Dear Milwaukee Letter 2: Walks
I love walking. I walk a lot thanks to my dear dog Emma. I go on what I call "destination dog walks” so that I can get in those steps but also explore my city. I drive to neighborhoods, smaller parks, and just stroll. I’ve seen a lot of Milwaukee this way and have been wooed by its charm.
Grab a friend, a podcast, or step away for solitude and city noises and pick a path below.
The best walks around Milwaukee:
Riverfront: park by the Sail Loft and walk downtown. Pro tip! look down at the apartments that have a wooden pier because there’s a history of Milwaukee.
Urban Ecology Center: there are paths on both sides of the river. Paths are both paved and dirt. Pro tip: on the west side of the river there’s old building remains that have some sweet graffiti.
Lakefront: park by the Summerfest grounds north entrance when it’s not a festival and walk north past the Milwaukee Art Museum and just keep strolling.
Lakeshore State Park: sweet views of the city and if you stroll south you can catch some great views of the lighthouse and Hoan bridge.
Beer Line Trail: murals! art installations! and a ice rink in the winter!
Oak Leaf Trail: you can catch this trail pretty much anywhere across the city and beyond. It’s part of a lot of the other walks mentioned here but it also deserves its own shout out. I enjoy the South Shore park section that goes south all the way to South Milwaukee.
Three Bridges: a small area to stroll but it has a lovely mural near the Urban Ecology Center and connects to the Hank Aaron Trail.
Hank Aaron Trail: a portion on the trail goes past the Milwaukee Soldiers Home Grounds which makes for some interesting strolling - and learning!
Juneau Park: sweet skyline views.
Nojoshing Trail: a mini trail and a way to access Seminary Woods…
Seminary Woods: winding trails that are great to stroll year round. There is a cemetery so stroll with respect and something to keep in mind if this could trigger
Lake Park: a lighthouse and lion statues? You can take the stairs near Lake Park Bistro and feel classy.
Any neighborhood that’s not your own! You’ll come across Little Free Libraries, random art, beautiful gardens, poetry boxes, and so much more.
Wisconsin Ave: Sculpture Milwaukee has made this a scenic route and even the electrical boxes have been painted by Mauricio Ramirez.
Humboldt Park: there’s a few ponds - including an ice rink in the winter - and a bandshell to boot.
The best walks outside of Milwaukee, but nearby and worth the drive:
Lake Vista Park to Bender Park: my favorite spot along this trail is the lagoon and the elevated field with panoramic lake views.
Lion’s Den Gorge: more scenic views.
Hoyt Park: many of paths crossing the Menomonee River.
Schlitz Audubon Center (a small fee): great for catching fall colors from the lookout.
Seven Bridges: spoiler alert there’s more than seven bridges and great beach access.
I enjoy taking the paths that shoot off from the main trails. These are usually quieter walks and they have some great views. Some of the paths are marked and others are not, so it’s up to your comfort.
Dear Stranger, where do you like to walk?