Explore the wildlife and natural beauty of the Wisconsin Northwoods at the 21st Annual Northwoods Bird & Wildlife Festival! Attendees are welcome to participate in a variety of guided hikes and tours, bird watching expeditions, bird banding demonstrations, and interactive workshops.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Join us at the Discovery Center for special events designed to facilitate connections among people, nature and the community! From social gatherings and hands-on workshops to family-friendly activities and expert-led talks, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Bring your friends and family, and explore the beauty of nature together!
2026 Event sponsorship opportunities available! Email contact@discoverycenter.net or call 715-543-2085 for more information.
2026 EVENTS
Saturday, May 9th
21st ANNUAL NORTHWOODS BIRD & WILDLIFE FESTIVAL
Whether you’re an experienced birder or just curious about the natural world, the festival offers something for all ages—highlighting the incredible birds, wildlife, and habitats that make the Northwoods so special.
Saturday, June 6th 4:30pm-7:30pm
NORTH LAKELAND DISCOVERY CENTER'S
BIG EVENT
Grab your flannel and bring your Northwoods spirit for North Lakeland Discovery Center's lumberjack-themed annual fundraiser "The Big Event!" Enjoy activities inspired by the logging traditions that shaped our region and bid on live and silent auction items and experiences.
Savor in fresh food from Rustic Roots Catering and enjoy lively entertainment by Bernie Thompson—all while supporting a great cause. Every dollar raised helps keep our work strong and growing, just like the forests and the communities that we love. We hope you can join for The Big Event celebrating environmental education, conservation, and community.
Thursday, July 2nd 11am – 2pm
SUMMER FAMILY PLAY DAY
Catered toward families of all ages, the Discovery Center’s Family Play Day features outdoor activities including nature art, giant bubble making, lawn games, canoeing, fishing, a fish casting contest and more!
August 2026
FORAGING MONTH AT THE DISCOVERY CENTER
The Discovery Center welcomes you to explore our August program offerings centralized around the theme of foraging for wild edibles and medicinal plants and mushrooms. Join us for hands-on workshops, hikes, presentations and more celebrating the splendors found right in our own backyards.
Saturday, October 17th 3 – 5 pm
BAT FEST 2026
Join us for Bat Fest 2026, a celebration of bats and other nocturnal animals; featuring live bats, nocturnal animal crafts, educational bat activities (including "Become a Bat Biologist"), and a walk-through bat cave!
Wednesday, December 30th 11am-2pm
WINTER FAMILY PLAY DAY
Join the North Lakeland Discovery Center for free nature-themed, drop-in activities that are fun for the whole family, including winter scavenger hunts, a snowy obstacle course, indoor crafts and horse-drawn sleigh rides.