Wade House Hikes
Join a naturalist for a guided hike through the Kettle Moraine countryside and forests surrounding the historic Wade House site.
| Event Details Saturday, Feb 7, Mar 28, Aug 1 & Oct 3, 2026 | 1 PM–2:15 PM Countryside Views & Historic Hikes: Experience Nature at Wade House Journey to the Wade House Historic Site and join us on a series of hikes into the heart of the beautiful Kettle Moraine. Trek through rolling countryside and hardwood forests alongside naturalist Jim Willaert as he showcases the splendor of the meadows, streams and glades surrounding the famous Stagecoach Inn. Each walk will occur at a different time throughout the year, showcasing different parts of the grounds as Willaert explores one of several seasonal themes. Strap into your boots and come along for one—or all—of the following expeditions: Sat, Feb 7 | The Woods in Winter Winter is when the woods slow down, the forest grows still, and snow coats every last branch in beautiful, stark-white splendor. Strap on snowshoes and explore woodland areas at Wade House Historic Site while looking for tracks and traces of wildlife visitors. Sat, Mar 28 | Habitat Hunt Who—or what—lives at Wade House? Head out into the beautiful, budding Kettle Moraine this spring and explore the backwoods, meadows and waterways the residents of Wade House Historic Site call home. Learn about the local flora and fauna and see what it takes to survive in the nooks and crannies of the Wisconsin wilderness. Sat, Aug 1 | River Ramble Rushing waters, surging streams and babbling brooks—the waters of Wade House are strongest come summer. Come to Wade House and walk by the Mullet River while learning about its history and impact on local wildlife. Before your visit, try and guess what our local river was named after: a person, a haircut or a fish! Sat, Oct 3 | Fall Colors Walk Wondering why leaves turn different shades of yellow, red and orange come fall? Or when and how they know to begin changing? Explore the mysteries and beauty of autumn this October when you visit Wade House Historic Site for a gorgeous fall walk through the grounds. What You’ll Experience Opportunities to see the Wade House Historic Site grounds during each season An engaging opportunity to learn about Wisconsin flora and fauna from Naturalist Jim Willaert A chance to slow down, reconnect and experience natural beauty Cost Adult (18-64): $6 Teen (13-17): $6 Senior (65+): $5 Child (5-12): $3 Children under 5: Free Society members receive a 10% discount, please verify your membership where prompted to receive discount at check out. Advanced registration is required About the Location Wade House Stagecoach Inn was constructed conveniently between the cities of Fond du Lac and Sheboygan, along a well-used stagecoach trail. This made the 27-room Greek Revival hotel a popular resting point for weary travelers. Three generations of the Wade family resided on the Wade House property, with the stagecoach inn operating until around 1872. The Kohler family and the Kohler Foundation purchased Wade House in 1950 and began a top-to-bottom restoration. The site became property of the Wisconsin Historical Society and opened to the public in 1953. Here, visitors can journey back to the horse-powered world that existed before planes, cars, and trains. The site features the stagecoach hotel built and owned by Sylvanus and Betsey Wade, early settlers of Greenbush, as well as a blacksmith shop, sawmill, and the Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum, which houses Wisconsin’s largest collection of carriages and wagons. Visitors can enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides from the visitor center to the historic core and back again. Wade House Historic Site & Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum (PO Box…
