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 on the lakefront.
With 600 boat slips, McKinley Marina is the largest public marina in the area. Reserve an annual or transient slip or purchase a seasonal or per-use boaat-launch pass. 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 the lake is at your own risk. Each of the nine beaches has its own set of activities. Join a volleyball league. Rent a jet ski, cabana or sun-umbrella. Enjoy food and beverage concessions — including 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. Visit for the Air & Water Show, Brewfest, kite festivals and more. Head to the park for downtown views, to rent a paddleboat on the lagoon, or to rent a bicycle for exploring the Oak Leaf Trail and visiting local businesses, such as Gift of Wings kite store, in the park, and Colectivo Coffee, just across the street.
Lake Park
Historic Lake Park is one of three Milwaukee County parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the "Father of American Landscape Architecture." From Olmsted's Grand Staircase, visitors get a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan. For other stunning views of the lake and city, stroll across the Lion Bridges or climb the Northpoint Lighthouse. The park also offers an 18-hole par 3 golf 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 jet ski rentals, or simply sunning on the beach.