Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve

Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve is a 240 acre nature preserve located in Evansville, Indiana. It is a National Natural Landmark and a State Nature Preserve owned by the City of Evansville and operated by the non-profit Wesselman Nature Society.

The preserve consists of over 190 acre of virgin bottomland hardwood forest complemented by an additional 50 acre of younger forest, field, and pond. The woods consist of sweetgum, sugar maple, tulip tree, Shumard oak, and green ash throughout. It is the largest tract of virgin forest located inside any city limits in the United States.

The oldest trees are over 400 years old. Among the largest of their species are 24 state champions and two county champions. One of the tallest trees in the state is a tulip tree located within the park. It is 147 ft tall with a 13.2 ft circumference and 81 ft canopy.

Animal species include squirrels, raccoons, gray foxes, coyote, and whitetail deer. The woods also serves as a refuge for a variety of woodpeckers and owls.

A nature center welcomes visitors with interactive exhibits, animals, special events, wildlife observation areas, educational programs, summer camps, and a 3 acre nature playscape. The woods offer a variety of hiking trails of varying distances. The amphitheater near Odonata Pond may also be rented for outdoor activities.

The Wesselman Nature Society also manages Howell Wetlands, a 23 acre wetlands property located at 1400 S. Tekoppel Avenue in the urban western area of Evansville.

The Wandering Owl
The Wandering Owl is an annual fall fundraiser held since 2009 in Wesselman Woods with all proceeds going towards Wesselman Woods. It is a 21-and-older event that features food, beer, wine, and live acoustic music, supported by local businesses.