Lake Michigan’s Beaches and Parks

Park & Beach

Atwater Beach

In the near north shore suburb of Shorewood, this beach is a popular spot for families. The views of the lake from the bluff are stunning, and the stairs that take you from the top of the bluff down to the beach are a great work-out for runners and fitness buffs!

Park & Beach

Big Bay Park

Approximately seven acres, Big Bay Park offers views of Lake Michigan at a point between the northern and central areas of the county.

Public Beach

Bradford Beach

This popular downtown beach has been voted as one of the top ten urban beaches in the nation by USA Today readers.

Park & Beach

Doctors Park

Approximately 49 acres, Doctor's Park is in far northeastern Milwaukee County along Lake Michigan. Doctors Park offers a beach and good quality wooded natural areas. Doctors Woods is a classic beech-maple woods with a great spring native wildflower display.

Parks

Grant Park & Beach

Combine a hike through beautiful Grant Park on the scenic Seven Bridges Trail, or a game of golf at Grant Park golf course, with an afternoon at the beach. Sand volleyball courts and a brand new facility for concessions add to the fun.

Park & Beach

Juneau Park

Approximately 14 acres, Juneau Park is just off the Lake Michigan shore and along North Lincoln Memorial Drive.

Parks

Lake Park

Approximately 140 acres, Lake Park is one of several parks in the Milwaukee County park system that was designed by renowned landscape architect, and Central Park designer, Fredrick Law Olmstead.

Park & Beach

Lakeshore State Park & Beach

The 22-acre park includes a 1.7-mile trail that connects to the Hank Aaron and Oak Leaf state trails; a watercraft beach area with access for canoes, paddleboats and kayaks; fishing areas and 20 boat slips for vessels up to 60 feet in length with overnight boat camping available. A bridge connects the north end of the park to the Summerfest grounds and an extension of the land near the American Family Insurance Amphitheater connects the south end.

Park & Beach

McKinley Marina & Beach

Approximately 118 acres, the McKinley area offers Milwaukee County's only public lakefront marina, boat ramps, beach, access to the Oak Leaf Bike Trail, fishing along the breakwater, and great shorebird, gull, and waterfowl birding opportunities.

Park & Beach

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

The Schlitz Audubon Nature Center’s 185 acres of unspoiled natural beauty represent the largest undeveloped green space along Lake Michigan’s shoreline in Milwaukee County. Just 15 minutes from downtown, the center offers a quiet respite, including a 6-mile system of trails winding through a variety of southeastern Wisconsin habitats, such as lakeshore, forest, marsh and prairie.

Beach

South Shore Beach

On the near south side of the city, South Shore Beach features South Shore Terrace beer garden just off the sand, a perfect place for relaxing with friends. Insiders know that this beach is one of the best vantage points for viewing fireworks set off from downtown festivals.

Parks

Veterans Park

Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, the 92-acre park includes running trails, dining options, bike and kite rentals, picnic areas, and access to McKinley Marina and Juneau Park.

Parks

Warnimont Park

Approximately 291 acres, Warnimont Park offers a par-3, 18-hole golf course with panoramic views of Lake Michigan.