Surrounded by prairie, the Roy and Margaret Menzel Pavilion, part of the Green Circle Trailhead, is a beautiful open-air picnic shelter located near the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center. It features a two-story native sandstone fireplace, stone columns, large wood timbers, a cedar roof, and seating for about 60 people with handcrafted benches and tables. Lighting and electrical outlets are available, along with free Wi-Fi. The pavilion can be reserved for group gatherings. Reservations are required to use the fireplace. When it is not reserved, the pavilion is available on a first come, first served basis for picnicking and informal gatherings.
Rental Information
The Menzel Pavilion is an ideal sheltered space for groups of up to 60 people. Rental fees directly support trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and student employees at Schmeeckle. The rental fee includes the use of the two-story, double-sided fireplace and the ability to turn on the shelter lights. Kindling and firewood are provided. Read the Rental Information & Policies document for details about renting the amphitheater.
Pavilion Rental Information & Policies DocumentThe pavilion is located just across the trail from the Pankowski Friends Amphitheater, which can be reserved up to a year in advance. The pavilion is provided at no additional charge when renting the amphitheater. The amphitheater is highly recommended for weddings and other ceremonies, as it is a more private space with tiered seating and a stage. Learn more about renting the Pankowski Friends Amphitheater.
Rental costs
The pavilion can be rented between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Reservation fees include the use of the fireplace and firewood. The cost to reserve the Menzel Pavilion depends on the season and type of group using the space.
| Types of Group | Peak Season Cost (April-October) | Off-season Cost (November-March) |
|---|---|---|
| Private events (family gatherings, celebrations) | $250 per day | $100 per day |
| For-profit groups / company events | $350 per day | $200 per day |
| Nonprofit / community groups: Charging fees for event | $250 per day | $100 per day |
| Nonprofit / community groups: No fees being charged | $150 per day | $75 per day |
| UW-Stevens Point / school groups: Event more than 2 weeks away and charging event fees | $150 per day | $75 per day |
| UW-Stevens Point / school groups: Event more than 2 weeks away and no fees being charged | $100 per day | $50 per day |
| UW-Stevens Point / school groups: Event 2 weeks away or less | Free to use shelter, $30 to use fireplace | Free to use shelter, $30 to use fireplace |
Pavilion Availability
Reserve the Pavilion
See the calendar above for availability. Reservation requests for the Menzel Pavilion may be made a maximum of 90 days in advance of the event. If you would like to reserve with more than 90 days’ notice, the Pankowski Friends Amphitheater can be reserved up to 1 year in advance, and the Menzel Pavilion is included. Learn more about renting the Pankowski Friends Amphitheater.
Requests are reviewed by Schmeeckle staff and may be either approved or denied. No payment is required until a request has been approved. Once a reservation request is approved, the renter will have 14 days to pay the full cost of the reservation. Reservations are not confirmed until payment is received.
Before making a reservation request, be sure to read the Rental Information & Policies document for details about renting the pavilion. If you have any questions, contact Schmeeckle Reserve at schmeeckle@uwsp.edu or 715-346-4992.
Reserve the Menzel PavilionPhoto Gallery
Scroll through the photos below or view the gallery on Flickr.
