{"id":741,"date":"2026-05-21T16:24:33","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T16:24:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test-uwsp-multi.pantheonsite.io\/schmeeckle-reserve\/?page_id=741"},"modified":"2026-05-21T17:16:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T17:16:10","slug":"pankowski-friends-amphitheater","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/schmeeckle-reserve\/pankowski-friends-amphitheater\/","title":{"rendered":"Pankowski Friends Amphitheater"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Rental Info <\/span><\/div><\/a>
Rental Costs <\/span><\/div><\/a>
Availability Calendar <\/span><\/div><\/a>
Reserve the Amphitheater <\/span><\/div><\/a>
Photo Gallery <\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Nestled into the woods near the visitor center, the Pankowski Friends Amphitheater is a natural gathering place for programs and events. Tiers of native sandstone blocks built into a grassy hillside provide seating for 200 to 250 people. A large concrete stage area has a soaring, curved cedar roof suspended by massive wood timbers. Dimmable lighting above the stage and electrical outlets are available, along with free Wi-Fi. The amphitheater was constructed in 2019 by the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve<\/a>, a nonprofit support organization, and funded by nearly 100 generous donors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Rental Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The amphitheater an ideal venue for weddings, reunions, concerts, plays, programs, and other private and community events. Rental fees directly support trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and student employees at Schmeeckle. Read the Rental Information & Policies document<\/strong> for details about renting the amphitheater.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAmphitheater Rental Information & Policies Document <\/i><\/a>\n\n\n\n

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The amphitheater is located just across the trail from the Menzel Pavilion<\/strong>, an open-air picnic shelter with a two-story, double-sided fireplace. The pavilion is provided at no additional charge when renting the amphitheater. Learn more about the Menzel Pavilion.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Rental costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The amphitheater can be rented between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. The fee includes use of the amphitheater and the Menzel Pavilion<\/a> picnic shelter for a full day, and parking for 15 vehicles in the paved parking lot with additional parking for 50 vehicles in the gravel overflow lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The base cost to reserve the amphitheater depends on the group type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Group<\/strong><\/th>Peak Season Cost (April-October)<\/strong><\/th>Off-season Cost (November-March)\u200b<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Private events <\/strong>(weddings, celebrations, family gatherings)<\/td>$500 per day*<\/td>\u200b$250 per day*<\/td><\/tr>
For-profit groups \/ company events<\/strong><\/td>$500 per day*<\/td>\u200b$250 per day*<\/td><\/tr>
Nonprofit \/ community groups: <\/strong>Charging fees for event<\/td>$350 per day*<\/td>\u200b$175 per day*<\/td><\/tr>
Nonprofit \/ community groups: <\/strong>No fees being charged<\/td>$250 per day<\/td>\u200b$125 per day<\/td><\/tr>
UW-Stevens Point \/ school groups: <\/strong>Event more than 2 weeks away and charging event fees<\/td>$250 per day<\/td>\u200b$125 per day<\/td><\/tr>
UW-Stevens Point \/ school groups: <\/strong>Event more than 2 weeks away and no fees being charged<\/td>$150 per day<\/td>\u200b$75 per day<\/td><\/tr>
\u200bUW-Stevens Point \/ school groups: <\/strong>Event 2 weeks away or less<\/td>\u200bFree to use<\/td>\u200bFree to use<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

*Price includes a 2-hour rehearsal on a day prior to the event, if needed<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Amphitheater Availability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n