Roy and Margaret Menzel Pavilion

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.

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Renting the Menzel Pavilion

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. Click here to read the Rental Information & Policies document for details about reserving the pavilion.

The 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. Click here for more information about renting the Pankowski Friends Amphitheater.

Reservation 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: Charging fees for event
      Event more than 2 weeks away
 $150 per day ​$75 per day
​UW-Stevens Point / school groups: No fees being charged
      Event more than 2 weeks away
 ​$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

Availability and reservation requests

See the calendar below 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 it 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. Click here for more information about renting the 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 7 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 reserving the pavilion. If you have any questions, contact Schmeeckle Reserve at schmeeckle@uwsp.edu or 715-346-4992.

Click here to fill out a Pavilion Rental Application

Menzel Pavilion Availability