Plan Your Visit
Activities to Enjoy
Walking and Hiking: Maywood offers hiking and walking trails that allow you to explore the parks 135-acres and six habitats. Trail conditions vary by season and in some areas waterproof footwear may be helpful. View our trail map. During the winter season some trails are reserved for cross-country skiing.
Cross-County Skiing: Cross-country skiers can enjoy trails groomed for classic and skate skiing. The Maywood trails connect with trails in Evergreen and Quarry Parks. We thank the Sheboygan Jaycees for their volunteer efforts in maintaining and grooming these trails. There is no fee for using the ski trails. Current ski trail conditions can be viewed on the SkinnySki website. For more trail information visit the Jaycees website.
Snowshoeing: During the winter months, trails not groomed for skiing are open for walking and snowshoeing. We currently do not rent snowshoes.
Birding: Regionally known as a birding hotspot, Maywood provides year-round opportunities for viewing resident and migrating birds. During spring and fall migration some birders have reported viewing 75-100 species in a day. Download our birding checklist.
Fishing: Catch and release fishing is allowed on Maywood’s two ponds. The ponds serve as a valuable education tool for our programs. The ponds are not stocked. Individuals fishing on the Pigeon River should follow all DNR licensing and regulations. The river is known for a wide variety of species with some running upstream of Lake Michigan in the spring and fall.
Nature Photography and Art: The many scenic areas of the park as well as the variety of birds, animals, and flowers provide photographers and artists with rich subject matter year-round.
Highlights and Features
Conservation Efforts: Various conservation efforts can be seen throughout the park. Ongoing projects include bat houses, bluebird, owl, and kestrel boxes, and areas of tree planting. Deer exclosures have been installed in the maple forest and adjacent hillside to prevent deer from browsing on young trees and shrubs. In 2010 a tracking solar panel was installed in the parking lot area and fixed solar panels were installed on a portion of the Ecology Center’s southern roof. The panels provide approximately 20% of Maywood’s electricity.
The Dave Kuckuk Sugar House: During the month of March visitors may view the maple sugaring evaporator at work. Installed in 2020, the evaporator, designed by Smoky Lake Maple Products, makes efficient work of turning maple sap into syrup. In 2021, the Sugar House was renamed in honor of long-time park director, Dave Kuckuk. The Sugar House can be found west of the Ecology Center.
The Arboretum: Founded in 2002 through the efforts of the Town & Country Garden Club, the Arboretum showcases nearly 15 native species of trees and 30 species of native shrubs. New species are planted periodically. This 5.5 acre area of the park is maintained by members of the Town & Country Garden Club. The Arboretum can be found east of the Ecology Center.
The Hummingbird Garden: The Hummingbird Garden was created in 2010 by the Lake Shore Garden Club. The garden features native plants and shrubs that attract pollinators. Typically reaching full bloom in mid to late summer, the garden is an excellent place to view hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other insects. The Hummingbird Garden is located on the east side of the parking area.
The Rain Garden: Water from the Ecology Center’s roof is piped to the rain garden to support its unique variety of water-loving plants. Maintained through efforts of the Ivy League Garden Club and Sheboygan Master Gardeners, the Rain Garden is a valuable tool in preventing erosion of the hillside. The Rain Garden is located west of the Ecology Center.
Prairie Overlook: Located just east of the parking area, the Prairie Overlook provides an elevated view across the prairie. Along the outside walls of the overlook you will find nature murals created by local students.
Interpretive Signage: Visitors can learn more about specific park features using the 14 interpretive signs throughout the park. Signs can be found near the Arboretum, Prairie, Prairie Overlook, Hummingbird Garden, Rain Garden, Maple Forest, Ponds, Pigeon River. and the Ecology Center Deck.
Ecology Center Deck & Eagle’s Nest: The Ecology Center deck wraps around the west and south sides of the building, providing year-round views of the Pigeon River below. The Eagle’s Nest, located on the south deck, allows visitors to step in a replica life-sized eagle nest. A near-by eagle wingspan provides the opportunity to appreciate the vast size of our national bird.
The Ecology Center
Animal Mounts: Visitors can view various animal mounts in the lobby area. Interpretive cards can be checked out at the reception desk to learn more about each animal or bird.
Up Close with Nature Displays and Kiosk: Seasonal displays about nature can be viewed inside the Ecology Center. Some offer hands-on activities. All offer an in-depth and up-close look at nature. Topics and displays change throughout the year.
Nature Inspired Artwork: Maywood has inspired many artists and photographers. View nature inspired art – many of which were created at Maywood – throughout the center. (Some works may not be viewable to the public at all times due to programs and meetings).
Duck Decoy Display: Eighteen meticulously painted decoys allow visitors to get an up-close view of various species of ducks. The works were painted and donated by local artist David Dobbe.
Little Free Library: Located at the Ecology Center main entrance, visitors can “take a book, leave a book” in our Little Free Library. (The Little Free Library will be undergoing a restoration in the Summer of 2021. Book exchange will be located inside the main entrance doors.)
Park Explorer Packs: Visitors wanting a more hands-on experience of the park can check out a park pack. Packs include items such as nets and field guides to help you as you explore nature. Packs are available when the center is open and need to be returned before the center closes for the day.
The Ecology Store: Maywood’s Ecology Store provides a variety of nature themed items and gifts. Items include field guides, children’s books, bird and bat house kits, and Maywood’s own maple syrup. The store currently only accepts cash or check payments.
