With an endless variety of amenities and views, the world-class Milwaukee County Parks system promises wide-open green spaces for much-deserved R&R — no matter what your idea of kicking back looks like. Milwaukee also boasts Lakeshore State Park - an urban sanctuary. Find your dream park pairing based on your interests or branch out for even more outdoor fun. 

For the Champion of Chill: Lake Park

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Since 1889, Lake Park has served as an oasis for peace seekers with expansive, meadow-like areas and winding paths through lush, wooded areas. Get in a quick 18 at the park’s pitch and putt golf course, stop to take in the natural splendor of the waterfall, and explore the fascinating history of the city’s inland lighthouse, the historic North Point Lighthouse and Museum, built in 1887. 

For the Step Counter: Riverside Park

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Situated along the east shore of the Milwaukee River, Riverside Park offers biking and hiking through 15 acres of urban forest. Billed as a “living museum of trees,” the park features 70 species of trees native to Southeastern Wisconsin. The Milwaukee River Line segment of the 135-mile Oak Leaf Trail follows the smooth paved path of the former railroad tracks through the park, which is also home to the Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum and the Urban Ecology Center. 

For the Boater: McKinley Marina

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Located adjacent to McKinley Marina — the largest public marina in the Greater Milwaukee area — McKinley Park and nearby McKinley Beach offer an up-close look at the yachts and sailboats that make their home port in Milwaukee. Grab a refreshment at the Roundhouse at McKinley Marina, then kick back with a great view of a Great Lake! 

For the Family: Veterans Park

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Go wherever the wind takes you as you fly a kite at Veterans Park! The perfect place to catch the breeze off Lake Michigan, you can let it fly in the wide-open spaces of the park’s 92 acres. If you’d prefer to go with the flow, enjoy majestic views of the Milwaukee skyline in the serene setting of a swan pedal boat on the park’s 14-acre lagoon. Or ride around the park by renting a single-, double-, and triple-surrey bike, perfect for you and your whole crew to ride together. 

For the Nature Enthusiast: Lakeshore State Park

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Established in 1998, the 22-acre Lakeshore State Park is Wisconsin's only urban state park. Paved paths wind through restored prairie landscapes and along shallow waters — an ideal destination for wildlife lovers to catch a glimpse of native birds and fish! Stop and relax with a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan and one of the best views in the city or connect to the Hank Aaron State Trail and Oak Leaf Trail. 

For the Music Lover: Humboldt Park

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In Milwaukee, Chill on the Hill in Humboldt Park is more than a summer music series — it’s a must-see attraction that draws visitors and locals to the Bay View neighborhood to enjoy this free weekly concert series. Featuring a stacked lineup of local talent, pack an evening picnic or take advantage of the on-site food trucks and savor the sweetest sounds of summer: Live music.