Outdoor Activities
Photograph by Kristopher Purzycki of the Milwaukee skyline along Lake Michigan with blue skies and white clouds in the background.
Getting Outdoors
March weather can be fairly unpredictable, especially in Milwaukee. Even after the grass begins to green and the daffodils emerge from the ground, there’s still a good chance snow is on the way. Milwaukee’s system of parks and expansive networks of trails will nevertheless entice anyone looking for to bike, hike, jog, or stroll about the city. Here are a few reasons to pack your running shoes and other ways to work off a little conference energy during your time here.
March weather can be fairly unpredictable, especially in Milwaukee. Even after the grass begins to green and the daffodils emerge from the ground, there’s still a good chance snow is on the way. Milwaukee’s system of parks and expansive networks of trails will nevertheless entice anyone looking for to bike, hike, jog, or stroll about the city. Here are a few reasons to pack your running shoes and other ways to work off a little conference energy during your time here.
Trails
Milwaukee boasts an ever-expanding network of trails suitable for biking, hiking, jogging or just to get away from the bustle of downtown.
Hank Aaron Trail
Named after a Milwaukee (and sports) legend, the Hank Aaron Trail connects Lake Michigan to Miller Park, the home of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team. Pick up the eastern trailhead near the Harley Davidson museum, which is located just south of the convention center across the Menomonee River.
Oak Leaf Trail
The Oak Leaf Trail is a 125-mile loop comprised of several branches. The Milwaukee River Line and Lake Park Loop are closest to the conference site. The former connect the downtown area with the East Side, where UW-Milwaukee is located. The Lake Park Loop, which connects to the River Line near the Milwaukee Art Museum, stretches along the coast of Lake Michigan and ends at Lake Park. A map of the trail can be found here.
Milwaukee boasts an ever-expanding network of trails suitable for biking, hiking, jogging or just to get away from the bustle of downtown.
Hank Aaron Trail
Named after a Milwaukee (and sports) legend, the Hank Aaron Trail connects Lake Michigan to Miller Park, the home of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team. Pick up the eastern trailhead near the Harley Davidson museum, which is located just south of the convention center across the Menomonee River.
Oak Leaf Trail
The Oak Leaf Trail is a 125-mile loop comprised of several branches. The Milwaukee River Line and Lake Park Loop are closest to the conference site. The former connect the downtown area with the East Side, where UW-Milwaukee is located. The Lake Park Loop, which connects to the River Line near the Milwaukee Art Museum, stretches along the coast of Lake Michigan and ends at Lake Park. A map of the trail can be found here.
Photograph by Kristopher Purzycki of a river and bridge surrounded by high rise buildings along the Milwaukee Riverwalk.
Riverwalk
The city’s Riverwalk connects the Third Ward and downtown with the historic Brewer’s Hill neighborhood. Between Wisconsin Avenue and State Street, the walkway traces both eastern and western edges of the river. In this portion of the Riverwalk, the paths are paved. The eastern path is more easily accessible, however, and features ramps to complement several sets of stairs along the way. Some of the city’s most popular restaurants may be found along here. Another notable sculpture is the “Bronze Fonz,” located on the western side of the Riverwalk at Wells Street. On the northern end near Brewer’s Hill, you’ll find yourself near Lakefront Brewery, which hosts an unforgettable tour.
In the opposite direction - heading south from Wisconsin Avenue (where you’ll find Gertie and her ducklings) - is the Third Ward. From here you must access the Riverwalk on the eastern side where there are more ramps for accessibility. After a block, the surface becomes a composite boardwalk that runs between excellent restaurants and condos which look out over the river. The Public Market is a block away from this area.
The city’s Riverwalk connects the Third Ward and downtown with the historic Brewer’s Hill neighborhood. Between Wisconsin Avenue and State Street, the walkway traces both eastern and western edges of the river. In this portion of the Riverwalk, the paths are paved. The eastern path is more easily accessible, however, and features ramps to complement several sets of stairs along the way. Some of the city’s most popular restaurants may be found along here. Another notable sculpture is the “Bronze Fonz,” located on the western side of the Riverwalk at Wells Street. On the northern end near Brewer’s Hill, you’ll find yourself near Lakefront Brewery, which hosts an unforgettable tour.
In the opposite direction - heading south from Wisconsin Avenue (where you’ll find Gertie and her ducklings) - is the Third Ward. From here you must access the Riverwalk on the eastern side where there are more ramps for accessibility. After a block, the surface becomes a composite boardwalk that runs between excellent restaurants and condos which look out over the river. The Public Market is a block away from this area.
Bublr Bikes
Milwaukee’s bikeshare system is named after the “bubbler,” the native Wisconsinite term for what other folks might call a drinking fountain. Bublr bike stations are located throughout the city. For more information, please see the Bublr site.
Milwaukee’s bikeshare system is named after the “bubbler,” the native Wisconsinite term for what other folks might call a drinking fountain. Bublr bike stations are located throughout the city. For more information, please see the Bublr site.
Parks
Encompassing more than 15,000 acres, Milwaukee’s expansive park system is the pride of the city. Milwaukee’s crown jewels are scattered throughout the county but here are a few worthwhile destinations close to downtown.
Cathedral Square Park
Located in the neighborhood between downtown and the lower East Side, Cathedral Square Park hosts a packed schedule of music events. Free wifi and a stop on the Hop route make this an especially compelling park for residents and visitors.
Red Arrow/Dontre Hamilton Park
Red Arrow Park is a small space located near the Performing Arts Center. The ice skating rink probably won’t be open in March but the food trucks found here at lunchtime are among the best in the city. In April, 2014, Dontre Hamilton was shot and killed by a Milwaukee police officer. Progressive groups in the city, who have used Red Arrow Park as the starting point for political marches, have unofficially renamed the park in memoriam.
Juneau, Veterans, and McKinley Parks
Juneau Park is named after Milwaukee’s first mayor, Solomon Juneau. Fourteen acres of tree-shaded space provide excellent views of Lake Michigan Couched on a bluff overlooking the lake, a portion of the Oak Leaf Trail connect to Veterans Parks below.
Encompassing more than 15,000 acres, Milwaukee’s expansive park system is the pride of the city. Milwaukee’s crown jewels are scattered throughout the county but here are a few worthwhile destinations close to downtown.
Cathedral Square Park
Located in the neighborhood between downtown and the lower East Side, Cathedral Square Park hosts a packed schedule of music events. Free wifi and a stop on the Hop route make this an especially compelling park for residents and visitors.
Red Arrow/Dontre Hamilton Park
Red Arrow Park is a small space located near the Performing Arts Center. The ice skating rink probably won’t be open in March but the food trucks found here at lunchtime are among the best in the city. In April, 2014, Dontre Hamilton was shot and killed by a Milwaukee police officer. Progressive groups in the city, who have used Red Arrow Park as the starting point for political marches, have unofficially renamed the park in memoriam.
Juneau, Veterans, and McKinley Parks
Juneau Park is named after Milwaukee’s first mayor, Solomon Juneau. Fourteen acres of tree-shaded space provide excellent views of Lake Michigan Couched on a bluff overlooking the lake, a portion of the Oak Leaf Trail connect to Veterans Parks below.
Photograph by Kristopher Purzycki of a running trail in Veterans Park alongside Lake Michigan with the Milwaukee skyline in the background.
Veterans Park is located just over a mile-and-a-half from the convention center. Several fingers of the Oak Leaf trail weave throughout the park, encircling a long lagoon where paddleboats might be found (weather permitting). Nearly 100 acres of park can be found between McKinley Park and the Milwaukee Art Museum.
North of Veterans Park along Lincoln Memorial Drive is McKinley Park. Between Bradford Beach (to the north) and Veteran’s Park, this park easily gets overlooked. Featuring a roundhouse, charter boats, and a small, quiet beach, McKinley has a lot to offer. The most compelling, however, might be the Government Pier, which will provide some of the best views of the city.
North of Veterans Park along Lincoln Memorial Drive is McKinley Park. Between Bradford Beach (to the north) and Veteran’s Park, this park easily gets overlooked. Featuring a roundhouse, charter boats, and a small, quiet beach, McKinley has a lot to offer. The most compelling, however, might be the Government Pier, which will provide some of the best views of the city.
Museum Center Park
Just before crossing the pedestrian bridge to the art museum, you’ll probably find yourself crossing Museum Center Park, formerly O’Donnell Park. This plaza, which caps a large parking garage, was a contested space for some time. The art museum thankfully purchased the plot before the space could be taken up by private interests.
Pere Marquette Park
Located between the Milwaukee River and the Milwaukee County Historical Society, this park is a perfect place to take your lunch.
Zeidler Union Square
This small park, located near the convention center, is named after one of Milwaukee’s socialist mayors, Frank Ziedler. It is likely because of this legacy that the annual Labor Day march begins here.
Lake Park
Frederick Olmstead, who also designed New York City’s Central Park, is credited for the landscaping of Milwaukee’s Lake Park. Although a bit aways from downtown, Lake Park is arguably worth the trip. Large open areas are perfect for taking in the sun. The chip-and-putt golf course will be open in March as well. Some of the more invigorating features of Lake Park, however, are found in the gulleys, canyons, and walkways that take one off of the paved trails. This is the site of the indigenous landmark, the Lake Park mound, which is one of the few remaining mounds to survive in Milwaukee.
Lakeshore State Park
Just before crossing the pedestrian bridge to the art museum, you’ll probably find yourself crossing Museum Center Park, formerly O’Donnell Park. This plaza, which caps a large parking garage, was a contested space for some time. The art museum thankfully purchased the plot before the space could be taken up by private interests.
Pere Marquette Park
Located between the Milwaukee River and the Milwaukee County Historical Society, this park is a perfect place to take your lunch.
Zeidler Union Square
This small park, located near the convention center, is named after one of Milwaukee’s socialist mayors, Frank Ziedler. It is likely because of this legacy that the annual Labor Day march begins here.
Lake Park
Frederick Olmstead, who also designed New York City’s Central Park, is credited for the landscaping of Milwaukee’s Lake Park. Although a bit aways from downtown, Lake Park is arguably worth the trip. Large open areas are perfect for taking in the sun. The chip-and-putt golf course will be open in March as well. Some of the more invigorating features of Lake Park, however, are found in the gulleys, canyons, and walkways that take one off of the paved trails. This is the site of the indigenous landmark, the Lake Park mound, which is one of the few remaining mounds to survive in Milwaukee.
Lakeshore State Park
Photograph by Kristopher Purzycki of Lakeshore State Park featuring Lake Michigan in between white rocks and grasses in the foreground and various city buildings in the background.
Stretching along the Summerfest grounds between Discovery World and the Pierhead Light, Lakeshore State Park is an exquisite location for a quiet escape from the city, despite being so close to downtown. Wild grasses and flowers surround wide, paved walkways. Cycling and strolling, as well as fishing and kayaking in the lagoon, can be done here free of charge.