7 Outdoor Activities This Fall at Milwaukee County Parks

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. 

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.