Tour Programs

The Shack, a re-built chicken coop along the Wisconsin River where the Leopold family stayed during weekend retreats, continues to serve as the heart of the Foundation’s programs. We now also offer programming at the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center, our demonstration of how we can live in harmony with the land in the 21st century. Guided and self guided tours of both the Leopold Shack and the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center are available throughout the year. Click here for a current tour schedule and rates. All tours are free for members of the Aldo Leopold Foundation. Join today!

Tours at the Aldo Leopold Shack and Farm

Self-Guided Shack Tours
Self-guided tours of the Shack are permitted during our public open hours. The Aldo Leopold Shack and Farm is not open to the public at other times, and visitors must always check in at the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center first for permission to access the Shack on a self-guided tour. Tour participants receive a brochure that illustrates a guided walk around the Shack property, with historic photos to view at key points for landscape comparison.
Rates

Guided Shack Tours
The land surrounding the Shack and farm provides a living classroom for exploring dynamic ecological relationships. Each year, thousands of visitors are inspired through tours, seminars, and workshops in the same landscape that deeply moved Leopold. Guided tours of the Shack include the history and philosophy of Aldo Leopold, a visit inside the Shack, and a walk through restored prairie and woods. Shack tours last approximately two hours. Reservations are not required, but if you are coming in a group of 10 or more participants, we request that you schedule a separate tour date and time in advance.
Rates & Schedule

** Shack Tour routes follow rustic trails which may have occasional obstacles such as tree stumps, exposed roots, or downed branches. The Aldo Leopold Foundation assumes no responsibility for any injury and/or accident to a person or persons while visiting the Aldo Leopold farm and Shack.

Tours at the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center

The Aldo Leopold Legacy Center embodies the philosophy of one of the nation’s great thinkers, the late conservationist and author of A Sand County Almanac. Learn about how features like solar power, geothermal, and sustainable building materials make this one of the “greenest” buildings in the state, and in the nation.

Self-Guided Legacy Center Tours
During our open hours, visitors can view our photography exhibit "Changes in the Leopold Landscape: Photography Through Time," and take a self-guided tour of the building. Interpretive signage shares information on green building features. There is no charge for self-guided tours of the Legacy Center.

Guided Legacy Center Tours
Walk through the greenest building in the country with one of our tour guides to get in-depth information about how solar power, geothermal, and sustainable building materials help this facility produce more energy than it consumes, and learn how you too can make a difference with your own energy choices at home. Guided tours last about 45 minutes.
Rates & Schedule

Download a printable map and directions to the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center.