Outdoors
in Milwaukee, WI

(414) 525-5600

Visit the Boerner Botanical Gardens from late April to early November. The internationally renown horticultural center offers eleven specialty outdoor gardens, including the cutting edge Trial Garden which features newly developed plant varieties not publicly available anywhere else. Take a tour and admire the beautiful arrangement integration of architecture and sculptures among the plant life.

(414) 257-7275

Break out your bathing suits and head to popular Bradford Beach during the warm months. Located along the Lake Michigan shoreline, this beach is just north of downtown Milwaukee. Try your hand at windsurfing or kitesurfing. If the water is too cold for you, join in a game of beach volleyball or sand rugby. This beach attraction is a little oasis in an urban landscape!

(414) 273-3378

(262) 626-2116

The Kettle Moraine State Forest consists of northern and southern units that frame Milwaukee. The Northern Unit is less than an hour's drive away from the city and features several biking and hiking trails (including part of the famous Ice Age Trail), campgrounds and fishing and hunting sites.

(414) 257-7275

Located on the last remaining prehistoric Indian Mound in the city, Lake Park is a 138-acre oasis of greenery within the urban landscape. Just north of the Milwaukee Art Museum, this park is home to a lighthouse, several trails and paths, tennis courts, a golf course and a playground. Enjoy the fresh air, beautiful outdoors, and free concerts during the summer.

(414) 446-8794

Admire the 50 plus sculpture collection spread throughout the 40 acres of the Lynden Sculpture Garden's park, lake and woodland. The monumental, abstract and colorful statues are part of the Garden's permanent collection. View traveling exhibitions as well, and admire the wonderful mesh of art, sculpture and the environment.

(414) 257-5611

Experience a tropical jungle, a desert oasis and a special floral garden all in one afternoon at the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory. Also known as "The Domes," this attraction features a huge collection of exotic and local plantlife within its three domed conservatories and garden. Stop by after sundown for a spectacular evening light show.

(414) 964-8505

Engage in hands-on learning about science, nature and sustainable living at the Urban Ecology Center. The center has two outdoor "laboratories," located in two urban parks, which feature 15 acres of woodland, a lagoon and riparian habitat on the east bank of the Milwaukee River. The parks also house a habitat-themed playground, as well as seasonal swimming, boating and skating.

(414) 257-7275

Located near Discovery World, Veteran's Park contains several opportunities for outdoor fun, like running and biking trails, a lagoon with fishing opportunities, and a duck pond. Whether you want to go fly a kite or take a paddleboat out, there is something for everyone at this tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of its neighboring streets.