The Gateway to the Lake
Milwaukee County Parks are your gateway to life on the lake! Beaches, boat launches and bluffs provide access to Lake Michigan for boating, fishing, sailing, or birding. Veterans Park is the hub for summer activities in downtown Milwaukee. Explore your lakefront.
With 600 boat slips, McKinley Marina is the largest public marina in the area. Annual and transient slip rentals are available, and seasonal or per-use passes are available for the boat launch. The marina is also the place to visit for fishing charters.
In Milwaukee, there's no place cooler to cool off than on the Fresh Coast, which stars Bradford Beach, America's Most Accessible Beach. Lake Michigan's shore is home to several swimming, wading, and sunbathing beaches. Swimming in Lake Michigan is at your own risk. Each of the nine beaches has its own set of amenities, from volleyball leagues to jet-ski, cabana, and sun-umbrella rentals, and food and beverage concessions that include frozen custard!
This is where summer happens in Milwaukee. Veterans Park connects the city to the lake and hosts dozens of special events throughout the summer, including the Air & Water Show, Brewfest and kite festivals. Head to Veterans Park for downtown views, to rent a paddleboat for fun on the lagoon, or to rent a bicycle for exploring the Oak Leaf Trail and visiting local businesses – including Gift of Wings kite store and Colectivo Coffee.
Lake Park
Historic Lake Park is one of three Milwaukee County parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the "Father of American Landscape Architecture." Atop Olmsted's Grand Staircase, visitors take in a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan. Stunning views of the lake and city are also to be seen when you climb the Northpoint Lighthouse or stroll across the Lion Bridges. The park also offers golf at the 18-hole par 3 course, lawn bowling (through club membership), tennis, and the Lake Park Bistro.
Bender Park
Experience the quiet solitude of early-morning fishing and birding at Bender Park. As the day gets underway, so does the activity — with people launching their boats, making a splash with on-site jetski rentals, or simply sunning on the beach.