7 Outdoor Activities This Fall at Milwaukee County Parks
Crisp air. Colorful leaves. Open space to move and play. Fall is the perfect time to explore Milwaukee County Parks. With more than 169 parks and parkways and over 140 miles of trails, there are plenty of scenic spots to take in the fall beauty. To make the most of it, here are seven outdoor activities to help plan your fall adventures.
Climb up North Point Lighthouse
Looking to leaf-peep from 74 feet up? Climb the 84 steps and ladder inside North Point Lighthouse for one of Milwaukee’s best fall views. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee skyline framed by colorful fall foliage.
Afterward, continue on Lake Park’s winding paths and wooded ravines, and don’t miss the small waterfall. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the mastermind behind New York’s Central Park, the park comes alive in fall, with vibrant leaves around every corner.
Wander through a Botanical Garden
Wander through the 12 themed gardens at Boerner Botanical Garden where the fall colors provide a picture-perfect backdrop for the flowers throughout the grounds. Along the way make sure to stop and smell the roses at the Rose Garden, feed koi in the pond or see a waterfall in the Rock Garden. For a touch of whimsy, Margie’s Children’s Garden is a must for visitors of all ages. And when the sun sets, the gardens transform into a magical wonderland during China Lights, glowing with colorful displays.
Chase a Waterfall at Wehr Nature Center
Go ahead - chase a waterfall! Located at Wehr Nature Center, you’ll first see the waterfall a few minutes on the Lake Loop. Continue on the 1.5-mile trail around Mallard Lake to see the falls from the opposite side. Along the way, enjoy the crunch of leaves and a canopy of color as the path winds through wetlands, lowland forest and prairie.
Bike the Oak Leaf Trail
Pedal your way through Milwaukee County by hopping on the Oak Leaf Trail, a network of more than 100 miles of paved paths. Cruise through neighborhoods, coast down city streets, and ride beneath canopies of colorful trees. For the ultimate fall views, stick to the wooded areas like South Shore Park in Bay View and Estabrook Park.
Beachy Fun at Bender Park
For a quieter beach escape, head to Bender Park in Oak Creek. Stroll along the sandy shoreline, dip your toes in the water, or walk out to the pier by the flag and soak in the beauty of Lake Michigan sparkling under the sun. With crisp air and sand between your toes, it's a peaceful spot to slow down and soak in the season’s beauty.
Raise a Stein at Estabrook Beer Garden
While several Milwaukee County Parks have beer gardens, Estabrook Beer Garden stands out as the first public beer garden in America since Prohibition. Celebrate Oktoberfest with a stein of German beer imported from Munich’s Hofbräuhaus (or a local brew if you prefer)? Kids can join the fun with root beer on draft. Pair your drink with a giant pretzel served with cheese and honey mustard - the perfect combo! Afterwards, take a short walk down to the edge of the Milwaukee River - an ideal spot to unwind.
All-in-One Fun at Grant Park
If you want to do it all, head to Grant Park - one of Milwaukee’s oldest and most beloved parks. Epic leaf peeping awaits at the 2-mile Seven Bridges Trail, or you can stroll the lakefront, play a round of disc golf surrounded by nature’s pops of color, or simply relax on the beach with Lake Michigan as your backdrop.
