in the visitor center to a hands-on Nature Discovery Area. The renovation began in January 2024. We need your help to make this project a reality. Click here to get involved!

Project Background

The original Conservation History museum was funded by the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame (WCHF) starting in 1994. The exhibits interpreted the different eras of conservation in Wisconsin over time. After 30 years, the exhibits were showing their age, and representatives from Schmeeckle Reserve and the WCHF determined that a renovation was needed. After much discussion, it was agreed that the museum space would be turned over to Schmeeckle, as the WCHF transitioned to more digital/online modes of education.

To better meet the needs of Schmeeckle and Green Circle visitors, the theme of the museum area is being transitioned from conservation history to the natural history of central Wisconsin. Interactive and hands-on exhibits will interpret the habitats and wildlife that make Schmeeckle special. The entire museum space will be opened up and brightened to provide more room for exploration.

Project Status

In January 2024, Friends volunteers removed the wolf diorama and fire exhibit at the entrance of the museum. The floor, walls, and ceiling were refinished by volunteers and staff throughout the winter season. In May 2024, the live frog, turtle, and fish aquariums were moved from the gift shop to this new space as the first step of the renovation. A digital microscope was also installed to give visitors close-up views of insects, plants, fungi, feathers, and other specimens.

Exhibits from the rest of the museum space were removed throughout 2024. Many artifacts and components were donated to other organizations, such as the Wisconsin Historical Society, the Portage County Historical Society, the Outdoor Heritage Education Center, and the UWSP Olson Museum of Natural History.

In January 2025, Friends volunteers began refinishing the floors, walls, and ceiling in the emptied main exhibit area. A second door was cut into the Bird Viewing Gallery, which brings natural light into the exhibit area and enhances access. Artwork inspired by Schmeeckle as part of the Friends Arts contest was added to the walls in spring 2025. UWSP students in the College of Natural Resources’ capstone Environmental Education and Interpretation course also designed and installed temporary exhibits in spring 2025.

In November 2025, the Friends hired a local contractor to install heavy-duty vinyl plank flooring throughout the old museum space, which provides a durable and easy-to-clean surface.

In 2025 and 2026, community input and feedback sessions took place. These sessions were spaces where those who love Schmeeckle Reserve were able to share their ideas for the types of exhibits and content that will be featured in the museum, and resulted in this summary statement: 

“Community members hope that Schmeeckle Reserve’s new exhibit space will be filled with opportunities for interaction and immersion, feature the flora, fauna, and history of the Reserve itself, and be accessible for all visitors.
Exhibits should connect visitors to what’s happening at Schmeeckle, providing opportunities to learn more about restoration efforts and how people can do their part. Some areas of the exhibits should be changeable, and community partnerships should be emphasized.
Animal ambassadors are a memorable and educational aspect of the visitor center. They should be a key piece of the exhibit space.”

Are you curious to know the details of these feedback sessions? Check out this slideshow, which was shared with participants in February 2026. It includes the vision created by Schmeeckle community members, as well as inspiration from other nature centers in the state aligned with that vision.

Future Plans/Next Steps

Based on feedback from the Schmeeckle community, staff are working to generate conceptual plans for the exhibit space.

Are you interested in helping to make these plans a reality? Let us know and join us as we continue the redesign journey!

If you’re interested in providing feedback for the new exhibit area or being part of the process, click here!

Photos

Click the albums below to view photos of the exhibit area renovation in process.

Get Involved!

Community Input

Community involvement is at the heart of this exhibit area renovation. We want to create a space that is meaningful and enriching to visitors of all ages and abilities. Are you interested in sharing your ideas for the future of the exhibit space? We’d love to hear from you!

Click the button below to let us know your interest in getting more involved in the redesign process. Share your ideas, join our planning team, or help with construction projects related to the renovation. All kinds of support are appreciated!

Donate

The Nature Discovery Area renovation is being funded solely by donations to the Friends of Schmeeckle. Your gift will help make this hands-on space for the community a reality! All donors to the project will be recognized on this web page. Donors who give $500 or more will also have their name etched into a metal plaque that will be installed in the new exhibit area.

Please consider making a gift today that will transform the Schmeeckle museum into a space that will inspire visitors for many years to come.