Schmeeckle Reserve

Imagine a quiet natural oasis sprawling across 280 acres (110 hectares) right in the middle of a university campus. Schmeeckle Reserve in Stevens Point is a unique space in the USA, created to preserve the natural ecosystems of central Wisconsin and provide environmental education.

The crown jewel of the reserve is the man-made Lake Joanis, surrounded by diverse landscapes ranging from dense forests to wetlands. This place serves as a living laboratory for students and faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, while remaining an open and welcoming park for anyone seeking solitude in nature.

The site features about 8 kilometers of walking trails and scenic wooden boardwalks that allow guests to explore the wild flora and fauna without disturbing the fragile natural balance. Here, you can encounter many species of birds and small animals, making the reserve one of the most significant ecotourism sites in the region.

To plan your visit and get the latest information on events, you can contact the park administration directly:

At Schmeeckle Reserve, everyone will find something to enjoy. Active lifestyle enthusiasts can go hiking or cycling along five miles of well-maintained trails. It is particularly noteworthy that the headquarters of the famous Green Circle Trail—a massive 43-kilometer loop circling the entire city—is located right here.

For those who prefer a more contemplative experience, Lake Joanis is the perfect spot. You can spend hours watching the water, looking for rare birds, or studying the shoreline vegetation. Wildlife photographers often come here in search of the perfect shot, as the park's ecosystems support impressive biological diversity.

Don't forget to stop by the Visitor Center, located in a charming historic building. There, you can pick up a trail map and discover a wealth of interesting facts about local ecosystems through interactive exhibits. It's an excellent place for families, where children can learn the basics of ecology in a fun, hands-on way.

Schmeeckle Reserve is conveniently located at 2419 North Point Drive, right on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. If you are traveling by car, you can easily find the site by following the signs to the campus; convenient parking lots for visitors are available right at the entrance.

Those who prefer public transportation can use the local bus routes serving Stevens Point. You can also always take a taxi from the downtown area—the trip will take only a few minutes. Since the reserve is a major hub of the Green Circle Trail network, many tourists and locals prefer to reach it by bicycle, combining the journey with a pleasant ride.

It’s hard to believe, but until 1956, the area now occupied by Schmeeckle Reserve was used for farming. Corn grew here and dairy cows grazed in the fields. However, Wisconsin's harsh natural conditions eventually took over: because the bedrock was so close to the surface, the soil was not fertile enough for large-scale farming, and the land was eventually abandoned.

The reserve’s official history began in 1976. Its creation was made possible by a $250,000 grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The park is named after Professor Fred Schmeeckle, an influential educator who began developing conservation programs as early as 1923. It was he who predicted that this land would one day become a "green island" in the middle of a growing city.

The process of transforming the abandoned fields into a managed nature reserve was led by the first director, Ron Zimmerman, in 1977. Under his leadership, the core infrastructure was developed, including over 8 kilometers of walking trails and boardwalks, which were fully completed by 1981. Since then, the reserve has stood as a living example of the harmonious coexistence between the city and the wild.

To get a general sense of the reserve's beauty and walk the main routes around the lake, you should set aside at least 2–3 hours. This is enough time for a leisurely stroll and a visit to the Visitor Center.

If you plan to explore all 8 kilometers of trails in detail, go birdwatching, or set out on a photo hunt for local wildlife, it's better to plan for half a day (about 4–5 hours). The peace and quiet of this place invite long contemplation of nature, so you won't want to rush.

Schmeeckle Reserve is open to the public daily, allowing guests to enjoy nature at any time. The visiting hours are set from 06:00 to 21:00 (roughly from sunrise to sunset).

The schedule remains consistent from Monday through Sunday. Nevertheless, it is recommended to check the university's official website before your visit to confirm the Visitor Center hours or learn about any potential temporary restrictions due to educational events.

A visit to the reserve can be complemented by a walk to other interesting city landmarks. The area around Stevens Point is rich in historic architecture and cozy squares that allow you to soak in the atmosphere of Wisconsin.