Established in April 1986 by a group of  residents concerned about ecology and environmental education.  In January of 1987 in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) a site was selected on the 15,000-acre Navarino Wildlife Area.  A parking lot, well, amphitheater and cabin were added in 1990.

In 1999, a 40 x 70 Educational facility was built allowing the nature center to have a all-weather facility for programs.   Programming increased from 1999 to 2008 increasing the number of offerings beyond school and public programs to include: summer camps, group offerings (4-H, scouts, etc.), early childhood facilities and health care centers.  During the fall of 2008 the nature center broke ground on a Green Building / Renewable Energy facility helping to increase the educational offerings to the surrounding communities.

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The Navarino Wildlife Area (WDNR) is located in southeastern Shawano County and northeastern Waupaca County, and consists of 15,000 acres of wetlands, forests, prairies and agricultural fields.  There are a variety of recreational opportunities available to all visitors including but not limited to the following: hunting, hiking, birding, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, auto tour, geocaching, photography, biking (on roads), cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, walking your dog, sledding and many others.

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Navarino Nature Center works in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) 

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