Sanctuary Woods
Centuries of Beauty
in Wauwatosa, WI
2026 Book Hikes
Explore Sanctuary Woods in County Grounds Park with your family!
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There is a new book hike in County Grounds Park through September, changing every other month. From 87th and Watertown Plank Road go north, then west 0.5 miles on 87th Street and park at the blue square "P." Hike a block, back east to a gravel road that goes south. The trail quickly veers left (east) again into the woods.
Bring some youth and check it out soon! Wander the trail to discover stories and colorful illustrations that bring each stop to life - making reading fun while enjoying nature and the outdoors.
Saffron Ice Cream by Rashin Kheiriyeh
Installed by the first weekend of March and available through April
This vibrant story follows a young girl named Rashin as she remembers her favorite beach in Iran while visiting a new one in Brooklyn. It’s a beautiful celebration of how our favorite traditions and flavors can travel with us across the world. Families will love reading this under the park's canopy, perhaps while enjoying their own picnic "treats" amidst the greenery.
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One Duck Stuck by Phyllis Root
Installed by the first weekend of May and available through June
In this rhythmic, rhyming tale, a poor duck gets its foot stuck in the marshy muck! One by one, different groups of animals come by to help, teaching children the power of teamwork and counting. As you walk the park trails, kids can keep an eye out for the same birds or seek "marshy" spots like those mentioned in the book.
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Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by Eric Litwin
Installed by the first weekend of July and available through August
Pete the Cat is wearing his favorite shirt, but one by one, his "groovy" buttons pop off and roll away. Instead of crying, Pete keeps on singing his song, offering a fun lesson in staying positive even when things go wrong. After reading, children can go on a "button hunt" through the wooded paths to see if they can find round pebbles or acorns that look just like Pete’s lost treasures. All treasures found in the park, stay in the park please.
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Ricky, the Rock that Couldn't Roll by Jay Miletsky
Installed by the first weekend of March and available through April
Ricky is a flat-bottomed rock who wants to roll down the hill just like his rounder friends. His loyal group of friends works together to find a creative way to help him join in the fun, proving that everyone belongs. The wooded park is the perfect backdrop for this story, as kids can find their own "Ricky" rocks along the trails.
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Since 2024, County Grounds Book Hikes have been financially sponsored by the Wauwatosa Youth Commission, in coordination with Tosa's All-City Read, Friends of County Grounds Park, and Milwaukee County Parks.
What is Sanctuary Woods?
Photo Credit Eddee Daniel. www.flickr.com/people/eddeedaniel/
​Welcome to the natural heart of the Milwaukee County Grounds! Whether you’re a hiker, a birdwatcher, or someone just looking for a breath of fresh air, Sanctuary Woods offers a stunning escape into the wild.
Discover the Magic of
Sanctuary Woods
Nestled north of Watertown Plank Road, Sanctuary Woods is a vibrant 66-acre gem featuring a rare legacy hardwood forests (several trees over 300 years old),
lush wetlands, and recovering woodlands.
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While the historic County Grounds once spanned over 1,000 acres, this special parcel remains a preserved "sanctuary." Originally used in the 1800s as a peaceful retreat for the nearby mental health hospital, these woods continue to serve the same purpose today: providing a quiet, natural soul-recharge for our community.
Why It’s Special
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Total Immersion: Step onto the trails and watch the city melt away. It is one of the few places where you can feel completely isolated from modern development within minutes.
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A Rare Ecosystem: The woods are a vital link in a connected network of prairies and wetlands that support Wisconsin’s "special concern" species.
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Wildlife Watching: If you stay still and quiet, you might just catch a glimpse of the locals! Keep your eyes peeled for:
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Majestic Birds: Peregrine falcons and soaring hawks.
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Forest Friends: White-tailed deer and elusive coyotes.
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Rare Finds: The unique Butler’s garter snake.
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Experience the history, protect the habitat, and find your own peace in the woods!
Select the map image to open the interactive Google Map layer
in your browser (opens a new viewing tab)
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When this map is opened on a mobile browser, the upper right corner contains an optional Google sign-in (sometimes plain white box). Selecting this will open the map in Google Maps app (if loaded) which will then show a visitor’s location relative to any of the entries.
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There are always multiple images for each entry which may require selecting the lead picture to reveal the rest.
Ready to turn your walk into a scavenger hunt through time? Sanctuary Woods isn't just a forest—it’s a living museum!
Uncover the Secrets of the Woods
For over 150 years, history and nature have grown together here. From elegant fieldstone staircases to a rugged split-boulder pavilion, the remnants of the historic hospital grounds are waiting to be discovered.
To help you bridge the gap between the past and present, we’ve hidden history in plain sight with our new Interactive Heritage Map!
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Your Digital Tour Guide
Our interactive map is your key to unlocking the mysteries of the landscape. It’s designed to answer those "What was that?" questions as you explore fieldstone staircases, a spilt boulder pavilion, and a sunken garden.
Vintage Visuals: Each map entry connects your current spot to historic photos, original maps, and fascinating stories.
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Create Your Own Adventure
Forget the paved paths! Because there is no formal trail system, every visit is a custom-crafted expedition. Use the map to navigate to points of interest both within Sanctuary Woods and beyond.
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Whether you're a history buff or an urban explorer, you can mix and match locations to design a brand-new adventure every time you step into the woods.