Lake Park

The basics

Like so many of Olmsted’s works, Milwaukee’s Lake Park was designed in the Romantic tradition, favoring waving meadows over structured, manicured works. Today, the park is one of the city’s most beloved, with gorgeous views that haven’t changed since Olmsted’s design. Beyond the network of trails and lake access, you’ll find an 18-hole golf course, multiple spots for a picnic, ball fields, and historical landmarks such as the North Point Lighthouse and the last remaining Indian mound in Milwaukee.

Things to know before you go

• In the warmer months, live music events pepper the calendar—check out the schedule on the park’s website.

• There are restrooms and onsite parking near the Lake Pavilion.

• Dogs are welcome but need to be kept on a leash.

How to get there

Lake Park is east of Milwaukee’s Upper East Side and north of Bradford Beach. If you’re not already in the area, free parking is available onsite at the Lake Pavilion, which is central to all park facilities, including the restrooms. Otherwise, reach this spot via bike rental—paths abound in this area—taxi service, or rideshare.

When to get there

Lake Park is a delight year-round—spring, summer, and fall mean outdoor activities like hiking and golf, while winter means birdwatching and ice skating. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, try to get here around sunrise; with the park facing due east over Lake Michigan, you’re guaranteed a fantastic show almost all to yourself.

Croquet, anyone?

Beyond the park’s more modern offerings—like yoga, golf, tennis, and baseball—this is the spot where Milwaukee also plays lawn bowling (on the park’s designated Bowling Greens) and croquet, all in the shadow of North Point Lighthouse, a vestige of Lake Michigan’s 19th-century reign. In summer, the lighthouse is open for tours, including a climb to the top (weather permitting).