Beaches


Open mid- to late-June through late August

Enjoy sun, sand, and surf at the Lake Michigan beaches of the Milwaukee County Park System. Seven beaches have water-quality monitoring; however, lifeguards are on duty at Bradford Beach only.

We strongly advise against bringing inflatables into the water, and at Bradford Beach, inflatables are not allowed during guarded hours. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices are allowed at all beaches.

Lake Michigan Beaches

Beach & Pool Information: (414) 257-7230

For everyone’s safety and enjoyment of the beaches:

  • NO dogs on the beach (exception: service dogs)
  • Swim only in designated areas.
  • Wear appropriate bathing attire.
  • Bring only plastic bottles/cups and aluminum cans – NO glassware.
  • NO carry-in alcoholic beverages 
  • NO smoking within 30 feet of bathhouse
  • NO grilling, firepits, or bonfires on the beach
  • NO swimming when the beach is closed (10pm to 4:30am)
Bradford, 2400 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53211

Bradford Beach  has . . .

Blue Wave Certification


Visit Milwaukee's most popular beach for swimming and sunbathing.

The beach is scheduled to be guarded at the following times: 
June 16-Aug. 19, 2012, 7 days a week, 11am - 5pm
Aug. 25-Labor Day, Weekends and Holidays Only, 11am - 5pm
 
Amenities: sand volleyball courts, a bathhouse, and two concession buildings.
For information on programs, visit bradfordbeachjam.com (external link)

Note: In addition to the rules above, during guarded hours, inflatables are not allowed in the water
 
Additional Beaches
Bay View 3120 S. Lake Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53207 
Bender 4503  E. Ryan Rd., Oak Creek, WI 53154
Tietjen
(Doctors Park)		 1870 E. Fox Lane, Fox Point, WI 53217
Grant 100 S. Hawthorne Ave., South Milwaukee, WI 53172
Amenities: nearby picnic areas
McKinley 1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Amenities: unreserved picnic areas 
South Shore 2900 S. Superior St., Milwaukee, WI 53207
Amenities in the lower level of the pavilion: wheelchair-accessible restrooms, concessions
Concessions Hours (Memorial Day Weekend–Labor Day Weekend):
Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. -7 p.m.
Memorial Day and Labor Day, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Weather permitting

    

 

Water-Quality Reports
Visit the Wisconsin Beach Health website for water-quality reports. 
 
 

Beach Surface Currents & Wave Heights
Visit the Wisconsin Beach Health website for Links to Current Weather and Lake Conditions

 
 

Lake Michigan Data (NOAA)

Surface Wind Nowcast
Water Temperature Nowcast 
 
Break the Grip of the Rip!®
Learn safety tips and how to swim out of a rip current. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has created a video demonstration.

 

Questions? Contact Us
 
Milwaukee County Parks Aquatics Office
9480 Watertown Plank Rd., Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Monday–Friday 8am–4pm
24-hr Pool Hotline (414) 257-8098

Se habla español

 


 

Pack it in;
Pack it out!

So that everyone can enjoy a clean, safe, and fun time on the beach, the Milwaukee County Parks Department reminds you to place trash and recyclables in the proper containers or to take the trash/recyclables with you!