Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve

Information as of 7-16-24

This nature preserve is intended to be visited. They have hiking trails and are adjacent to Wesselman Park, which has various sports fields. Additionally, there is a nature playscape which professes to be one of the largest in the country at 5 acres. The nature playscape is a limited rules natural environment for children. There is also a “treehouse”, which is a play structure, and a bird sanctuary, both contained within the playscape. The main portion of the park has just over 4 miles of trails.

Summer hours:

  • Monday:          Closed
  • Tuesday:          9AM-5PM
  • Wednesday:     9AM-5PM
  • Thursday:        9AM-5PM
  • Friday:             9AM-5PM
  • Saturday:         9AM-5PM
  • Sunday:           12PM-5PM

Winter hours (November-March):

  • Monday:          Closed
  • Tuesday:          9AM-4PM
  • Wednesday:     9AM-4PM
  • Thursday:        9AM-4PM
  • Friday:             9AM-4PM
  • Saturday:         9AM-4PM
  • Sunday:           12PM-4PM

Prices:

  • Adults:                         $5
  • 3 years to 12 years:     $3
  • Under 3 years:             Free
  • Members:                    Free
    • Membership: ANCA
      • Individual: $35
      • Student/senior: $25
      • More tiers available
  • Parking: free (surface lot)

Website: https://wesselmanwoods.org/

Address: 551 N Boeke Road, Evansville, IN 47711

Phone: 812-479-0771

Special programs:

  • Free morning trail access Tuesday through Friday (7:30AM-9AM)
  • Maple Sugarbush Festival
  • Art exhibition
  • Wandering Owl Twilight Tasting (food, beer, and wine)

General reviews summary:

  • Positive:
    • Nature playscape is fun
    • Very informative
  • Negative:
    • Entry fee
  • General perception: Great. It was free a long time ago, so some people don’t like that it isn’t free anymore. The nature playscape is great for kids.

Verdict:

This nature preserve is in town and cheap, but many properties like this one are free. Unless you have kids for the playscape, consider the convenience of visiting this property versus the cost (free) of one of the others, such as Audubon Park in nearby Henderson, KY.