The Pringle Family

The Pringle Family has long been a part of the Kenosha County community. Their ties run back for over a century. They have been actively involved in shaping the county's growth and care of the environment. It is this reason that the opening of the Robert D. Pringle Nature Center was such a proud moment for the county of Kenosha.

Robert D. Pringle, Sr. was born in 1887 in a frame cabin on his parents' homestead in the Dakota Territory. When he was a year and half old, his mother, Cynthia, his sister, Fanny, and he moved to his grandparents' home in Bristol, Wisconsin.

In 1919, Robert married his girlfriend, Florence Jensen. They bought and moved to the 160 acre farm which is still owned by the family today. In 1920, they began to raise their family and take an interest in civic affairs.

In 1957, Robert retired from farming and became the Vice Chairman of the Kenosha County Parks commission from 1958 to 1971. It was during this time that his friend, Park Commissioner William Thompson, planted the seed that some of Robert's land would make wonderful park. Another friend, Park Superintendent Dick Lindl, worked to see his dream bear fruit. That land is now known as Bristol Woods County Park. Robert's sister, Fanny shared Robert's love for nature. She donated money to the County of Kenosha to hold until there would be enough to build a nature center in the park.

The Nature Center

The Pringle Nature Center is an approximately 3000 square foot building located within the 197 acre Bristol Woods County Park. The center is the gateway to environmental learning in a variety of natural places located within the park.

The nature center provides environmental education to school groups, youth organizations, families, youth and adults. The nature center is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 AM - 4 PM.

Along with these environmental programs and special events, the nature center is also available for rental to interested groups. The center offers a fully equipped kitchen, meeting space for up to 100 people, and approximately four miles of trails.

Bristol Woods County Park and the Pringle Nature Center are located on County MB, 1/2 mile south of County Highway C. For more information on the center, call (262) 857-8008 or stop by the center during regular visiting hours.