Being a big city, it can be hard to believe that Milwaukee is full of so much incredible greenery! We’re home to over 150 parks and even more secret spots that are simply out of this world. If you want to be transported somewhere magical without leaving The Good Land, you need to put these nine breathtaking places on your bucket list.
- Lake Park
Lake Park Friends/Facebook This is truly one of the best parks in Milwaukee to feel like you’re in a fairy tale. Strolling through this lakeside park is simply breathtaking, and much like everything else in Milwaukee, it has fascinating history too! Learn all about it within our feature article on the park.
You’ll find Lake Park located at 2975 N. Lake Park Rd., Milwaukee.
- North Point Lighthouse
North Point Lighthouse/Facebook Within the aforementioned park is North Point Lighthouse! This stunning lighthouse has been guiding ships home since 1855 and offers jaw-dropping views of our city. The Keepers Quarters is the oldest building in the area. The Queen Anne-style architecture is preserved to this day, surrounded by two acres of wooded land and giving you a truly otherworldly feel.
North Point Lighthouse is located at 2650 N. Wahl Ave., Milwaukee.
- Alice’s Garden
Alice’s Garden/Facebook This two-acre urban community garden on Milwaukee’s north side is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. The enchanting secret garden truly brings people together. Not only does this garden strengthen the Lindsay Heights neighborhood, all are welcome to come plant something and watch it grow. The garden is full of beautiful flowers and vegetables, all planted by Milwaukeeans!
Alice’s Garden is located at 2136 N. 21st St., Milwaukee.
- Hawthorn Glen
Hawthorn Glen Outdoor Education Center/Facebook Did you know there’s a nature preserve right within our city limits? This little known natural oasis not only offers a getaway from ordinary city living, but it also serves as an outdoor education center for Milwaukee Public Schools. Hawthorn Glen works with Milwaukee Public Schools and Milwaukee Recreation to provide nature learning opportunities to 12,000 students a year, all within the most beautiful setting. Though this hidden gem serves as an education center for students during the day, everyone is welcome in the evenings and on weekends, so we can all experience this incredible slice of greenery.
Hawthorn Glen is located at 1130 N. 60th St., Milwaukee.
- Seven Bridges
Teresa Giordano/Google Local This hiking trail will transport you to a whole new world. Seven Bridges is a South Milwaukee gem that’s a mix of man-made and natural beauty. This hiking trail is a part of the Milwaukee County Parks system and features trails weaving in and out of Grant Park. The Seven Bridges State Trail is a roughly one-mile loop featuring beautiful footbridges and limestone staircases.
Seven Bridges Trail is located within Grant Park at 100 Hawthorne Ave., Milwaukee.
- Three Bridges Park
Menomonee Valley/Facebook We’ll bet you didn’t even know this park existed, but once you find it, the beauty expands throughout every acre. Not only is it now an incredible getaway from the busy city life, it’s history is absolutely fascinating. Three Bridges Park used to be a rice marsh and later a rail yard. It was subsequently vacant for decades until it was transformed into the park we know and love today.
Three Bridge Park is located at 610 S. 35th St., Milwaukee.
- Holy Hill
Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Holy Hill/Facebook This hill just north of Milwaukee is so much more than a hill; it’s holy ground with breathtaking views. The incredible shrine hosts over half a million visitors each year, whether to attend mass or just experience this marvel in person.
Holy Hill Basilica is located near Milwaukee at 1525 Carmel Rd., Hubertus, WI.
- Havenwoods State Forest
Havenwoods State Forest/Facebook This forest will make you feel like you’ve stepped out of a wardrobe and into Narnia. Havenwoods State Forest is 237-acres full of swampy woodlands and stunning views. This beautiful triangle of land has now almost grown full circle. This forest is also Wisconsin’s only urban state forest, located right in our city, and it needs to be on your bucket list right now.
Havenwoods State Forest is located at 6141 N. Hopkins St., Milwaukee.
- Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center/Facebook This one nature center takes an escape into Milwaukee nature to new levels. Not only is it located in the most incredible setting, they offer classes and exhibits that make the whole experience even better. Whether you’re looking to take a break from life, go on an intense hike, or simply learn something new, Schlitz Audubon is mesmerizing.
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center is located at 1111 E. Brown Deer Rd., Bayside, WI.
Have you been to any of these amazing places? Let us know your favorite in the comments, and don’t forget to share photos from your visit on our Wisconsin Nature Lovers Facebook group or on Instagram using #onlyinmilwaukee for a chance to see your snapshots featured!
Lake Park Friends/Facebook
This is truly one of the best parks in Milwaukee to feel like you’re in a fairy tale. Strolling through this lakeside park is simply breathtaking, and much like everything else in Milwaukee, it has fascinating history too! Learn all about it within our feature article on the park.
You’ll find Lake Park located at 2975 N. Lake Park Rd., Milwaukee.
North Point Lighthouse/Facebook
Within the aforementioned park is North Point Lighthouse! This stunning lighthouse has been guiding ships home since 1855 and offers jaw-dropping views of our city. The Keepers Quarters is the oldest building in the area. The Queen Anne-style architecture is preserved to this day, surrounded by two acres of wooded land and giving you a truly otherworldly feel.
North Point Lighthouse is located at 2650 N. Wahl Ave., Milwaukee.
Alice’s Garden/Facebook
This two-acre urban community garden on Milwaukee’s north side is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. The enchanting secret garden truly brings people together. Not only does this garden strengthen the Lindsay Heights neighborhood, all are welcome to come plant something and watch it grow. The garden is full of beautiful flowers and vegetables, all planted by Milwaukeeans!
Alice’s Garden is located at 2136 N. 21st St., Milwaukee.
Hawthorn Glen Outdoor Education Center/Facebook
Did you know there’s a nature preserve right within our city limits? This little known natural oasis not only offers a getaway from ordinary city living, but it also serves as an outdoor education center for Milwaukee Public Schools. Hawthorn Glen works with Milwaukee Public Schools and Milwaukee Recreation to provide nature learning opportunities to 12,000 students a year, all within the most beautiful setting. Though this hidden gem serves as an education center for students during the day, everyone is welcome in the evenings and on weekends, so we can all experience this incredible slice of greenery.
Hawthorn Glen is located at 1130 N. 60th St., Milwaukee.
Teresa Giordano/Google Local
This hiking trail will transport you to a whole new world. Seven Bridges is a South Milwaukee gem that’s a mix of man-made and natural beauty. This hiking trail is a part of the Milwaukee County Parks system and features trails weaving in and out of Grant Park. The Seven Bridges State Trail is a roughly one-mile loop featuring beautiful footbridges and limestone staircases.
Seven Bridges Trail is located within Grant Park at 100 Hawthorne Ave., Milwaukee.
Menomonee Valley/Facebook
We’ll bet you didn’t even know this park existed, but once you find it, the beauty expands throughout every acre. Not only is it now an incredible getaway from the busy city life, it’s history is absolutely fascinating. Three Bridges Park used to be a rice marsh and later a rail yard. It was subsequently vacant for decades until it was transformed into the park we know and love today.
Three Bridge Park is located at 610 S. 35th St., Milwaukee.
Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Holy Hill/Facebook
This hill just north of Milwaukee is so much more than a hill; it’s holy ground with breathtaking views. The incredible shrine hosts over half a million visitors each year, whether to attend mass or just experience this marvel in person.
Holy Hill Basilica is located near Milwaukee at 1525 Carmel Rd., Hubertus, WI.
Havenwoods State Forest/Facebook
This forest will make you feel like you’ve stepped out of a wardrobe and into Narnia. Havenwoods State Forest is 237-acres full of swampy woodlands and stunning views. This beautiful triangle of land has now almost grown full circle. This forest is also Wisconsin’s only urban state forest, located right in our city, and it needs to be on your bucket list right now.
Havenwoods State Forest is located at 6141 N. Hopkins St., Milwaukee.
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center/Facebook
This one nature center takes an escape into Milwaukee nature to new levels. Not only is it located in the most incredible setting, they offer classes and exhibits that make the whole experience even better. Whether you’re looking to take a break from life, go on an intense hike, or simply learn something new, Schlitz Audubon is mesmerizing.
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center is located at 1111 E. Brown Deer Rd., Bayside, WI.
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