The Lodge

HISTORY

From the original Earth Shelter to the current Lodge, the preserve has been at the forefront of sustainability as it relates to both building design and incorporating the use of renewable energy to power its structures and campus.

Constructed in 1981, the original Earth Sheltered Nature Center was one of the “greenest” buildings of its time. The building was designed to use the earth for insulation and featured a geothermal heating/cooling pump and a wood burner. Solar panels and a wind turbine provided energy to the building.

Constructed in 2018, The Lodge now serves as the preserve’s environmental center. This facility carries on the tradition of sustainability by drawing energy from a microgrid. The Bubolz Microgrid was constructed by Faith Technologies and is one of the most comprehensive in the country. It is a cost effective, environmentally friendly way to produce energy. The Bubolz Microgrid powers the preserve’s entire campus.

Amenities

The building features environmentally themed décor showcasing exclusively plants and animals native to Wisconsin. The upper level displays plants/animals that live/grow above ground (deer, turkey, birds of prey, fox, bobcat.) The lower level highlights plants/animals that live/grow/den below ground (fish, waterfowl, otter, bear, fisher.) The fireplaces on both level is made of stone from the Niagara Escarpment, as well as reclaimed wood from a 150-year-old barn.

Nature Nook Library

The Lodge holds a small library with field guides and quick reference books. While the books aren’t available to check out and take home, they are a great resource when you’re visiting the preserve.

Meeting/Event Space

The Lodge has accommodations from 4 to 250, and beautiful outdoor spaces to compliment your event! See more about our meeting and event space.

Wedding Space

Celebrate with the beauty and elegance of a natural, outdoor wedding in the premier Northeast Wisconsin landscape of Bubolz Nature Preserve. The Lodge welcomes your guests with the same warmth and comfort that you would expect in a serene, Northwoods venue. Learn more about booking this unique wedding venue.

Kenna’s Kabin

Kenna’s Kabin is an environmentally themed interactive play area inside the nature center for children for both passive and active play learning opportunities.