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    Bender Park

    4.5 (16 reviews)

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    sunrise on the greatest lake
    Daniel P.

    it's so Wisconsin here that I'm seriously considering parking a high mileage Winnebago at the far end of the lot and settling in for the duration except for, well, you know... January. it's just mid-December now and it's already bug killing cold out... water at the shore is starting to freeze into fantastic shapes as it slaps the colder boulders around the boat launch. slightly sub-freezing with light winds out of the west and I'm the only one out here not dressed appropriately; even the deer are wearing hats! a half dozen cars in the lot buttoned up against the chill, people quietly watching the sun rise, looking ahead to the possibilities of a new day, a new year. meanwhile, the bluff hides the bustle of construction top side: fancy little houses too close together trying too hard to blend. meanwhile, life goes on at a slower pace down here as the sand gradually gives place to the water or the grass in turn.

    Bender from the top of the bluff, at the trailhead
    Jason K.

    Bender park keeps growing and expanding, and I like it more and more every time I visit. It is tucked away along the lake in Oak Creek, with a boat ramp, swimming area, large parking lot, and some hiking trails. It connects over to Lake Vista Park, which makes for some nice hiking options along the water or along the paved trail at the top of the hill. It is a great place to park, have a picnic, take a little hike, launch a boat, or have a beach day.

    Lisa A.

    If you can use your imagination and photoshop out that PowerPlant and smoke stack your in for some outstanding lake bluff hiking. You can of course drive all the way down to the beach front, but parking at the top gives you access to miles of trails...go northeast and you are in the middle of woods with several overlooks to the lake below. Go over the main road to an open sort of prairie area and continue on south and hike can get some great shots of the lakefront (again, minus the power plant) Great hiking opportunities abound!

    Ann H.

    I love this park. For a park outside the Milwaukee city limits, Bender Park really has some of the most awesome views from atop the bluffs. Seeing the sun rise across the lake, or set behind the bluffs is a not to be missed experience. The county has shored up the banks in this locale with some really huge boulders that are great places for kids to climb around, but if you stumble on them, can create some serious damage. I have the scar on my shin to show for a misstep on those slippery rocks. But for the available view, it's worth it. I like the area around the boat launch here, it's very serene despite the small beach and the boat slip area, both of which can be busy on those gorgeous spring, summer days. All the times I've been to Bender, it's been a comfortable-busy, never a crowd that has you afraid to turn around for fear you'll have to dodge elbows or flying beach furniture. Even the pavilion crowds are of a manageable size.

    Walking from the playground to the first shelter.
    Ashely V.

    What a great park nestled away in Oak Creek. This is my second time here this summer. The first time was for a beer garden at Lake Vista Park, which I think is connected to here? This time my hubby and I came for an evening hike along the lakefront. How beautiful everything is. The trails are nice and paved, the views of the lake are breath taking, and the playground and picnic shelters are really awesome. I can't wait to come back here!

    Wild flowed and rocks along the lake

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    9 years ago

    Great park, nicely tucked away from the main stream of life. Excellent boat launch along with several trails to walk in the evening.

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    Review Highlights - Bender Park

    water at the shore is starting to freeze into fantastic shapes as it slaps the colder boulders around the boat launch.

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    Lake Vista Park

    Lake Vista Park

    5.0(2 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    Lake Vista Park: Located in Oak Creek and nestled along the shore of Lake Michigan, this park has…read moresomething for everyone. First, there is a modern playground for kids along with a spacious field for recreational activities. A pavilion that can be rented for social events (parties) is also available near the playground. For nature enthusiasts, a handicap accessible paved walkway leads down to the lake, but for more adventurous parkgoers, there are also trails through the dense forest. The views of the lake can be spectacular at the right time of day and when the weather cooperates. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. I can't wait to visit in the autumn when the peak color changes occur.

    Lake Vista Park opened in summer 2020, and will in a few years be one of everyone's favorite MKE…read moreCounty Parks destinations, if it isn't their favorite already. With a big new public building, trails, playground, pathways and rest buildings, it's setting the bar high for new Parks! I came here for a launch party back in fall 2020, complete with a cover band, food trucks, a beer truck, and recently returned to do some hiking! True to its name, it has an incredible view of the Lake, and great trails leading to the Lake viewing area, as well as trails that go down towards the Lake, and also to Bender Park. For cross-park hiking, you can park at Lake Vista, at Bender, or in-between both parks. The bird blinds and rest houses are really unique, and there are lots of accessible trails. Since I parked along the Lakefront at Bender Park, I took the Lake trail back to Bender; which does involve some stealth climbing. They should 100% officially connect the two parks at Lake level. Still, Lake Vista Park is incredible, and bound to become one of the crown jewels in the MKE County Parks system.

    Photos
    Lake Vista Park
    Lake Vista Park
    Lake Vista Park

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    Abendschein Park

    Abendschein Park

    4.2(5 reviews)
    3.1 mi

    Absolutely BEAUTIFUL park! Lots of Disc fold happening, great ball diamond, excellent trails for…read moreruns, walks, bike rides and dog walks. Also Great for the kids! Nestled amidst the tranquility of the Root River Parkway adjacent to the Oak Leaf Trail.....miles off beauty just moments away from Lake Michigan, Michelle International Airport. ( Great watching the incoming planes ) There are flushable toilets and running water at this river area oasis. That right there gives the place the first 3 stars . ; ) Benches are sturdy and plentiful, really nice bleachers for ball games, lots of acreage for family outings and cookouts and.... I'm almost certain that the actual Golf coarse is about half block East on Drexel. ( just in case I'm wrong on that count, PLEASE Google it!! Same park name buy for GOLF ) Put this on your list of great outdoor experiences and you won't be sorry!!

    We rented the baseball diamond for my boyfriends birthday party and played kickball. It was a ton…read moreof fun and a lot cheaper than I expected. It was only $25 for a beer and wine pass. We brought coolers full of beer and an electric grill too but you do need the key to get to any outlets that aren't in the bathroom. The key I picked up at the oak creek library and it was really simply to rent it. It is $10 per hour to rent the field if you're an oak creek resident $20 if your not. We had a blast.

    Photos
    Abendschein Park - Hidden Kitchen food truck

    Hidden Kitchen food truck

    Abendschein Park - Crushed gravel path to Bender, paved path to Grant

    Crushed gravel path to Bender, paved path to Grant

    Abendschein Park - Cricket

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    Cricket

    Franklin Woods Nature Center - Downed tree is beautiful

    Franklin Woods Nature Center

    4.5(2 reviews)
    5.8 mi

    Franklin Woods' playground area has greatly improved since they put in Kayla's Playground- a…read morehandicap-friendly and large playground to suit many ages. This playground and nearby picnic area is much improved, and they've also doubled the size of the parking lot, which is nice, and the playground is really a popular attraction. I've been coming here to hike the woodland trail for years, and it's a nice secluded hike with one main trail and a short offshoot. It's dog friendly, and we like to hike it year-round. If hiking in the winter, wear boots, as the trail can get icy. It's a nice secluded trail that connects to the neighborhood nearby. The paved loop around the marsh is nice as well. I would like to see them bring back the interpretive nature sign by the woodland path that told you about the numbered trees in the trail. The signs that do remain look unused, and the one by the marsh is broken with a small beehive inside. Small improvements to the "nature center" part of this area would make it five stars.

    This park has greatly improved from what it was just a few years ago. It started with a tiny…read moreparking lot and trails through the woods. Then a playground and walking track was added. Now there is a big parking area and a handicap accessible playground- but my favorite part is still the original woodsy trails. From spring through fall(not a fan of winter walking) I have walked these woods, watching the birth, life and death of so many cool plants and foliage. In spring there is an impressive Trillium bloom that can be seen from the road. The trails are good for walking dogs too, but please clean up after them! The walking trail is very flat so anyone of any age can enjoy it. I can't speak for the playground as I'm a bit too old to partake, but the swings were always fun ;)

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    Franklin Woods Nature Center
    Franklin Woods Nature Center - Snowy woods

    Snowy woods

    Franklin Woods Nature Center - Winter wonderland

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    Winter wonderland

    Seven Bridges - Entrance

    Seven Bridges

    4.6(72 reviews)
    3.6 mi

    Beautiful park that has a path that leads straight out to Lake Michigan. This trail made it feel…read morelike I was back home in Colorado and gives someone who's homesick a little sense of peace and comfort. Highly recommend in fall! PSA: Be aware of ticks!!

    I absolutely love this park. Ive been coming here since i was a little girl and it hasn't lost its…read morecharm quite yet although slowly falling apart. I frequent this park often and it does seem like they are trying to keep up with damaged walkways and fallen trees as best as possible. This trail connects over to grant park as well as the neighboring golf course. Many picnic areas, walking trails, views, and two points of beach access. The stairs here are VERY steep, and the pathways are generally NOT smooth. If these are concerns for you be weary! Bathrooms are as clean as you can expect at a park, trash cans are never left filthy, and parks people as well as park enjoyers all do a pretty good job of picking up any litter or trash left behind. Passer by'ers are typically friendly, and can even offer tidbits of information about the native plant life growing around you! If you care to say hello. In the summers on the weekends this place gets pretty crazy, and becomes a park i no longer enjoy. Visitors from nearby locations blast loud music, graffiti trees, leave mounds of garbage, and totally wreck the place. Photographers and photoshoots engulf the area, making it impossible to actually just relax enjoy the park. But thats not the parks fault! It really is beautiful! Summer visitors do show a lack of respect for the wildlife, however. If you are a large group, summer enjoyer. There are different events that take place here such as the annual beer garden. Theres a pavilion available for reservations for parties and events. Fall time is also awesome here. Whether you prefer a short scenic drive to admire the trees, or prefer to be more immersed, this place has color!! Hands down one of my favorite places to spend me time. On the right day, in the right season that is.

    Photos
    Seven Bridges - On any given Sunday

    On any given Sunday

    Seven Bridges
    Seven Bridges

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    Bender Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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