Urban Ecology Center - Riverside Park

★★★★★RYE

There's restrooms, a tower, log furniture, nice trails, sitting areas, a slide, and friendly staff. Looks like a lot of programming to. They offer free coffee and tea. Connected to Oak Creek Trail.

★★★DeTe

My students loved the experience, but the bus expectations were too strict as well as some older staff not understanding that kids need flexibility if they cannot walk as fast as the group, or if kids want to explore before hearing a lecture. This is natural kid tendencies, but my students were not treated with as much respect as they deserved. Also, we had to wear other people's snow outfits instead of being offered to bring our own. I was not told and students were not told. I hope they fix this policy to polish it up for next year.

★★★★★Brandon Brown - Roost Photography

Urban Ecology Center - Riverside is a fantastic and unique wedding venue. Surrounded by nature and strongly committed to environmentally sustainable practices, the venue combines warm wooden tones with a modern twist. In addition to the beautiful forest grove for ceremonies - there is a striking walking bridge and observation tower that provide great opportunities for photos and frivolity! It is the perfect background for wedding celebrations!

★★★★★Patrick Betcher (Betcher Photo)

The Urban Ecology Center is an amazing mulit-use location tucked away in a super peaceful nook of Milwaukee. As an Milwaukee Wedding Photographer, I've had the privilege of working there a handful of times, and what has highlighted my experience has been the down-to-earth nature of the staff and the space itself, as well as the variety of nature-first locations around the premises. With easy access to the Oak Leaf Trail and the river, it serves as a great starting point to begin an adventure on foot, whether you are taking photographs or not. Because it is a relatively small venue, it works perfectly for smaller celebrations and really works to provide a cozy space to have an intimate event. There is always more to explore at the Urban Ecology Center, and I always look forward to going back. -Patrick (Betcher Photo)

★★★★★Caitlin Frye

This was the most breathtaking place we could've ever imagined getting married at! The colors of trees and overall forest feel gave us the most perfect magic forest wedding! The team was really helpful in making sure the day went perfectly. The ability to not only decorate the whole space but have the freedom to bring your own vendors was amazing! Lots of places lock you in to a crazy expensive meal/drink plan. So the fact they don't is underrated! The inside of the building is almost as beautiful as the venue it's located on! The slides were a huge hit with kids and adults alike! The 2 levels were also great for balcony viewing and space to really spread out and dance!