Custom Wildlife Habitats & Immersive Dioramas
We build lifelike natural environments—from water scenes to mountains to forests—complete with museum-quality habitat construction and integrated taxidermy displays.
What We Do
Epic Journey Design transforms indoor spaces into immersive natural environments. From full-scale museum dioramas to retail feature walls, our habitats combine expertly sculpted terrain, custom vegetation, hand-painted backdrops, and museum-grade taxidermy mounts.
With over 50 years of experience and more than 11,000 sq. ft. of studio space, we bring ambitious projects to life—merging artistry, natural science, and exhibit engineering.
Every habitat is crafted to museum-quality standards, built to withstand decades of public viewing while maintaining stunning realism.
50+
Years of Excellence
Featured Habitat Types
From dramatic mountain landscapes to tranquil water scenes, we create authentic natural environments tailored to your vision
Water & Wetland Scenes
Rivers, marshes, ponds, and flowing water illusions with lifelike aquatic vegetation and realistic water features.
Learn more →Mountain & Cliff Systems
Dramatic rock faces, elevation changes, and rugged terrain with authentic geological accuracy and natural weathering.
Learn more →Forest & Woodland Builds
Immersive woodland settings with authentic trees, undergrowth, leaf litter, and natural lighting that captures the forest floor.
Learn more →Desert & Grassland Environments
Arid landscapes with sand formations, dry lakebeds, sparse vegetation, and the subtle beauty of desert ecosystems.
Learn more →Full Wildlife Dioramas
Complete immersive scenes combining multiple habitat elements with seamlessly integrated taxidermy mounts and hand-painted backdrops.
Learn more →Custom Retail Installations
Brand-themed nature builds for outdoor retailers and commercial spaces that attract customers and celebrate the outdoors.
Learn more →Trusted by Leading Organizations
We're proud to partner with these exceptional clients
Who We Serve
We partner with organizations nationwide to create displays that educate, inspire, and transform public spaces. From durable school exhibits to large museum installations, every habitat is crafted to withstand years of public interaction.
Museums & Natural History Centers
Immersive exhibits that educate and inspire visitors for generations
Zoos & Wildlife Organizations
Conservation-focused displays with scientific accuracy and lasting durability
Outdoor Retailers & Sporting Goods
Brand-defining installations that create unforgettable shopping experiences
Lodges, Resorts & Hospitality
Stunning focal points that celebrate the outdoors and captivate guests
Educational Institutions & Nature Centers
Durable, engaging displays built for hands-on learning environments
Corporate Spaces
Custom installations that tell your story and set your space apart
Private Collectors & Estates
Museum-grade habitat and display design for personal wildlife collections
Our Work
Museum-quality habitats that bring nature indoors and inspire wonder in viewers of all ages
About Epic Journey Design
Epic Journey Design is the custom habitat-building division of Stehling's Taxidermy—one of the largest and most experienced studios in the world.
For over five decades, we've crafted lifelike environments that merge artistry, natural science, and exhibit engineering. Our second-generation team of master craftsmen brings unparalleled expertise to every project, from concept through installation.
Our habitats can be found in museums, retail stores, zoos, nature centers, and corporate spaces across the country—each one a testament to our commitment to authenticity, durability, and breathtaking realism.
Our Process
From initial concept to final installation, we guide you through every step with transparency, expertise, and attention to detail.
Consultation
We discuss your project goals, space requirements, scale, species, and vision. Understanding your needs is the foundation of every successful habitat.
Specimen Transport
We coordinate delivery, pickup, or arranged shipping with proper handling instructions to ensure specimen quality and integrity throughout the process.
Design & Approval
Our team creates detailed renderings, layout plans, and habitat engineering drawings for your review. Nothing moves forward without your approval.
Build Phase
Expert craftsmen sculpt terrain, construct rock formations, paint backdrops, install custom vegetation, and seamlessly integrate taxidermy mounts.
Delivery & Installation
We handle on-site placement, final detailing, and installation support to ensure your habitat exceeds expectations and stands the test of time.
The Artisans Behind Your Habitat
Our second-generation team brings decades of expertise to every project, combining traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques.
Aaron Stehling
Co-Owner & Project Lead
Aaron is the co-owner of Epic Journey and is involved in all company projects. A second-generation taxidermist with over 25 years of experience, Aaron specializes in taxidermy and habitat recreation with a focus on complex water and mountain scenes. He also serves as the company's project manager, working directly with clients throughout the entire project lifecycle. Outside of work, Aaron enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors, and traveling to national parks.
Austin Stehling
Co-Owner & Artifact Specialist
Austin is the co-owner of Epic Journey and is involved in all company projects. With over 20 years of experience as a taxidermist and wildlife artist, Austin also brings extensive expertise in cataloging and transporting rare and irreplaceable artifacts. He is a taxidermy historian and maintains one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of taxidermy books and historical documents in the world. When not working on Epic Journey projects, Austin enjoys spending time with his wife on their farmstead.
Sarocha Rorgkum
Wildlife Artist & Recreation Specialist
Sarocha has been with Epic Journey for five years and contributes across a wide range of projects. Her primary focus is recreating wildlife through painting and sculpting, and she also has experience cataloging and handling rare artifacts. Prior to joining Epic Journey, she worked as a guide and recreation artist at the many temples surrounding Bangkok. Sarocha has lived in Thailand, the Netherlands, and throughout the United States. She enjoys trying new foods and spending time with her family.
Macaria Guillen
Office Manager & Client Relations
Macaria manages all aspects of office operations and oversees projects both domestically and internationally. Fluent in Spanish and English, she works closely with many of Epic Journey's international clients and serves as a key point of contact throughout the project process. Known for her organization and attention to detail, Macaria helps ensure projects run smoothly from start to finish. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, as well as working on her farmstead.
Why Choose Epic Journey Design
Unmatched expertise, proven results, and a commitment to creating habitats that inspire and endure
50+ Years of Experience
Second-generation expertise and proven track record building habitats for the nation's leading institutions
Museum-Grade Craftsmanship
Every mount and habitat built to withstand decades of public viewing while maintaining stunning authenticity
Scientifically Accurate Displays
Authentic habitats with proper species representation, natural behaviors, and ecologically correct environments
Large-Scale Project Capability
11,000+ sq. ft. of facilities with state-of-the-art equipment capable of handling projects of virtually any size
Custom Designs for Any Space
Every habitat tailored to your brand, theme, educational goals, and architectural requirements
Trusted by Industry Leaders
Museums, zoos, retailers, and nature centers nationwide rely on our expertise and commitment to excellence
Facilities & Scale
With over 11,000 sq. ft. of combined studio and showroom space across Wisconsin, our team can handle projects of virtually any size.
Jefferson Headquarters
8,000 sq. ft. flagship studio
State-of-the-art equipment, large observation windows, expansive production space
Green Bay Facility
3,000 sq. ft. showroom & production hub
Serving northeastern Wisconsin with full habitat capabilities
State-of-the-Art Equipment
Large-format scenic fabrication areas, advanced sculpting tools, professional finishing stations
Limitless Capacity
From single educational mounts to wall-to-wall museum installations—if you can envision it, we can build it
One of the Largest Taxidermy Studios in the World
Our scale and experience mean we can take on projects that others simply cannot. No habitat is too ambitious.
Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?
Our team is here to help from concept through installation. Let's create something extraordinary together.
Start Your Project
Let's discuss your vision and create a habitat that exceeds expectations
Contact us using the form
Phone
(920) 650-5457
Locations
Jefferson HQ
Wisconsin
Green Bay Facility
Wisconsin
Common questions about custom habitat exhibits
Straight answers about scope, cost, timelines, and who we build for.