Top Parks to Explore in Milwaukee

Instead of having a single famous park that draws in residents from around town, Milwaukee boasts more than 150 gorgeous parks sprinkled across the entire city.

Many of these green spaces are easily accessible on foot, by bicycle, or via public transit, and they provide a variety of features including playgrounds, skating rinks, beaches, and beer gardens. Here are some of the best parks to visit in Milwaukee.

Grant Park

Bordering the shores of Lake Michigan in the suburb of South Milwaukee, Grant Park offers a serene escape just a 10-minute drive from the airport. Although the park is equipped with picnic tables, playgrounds, and soccer fields (including an 18-hole golf course), its standout feature is the abundance of trees. The Seven Bridges Trail winds through bubbling brooks, past waterfalls, and dense forests, creating a natural oasis within the city. The park’s beach is also a highlight, boasting clear waters, well-maintained volleyball courts, and a burger and shake concession stand during the summer.

Lake Park

Established in 1889, Lake Park is a waterfront treasure featuring meadow-like open areas, winding wooded paths, and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Runners, walkers, and cyclists will appreciate the various branches of Milwaukee’s Oak Leaf Trail running through the park, which is conveniently situated between downtown and the East Side, offering easy access to attractions and dining options. The park also includes Bradford Beach, a beloved local beach, along with a softball diamond, a soccer field, tennis courts, and a native plant garden.

Schlitz Audubon Center

Just a 20-minute drive north of downtown, the Schlitz Audubon Center features incredibly lush green spaces. This conservation-focused organization boasts miles of trails and boardwalks through forests, wetlands, and prairies along the Lake Michigan shoreline, including wheelchair-accessible routes. Visitors can look ahead to art or meditation classes or naturalist-led talks about birds of prey through the center’s Raptor Program.

South Shore Park

Located in the vibrant Bay View neighborhood, South Shore Park stands out as one of Milwaukee’s most frequented parks. It is renowned for hosting an exceptional farmers’ market every Saturday from June through October. Additionally, it is within walking distance of excellent restaurants, coffee shops, and specialty markets, making it ideal for picnicking. Another splendid dining option is the South Shore Terrace kitchen and beer garden, where visitors can enjoy meals at picnic tables while overlooking Lake Michigan.

Henry Maier Festival Park

While many parks evoke images of trees and flowers, Henry Maier Festival Park features a more robust concrete and metal design accented by greenery. This waterfront park serves as the venue for Summerfest, the largest outdoor music festival globally, along with hosting significant concerts and food festivals throughout Wisconsin. Moreover, the grounds are home to various ethnic and cultural festivities nearly every week during the summer and fall, including Irish Fest, German Fest, Mexican Fiesta, Polish Fest, Pride Fest, and Black Arts Fest.

Mitchell Park

Known for being the oldest park in the Milwaukee County Parks system, Mitchell Park offers numerous attractions beyond a traditional park. In addition to trees, ponds, and picnic areas, it is home to the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, famously called “The Domes,” which showcases plants and animals from various climates.

From the northwest section of Mitchell Park, visitors can easily walk or bike along a pedestrian path to the neighboring Three Bridges Park. This pathway leads to the Hank Aaron State Trail, providing an excellent route for strolling or biking amid wildflowers and native plant gardens.

Cathedral Square Park

Located centrally in downtown, Cathedral Square Park ranks among the top parks in the city, particularly for festivals, concerts, and family-oriented activities. Signature events at the park include Jazz in the Park (held throughout the summer), Bastille Days (every July), a Haunted Historical walking tour (September and October), and the Made in Milwaukee festival (early September) that celebrates local culture. Additionally, the park features a Saturday farmers’ market from June through September.

Boerner Botanical Gardens

Featuring everything from rose gardens to rock gardens, Boerner Botanical Gardens serves as an excellent spot for a picnic, a relaxing outing in a gazebo, or a stroll through an urban bog. The grounds remain open year-round, and each season brings its unique allure. Whether it’s the vibrant spring wildflowers, fragrant summer roses, brilliant fall foliage, or serene winter scenes, Boerner offers exceptional opportunities for photography, from nature shots to playful selfies by the koi pond. Be sure to explore their events page for guided nature walks, craft classes, and outdoor concerts.

Hubbard Park

In Milwaukee, enjoying a cold beer within a stunning landscape is an unparalleled experience, and Hubbard Park provides just that. This park borders the Milwaukee River and is accessible via car or the Oak Leaf Trail pedestrian and bicycle path. Guests can savor their drinks at a riverfront picnic table or choose to reserve a private cabana at the beer garden for a memorable Wisconsin experience.

Red Arrow Park

This small downtown park remains open year-round, yet the best time to enjoy Red Arrow Park is during winter. Holiday lights and decorations illuminate the park immediately after Thanksgiving, and the skating rink becomes a vibrant hub of activity. Visitors can pack warm beverages and food for a pleasant picnic or purchase hot chocolate or coffee at the on-site Starbucks.