Welcome

Our facility will be closed on Friday, March 22nd for an all-staff meeting.
Our building will reopen to the public at 10am on Saturday, March 23rd.

As always, our grounds and trails featuring self-guided tours are free and open daily from dawn until dusk.

Our facility is open on weekdays from 9am to 4pm and on weekends from 10am to 2pm.

As always, our grounds and trails featuring self-guided tours are free and open daily from dawn until dusk.

Private Events

Looking for a place to host your celebration?

Aldo Leopold Nature Center (ALNC) offers a unique venue for you to enjoy the natural landscape and support children’s environmental education. Located in Monona, our facility provides the perfect, scenic space for milestone birthdays, parties, showers, and more.

Interested in booking a wedding? Visit our Weddings page.

ALNC from pond

What types of events can you host here?

  • Anniversary Parties
  • Baby/Bridal Showers
  • Celebrations of Life
  • Graduation Parties
  • Milestone Birthdays
  • Staff Retreats
  • And more!

What’s included with a private event rental?

  • On-site staff person(s) for the duration of your event
  • Tables and chairs (various layout options, set-up by ALNC staff)
  • Access to sound and visual equipment: speakers, projector, microphones
  • Access to our covered deck and trails
  • String lights – indoors and outdoors
  • Sustainable Dishware Package

What dates are available?

Please review our Google form for our current availability!

Find Available Dates Here

If you are interested in learning more about our private events. Please contact us at rentals@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org.


Weekend Rental Packages

Offering these weekend rental packages for the summer of 2024!

Weekend Daytime Rental – $500

  • Events: Perfect for celebrations of life, bridal showers, corporate retreats, and more
  • Hours: Access anytime between 10 am and 4 pm, including set-up and clean-up
  • Space: Lobby and Tamarack room
  • Equipment Included: Tables, chairs, AV equipment
  • Guest Count: Less than 120 people

After-Hours Rental – $1500

  • Events: Perfect for large celebrations, including graduation parties, bat/bar mitzvahs, quinceañeras, and retirement parties
  • Hours: Available between the hours of 4 pm and Midnight, including set-up and clean-up
  • Space: Lobby and Wings (Tamarack and Crane LLs)
  • Equipment Included: Tables, chairs, AV equipment, reusable dishes
  • Guest Count: Less than 150 people

Rental Rates

Please keep in mind that all of our hourly rentals have a two hour minimum. The rates below are general guidelines and the tier is determined by Private Events Manager.

Meetings – $25/hour

  • Types of Events: Small club, work, or private meetings
  • Guest Count: Less than 25 people
  • Hours Available: Weekday business hours
  • Space: Tamarack room

Conferences – $60/hour

  • Types of Events: Large work meetings, workshops, classes
  • Guest Count: Less than 80 people
  • Hours Available: Weekday or weekend daytime hours
  • Space: Lobby

Gatherings – $150/hour

  • Types of Events: Baby showers, bridal showers, celebrations of life
  • Guest Count: Less than 100 people
  • Hours Available: Weekday or weekend hours, between 9am and 8pm
  • Space: Lobby and Tamarack room
  • Alcohol: Beer or wine only

Celebrations – $200/hour

  • Types of Events: Bar/bat mitzvahs, graduation parties, quinceañeras, retirement parties
  • Guest Count: Less than 150 people
  • Hours Available: Weekend hours, between 8am and Midnight
  • Space: Lobby and Wings (Tamarack and Crane LLs)
  • Alcohol: Beer, liquor, and wine allowed

Wedding – For weddings, please refer to our Weddings Page


FAQs

Are we allowed to bring in our food?

For small events (under 80), you may bring in your own food. We will ask you to sign our Potluck Waiver.

Are we allowed to have food catered?

Yes, you may choose any licensed vendor to cater your event. Once you have chosen, you will let the Rentals Manager know and they will request proof of insurance and a signed Approved Caterer Agreement from the company. Please reference our Preferred Vendor List for vendors with sustainable practices, consistently exemplary service and playing a role in the community.

What are the rules and regulations around alcohol service?

Alcohol must be served by a licensed bartender. Alcohol service is only allowed at Celebrations (see rates above). Prior to your event, the Private Events Manager will ask your chosen bartender to sign our Approved Bartender Agreement.

What types of events can you host here?

Events include:

  • Baby Showers
  • Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
  • Bridal Showers
  • Celebrations of Life
  • Graduation Parties
  • Quinceañeras
  • Retirement Parties
  • Staff Retreats
  • And More!

What’s included in a private event rental?

Included with your rental:

  • On-site staff person(s) for the duration of your event
  • Tables and chairs (various layout options, set-up by ALNC staff)
  • Access to sound and visual equipment: speakers, projector, microphones
  • Access to our covered deck and trails
  • String lights – indoors and outdoors
  • Sustainable Dishware Package

If you have questions about our private events. Please contact us at rentals@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org.

Aldo Leopold Nature Center