For Mother's Day, we decided to skip the big fancy brunch, and instead grab coffees and pastries to bring on a walk. It's been quite some time since we've visited Lake Park, but I absolutely love it here! We were actually kicking ourselves that we don't come here more often to enjoy nature, as it really is beautiful in all seasons. There is no shortage of trails, short or long, that wind through the park and dip down into the ravines. This includes stairs and some rockier walk ways that lead out to the lakefront. If you prefer to stay on the flat road, you can enjoy the well-paved paths by foot or by bike. We had our stroller along and were able to push it throughout. You'll pass by a golf course, the fancy Lake Park Bistro restaurant, lawn bowling greens, statues, and even the infamous Milwaukee light house. Looking forward to the summertime in hopes that the weekly concert series returns to this park, in addition to the traveling beer garden. My son should be walking soon enough, so we'll no doubt return to let him run free and get some fresh air, while we enjoy views of the lake! read more

Lake Park - Lighthouse! - Parks Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Lake Park is one of my favorite running and wall spots. It's so beautiful and peaceful with easy access to the beach. I like getting there early in the morning to see the sun rise over the lake. There's so much history to this location. I loved learning more from the Wisconsin Historical Society about how the park was designed and constructed. It's a really cool spot for everyone: runners, walkers, people with dogs or kids, everyone! Enjoy! read more

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Music in the park here was awesome! I often enjoy going on walks around here on the various paths, but stopped by music in the park this past week, and it was so much fun! A few different vendors were available for food and drinks. I usually enjoy the traveling beer garden here, too! One of the best Milwaukee county parks! read more

Lake Park - Music in the Park - Parks Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Since moving back to Milwaukee in 2016, and working nearby, Lake Park has become my go-to park for lunch walks, after work runs, getting out in nature. The County puts money into this park, and the Friends of Lake Park are also to thank for projects like the stone waterfall, new tree plantings, and more. The Monday night concert series in the summer has a nice variety of musical artists, and the Sprecher traveling beer garden usually stops in Lake Park for a few weeks. Tennis courts are kept up, there's a great playground for kids, and this is one of Milwaukee's best parks! 5-star update. read more

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Absolutely love this park! We have pretty much walked through this park in all different seasons. It has really good trails in the ravines, a beautiful lighthouse, majestic lion statues and so.much more. Its. A great park to walk your dog, take pictures for holiday cards/engagement announcements and to just sit and take in the beauty. In the spring, this park is s really fantastic place to bird watch. It's an easy walk over from Bradford Beach. read more

Great place to walk, there's tons of short little trails around the creeks and then long walking paths that go by the lighthouse and have views of the lake. I went with my dog and had a nice time. Parking was a little difficult to find because it gets packed quickly but there's ton of street parallel parking and some parking lots. I got lucky and got a spot in the lot across from Bradley Beach. read more

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Lake park is probably one of the prettiest parks on the lakefront. It's also under 3 miles from my house, so it's weird then that I sometimes forget about it. I lived my early twenties around the upper east side and my mid-20s until ahem, **cough, cough** "now," on the lower east side and well, the two sides of the same part of town do have a slightly different feel to them. Lake park, situated on the upper eastside, is always somewhere in the back of my mind and I feel like I'm going back to another time when I come here So, the park: its called "lake park" and although it isn't directly on the shoreline, the vistas looking out from that big bluff overlooking the beach are spectacular in their own way. Rarely does the lake look so pretty. Stately historic homes with big beautiful gardens line the opposite side of the street. You've probably heard it was designed by the same guy who did Central Park, & there is a little something for everyone here including golf, tennis, playgrounds, a lighthouse, trails & staircases through forested ravines, big stone bridges, statues, bocce ball -- there's even a Bartolotta restaurant here. I **think** theres a few parking lots. Otherwise you have to do street parking if you drive here. The last time I was here I was on my bike, standing in front of a steep staircase going down into a ravine, doing some texting-yelping-other-activities-on-the-phone-requiring-intense-looks-and-furrowed-brows. A jogger went to go down the stairs and asked me if I wanted help carrying my bike down the stairs. I wasn't headed that way so I said no and thanked them for offering, but I thought that exchange really spoke to the friendliness and spirit of the people who come here. This is definitely a nice place to spend a few hours - I don't get to this park as often as others but its a great asset to the UWM area, east side, and city in general. read more

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Lake Park is certainly one of the most beautiful parks in Milwaukee. Having been designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same designer of Central Park in New York City, it is a true work of art. You can see though thought and craft in every corner. It has a fairly large sprawl along the edge of the East Side of Milwaukee. It has tennis courts, a golf course and lawn bowling, picnic areas and beautiful bridges, a hidden waterfall and the North Point Lighthouse, rain gardens and towering trees, and varied paths for walking, running, and urban hiking. And there are benches in every stretch to sit and enjoy the splendor of it all. The lion bridge is one of the park's trademarks of the park and is worth the visit. Of course, I'm biased since my husband and I were married in the clearing just northeast of the lion bridge. It was the most magical venue for our wedding and its remains just as magical when we visit on our evening walks. Whatever your park going wants are - make sure to stop by Lake Park! read more

Beautiful park abutting the Lake Michigan shoreline. Very popular from spring to fall. Food available. Only thing missing is a beer garden, but very close to riverfront parks Eastabrook and Hubbard and their lovely beer gardens read more

***This is one beautiful park that provides great views of Lake Michigan (it is quiet and peaceful even though it is only a mile or so away from Downtown Milwaukee); the greens are very lush and well kept; there also seems to be a variety of activities from picnic areas to sports fields (they also have lawn bowling though I think you have to be a member to use these courts)*** There seems to be a few free parking lots available as well as free street parking. read more

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I had forgotten how beautiful this place was until I went there today for a picnic lunch. I used to live right next to this amazing park and spent countless hours wandering it's paths, exploring the gorges and just loving some of the best that Mother Nature has to offer in Milwaukee. With scenic vistas of Lake Michigan from every view- you'll find it hard to believe that you are in the middle of a metropolitan area. This park was designed back in the 1800's by Frederick Olmstead, the same architect that designed New York;s Central Park and the homes surrounding it date back to the end of that century and are also magnificent to look at -given their craftsmanship can't be replicated today. If wandering aimlessly through the park is not your style- you can golf at a city run golf course (opened in 1930), play bocci ball with the "older guys" (be sure to listen to all their stories) or marvel at the lighthouse on the hill (especially scenic if the fog is coming in) The Lake Park Bistro (another review for another time) sits at the eastern edge of the park on a cliff overlooking Lake Michigan. And the stairs behind it leading down to the lakefront are a bride's dream pictures come true. Some of my favorite moments when I lived in Milwaukee were spent just sitting on a picnic table in Lake Park, enjoying a perfect seasonal day (no matter the season) and just living some of the best that Milwaukee has to offer. It's pretty close to perfection. read more

Lovely tennis courts, a pretty serious play area for the kiddies, trails, grassy areas, picnic spots, trees, easy parking, a baseball diamond in the rough... This park has it all, doesn't it? It does, though! Lake Park is accessible for Milwaukeeans (east siders especially) and boasts all sorts of amenities for the green-space loving park goer in YOU. I was at Lake Park this past Friday to work on my super shoddy backhand, and saw no less than the following: -kids rocking tennis lessons -a party of 20-30-somethings in a picnic area, throwing back beers and burgers at noon -young families at the playground area -a lady running with a stroller -an elderly couple on a stroll Friday, noon. Bustling! This park is pretty dang great. It's pretty huge, too. The one thing that's kind of confusing is the parking situation, however. You can park in the lot off of Lincoln Memorial Drive, but you can also enter through the Lake Park Bistro entrance. No parking on the streets per the signage, so just be clear about where you're meeting and where you should park and you'll be just fine. read more

I can't believe I have never been here before. It's right off of the Lake parkway and not hard to find at all. Except Google maps wanted us to turn into the park where the entrance is blocked off. We drove a little further and found the entrance by making an illegal U-turn. Yes there is a Poke-stop here. In fact, those Pokes are everywhere! The park at times reminds me of Grant park with some paths that have wooden bridges and stairs. There are a lot of neat things to look at such as the sandstone lions that are a part of the main bridge and the Northpoint light house. We sat there for a bit and watched people tripping over each other. The crowd reminded me of Jurassic park at times as we saw a whole herd of boys walking together. I also loved looking at the expensive houses. Lake Park Bistro is right there too as well as a golf course, picnic areas, and a kids tot lot. I didn't see one bubble though. Thankfully I brought my Yelp water bottle with me. read more

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This is a great park to explore. Nice walking paths, statues, lighthouse, view of the lake and a creek. read more

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Lake Park, one of Milwaukee's supposedly haunted locations makes for a nice stroll out in the sun! The North Point lighthouse is located here if you're into historical sights. There is also a golf course and a restaurant in the park. My favorite it walking down into the wooded trails. read more

Lake Park - Parks Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Somehow I've spent two of my Fourth of Julys randomly rolling through Milwaukee and Lake Park in the last eight years. Each time, I'm amazed at the fun energy this town pumps into celebrating the fourth by camping in this public park along the lake. With the art museum tucked in there as well as a few other attractions, this is a great spot to roll around on rental bikes, grab lunch or picnic. If you're looking for an outdoorsy meets urban Fourth of July experience, this is it. They map out hundred of plots for folks to set up camp with a stone's throw of downtown Milwaukee. The park boasts a trail along the lakeshore, a pond like area ideal for kayaks and a handful of businesses to grab coffee or a snack. read more

Best place to go for a nice relaxing walk. Never crowded & just it feels good to connect with Mother Nature in the heart of the city! read more

Lake Park - Parks Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Elizabeth Barrett Browning Waxes Poetic to Lake Park (With updated commentary) How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth (Kenwood Boulevard to North Avenue) and breadth (From Lake Drive to Lake Michigan and Wahl Ave to Lincoln Memorial) and height (80 feet from beach to upper park) My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight (In 138 Acres, it's easy to get out of sight) For the ends of being and ideal grace. (The ends being at Kenwood Boulevard and North Avenue) I love thee to the level of every day's Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. (And a 4th Order Fresnel lens in the lighthouse) I love thee freely, as men strive for right. (Unless you want to play golf, then there's a fee.) I love thee purely, as they turn from praise. (Voted Best of Milwaukee 2012) I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith. (Lawn bowling but alas, no bocce) I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath, (That I am out of after climbing the Grand Staircase) Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death. (But not in the Native American burial mound, okay? There are laws about that.) There are at least 23 ways to love Lake Park, in case YOU want to count them all. Let's give it a try: 1) The 138.1 acre park was designed in the late 1800s by Frederick Law Olmsted, the noted landscape architect. (Olmsted is remembered for designing New York's Central Park, the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago and the grounds of the Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate.) The park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. How do I love thee point 1? The NRHP plaque in the far NE corner. 2) An 1893 brick clad, closed spandrel arch bridge carries Lake Park Drive from Kenwood Blvd. The parkway used to run the full length of the park, it no longer does. It's too bad you can't see the sides of this lovely bridge, the Terra Cotta decor is beautiful. (It's being restored as I write this.) 3) The 1899 horse barn is now a service building, on Kenwood Blvd. 4) American War Mothers' Plaque. Lots of memorials in this beautiful place. 5) A playground was built in 1906 and it was rebuilt in 1995. 6) An ice rink warming house that was added in 1965. 7) Tennis courts that were added in 1909. 8) The location of the Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Company streetcar station at Locust Street. The loop is where the trackless trolleys used to turn around. 9) A Native American burial mound, the last one left in Milwaukee County. The rest were all destroyed through development. 10) A rustic footbridge, added in the 1890s. 11) Another American War Mothers' Plaque. 12) A beautiful iron arch bridge, from 1893, that used to carry traffic but now is a pedestrian bridge. 13) The grand main entrance to the park off Lake Drive at Kenwood Blvd. The esplanade is usually covered with flowers. 14) A par three golf course. 15) Lawn bowling. 16) Concrete Arch pedestrian bridge over Ravine Drive, built in 1905 and except for the missing urn balustrades, looks pretty much the way it did 110 years ago. It connected the north end of the park to... 17) ...the pavilion (now a popular restaurant) and the Marcia Coles Community Room. 18) The Grand Staircase. When it was built in 1908, it was connected to a promenade that led to a sports arena. The arena and promenade are long gone, but the grand staircase is landscaped in an interesting way. 19) A Nike Missile Radar Tracking Site, a former Cold War asset, now used as a service building. It is right across the old parkway (now a recreational trail) from... 20) ...the General Erastus B. Wolcott M.D. memorial. He was the Surgeon General of Wisconsin in the Civil War and was a pioneer in the care of veterans. General Wolcott was the driving force behind the Veterans Administration and for building of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in Wood. His wife, Dr. Laura Ross Wolcott, an early woman physician, commissioned this sculpture by Francis Herman Packer. 21) The Lion Bridges, just south of Dr. Wolcott. They were built in 1896-97 and once carried vehicular traffic. The pride of eight lions were sculpted by Paul Kupper and donated by the Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Company. The bridges were restored in 2010-11 with the underbrush cut away so you can now appreciate their beauty. 22) Between the Lion Bridges is a small courtyard at the top of the bluff. The original Cream City Brick lighthouse was here but was replaced in 1888. A cannonade is on a point, and yes, there used to be a cannon there. No one knows what it was for or what happened to it. It might have been used as a fog signal, and was probably melted down for scrap during WWI. 23) The North Point Lighthouse. It has it's own Yelp listing, go see it there. Are there more ways to love Lake Park? Indubitably there are - but you'll have to go there to find them! read more

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Lake Park rules. You get the sense of its history while there, and the location is a no-brainer. This park was within a short bike ride growing up, so there were many occasions to head over and explore the trails, different levels and attractions of the park. Since it's partially on a hill or bluff, there's a lot of different feels to the park. It can be open and breezy one minute, mysterious and intriguing the next. The lighthouse, statues and oddities really give it that extra bit of character and charm. Plus, it's beautiful. read more

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Great strand of parks along the water. Makes for a beautiful walk... Picture Chicago's lake path...but no people!!! Nice :) Only problem is the path runs right next to a busy 4 lane street, so its not too peaceful. Also, there seem to be some cool spots to stop in summer (like the cow painted ice cream hut looking place) but in the fall it's all closed up, which mean no bathrooms ANYWHERE!!! read more

The recent (hilarious) news story about the semi driver trying to cross the lion bridge got me thinking about this place again recently. There's a joke in there somewhere, but I'm tired and not clever enough to find it. I used to live near Lake Park. Frankly, I think it's the best park in the city. This park is probably the best developed in the Milwaukee County Parks System. There's plenty of space for hiking if you're into that (although--and this isn't a knock on Lake Park, I do prefer the Wehr Center in the southwest part of the county for that), but the real draw is all the amenities: tennis courts, picnic areas, those lawn-bowling areas that I didn't know what they were for until someone told me... And don't forget those fantastic views of Lake Michigan. I could watch the waves for hours, some days. East Siders are lucky to have this place so near to them. It's one of the few things I do actually miss about living on the East Side. read more

Just found this gem after living in Milwaukee for my whole life. Beautiful a wonderful park to walk the dogs and enjoy the day. read more

Lake Park - A nice addition to a beautiful park - Parks Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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I don't know much about the history of urban planning in Milwaukee, but there must have been some battles won to keep this wonderful parkland where it is and the way it is. There aren't that many cities in the US, or probably even worldwide, that would leave not only the land by the lake but a large park between the neighborhoods and the lake. I hope the residents of Milwaukee will continue to elect leaders that will preserve the long paths, trees and hills that everyone in the future can continue to enjoy. read more

An unbelievable asset for the city of Milwaukee. If you are visiting the city, definitely a place to check out / go for a run through. Nice playground for kids. Plenty of walking and running trails. Well maintained across the board. read more

Just a beautiful park, less crowded than the water break area or the park where everyone flies their kites. We came here, found a quiet and sunny spot in the grass and just hung out. It was beautiful and you could every once in a while see the lake as it peaked through the trees. We sat on the ridge by the Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro. read more

Just a bit on the County Golf Courses. If it weren't for Grant (my favorite) and Brown Deer I would have to knock off one star. This is still a bargain for golfers who are wanting the experience without the costs. Where in the country can you find an executive 9 like Lincoln and walk on on a Saturday or Sunday for less than $15.00. Lake park is ideal for teaching your kids about the game and you won't have to worry about pace of play. Overall the courses can be a bit worn and at times the pace is slow but I've seen semi-private courses that can't compete. read more

Milwaukee has some of the most beautiful parks I have ever visited The trails are nice and so are the scenic views of Lake Michigan.

A hidden national treasure. I understand that it was designed by the same individual who did DC. Gorgeously cultivated green spaces that make the city feel miles away. Beautiful views of the lake. LOVED that people started flocking to this incredible space for PokemonGO- am disappointed that the neighbors who viewed the park as their personal backyard reduced the number of PokeStops in the park to decrease the park's use. read more

What a beautiful park. I hadn't been to Lake Park in years and years. Lake Park served as the site of our engagement pictures. My fiance and I walked the lush, green shaded paths and paused at the beautiful bridges for pictures. We ventured down to the nature trails for pictures as well. We also had an adventure of climbing up a slippery, muddy hill. Thanks to me being dressed all cute, I tumbled on the muddy hill only getting my sleeve muddy. Thank goodness that black and white can hide such craziness. Despite the mud and humidity, our shoot went extremely well and the weather held off for us to get the pics in. read more

Lake Park is certainly one of my favorite parks in the Milwaukee area. It's a great little space to wander through after a meal on Downer Ave. or just to relax with a good book. In addition to the gorgeous views of Milwaukee and Lake Michigan, the park is clean and well-maintained. You can visit the lighthouse or hang out by the lion statues. It's a big enough park that it never seems to feel crowded, and it's peaceful enough that you'd never think you were so close to downtown. read more

The Park System is the best in the Midwest. Ignore any whiners complaints about delayed upkeep. If your local Park is not kept up, it's due to hoodlums. All the money in the world can't keep up with persistent vandals. Over TIME the parks get all the care needed for them to be fun places to enjoy. I've seen tiny local parks here with lakes for crying out loud. You'll have to search a long time to find that kind of feature in a city park outside of the Milwaukee system. Teach your kids to pick up litter after other people, and the city will always be a great place to visit for the next 100 years. read more

Lake Park is one of the crown jewels of Milwaukee. As some have already stated, it was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. I wasn't even aware of that until recently, but you can definitely see his influence. He was a major influence in and on our National Parks and as it turns out some of our best city parks as well. While the park looks a nice urban park at first glance, it's so much more. Sure they've got the golf course, the baseball diamond, etc. However it's what lies beneath the surface that makes this park so great. For starters you have the ravines. They provide great little hikes and a natural landscape. One of them even has a waterfall that has just been re-landscaped and looks great. You've also got some interesting landmarks. From the bridges to the Wolcott statue to the lighthouse, it all adds to the history and the character of the park. The best thing about this park though are the birds. I'm a bird nerd... err, bird stud, and this is one of the best birding spots in the State. The ravines and proximity to Lake Michigan make for a great spot during migration seasons. The birds you can see here on a Spring day rival those of just about anywhere else you could go in the area. I think if the majority of the people jogging through the park or walking their dogs would stop if they knew what was in the tree just off the trail. Milwaukee is lucky to have a park like Lake Park and hopefully the city never forgets that. read more

Good for hammocking and a nice stroll through the park! Never too crowded, unless you're golfing.

Gorgeous park! I believe there is something here for just about anyone. Good paths for walking/running, tennis courts, ball diamond, soccer fields, par-3 golf course....etc. As far as sports I think the only thing missing is a basketball court; granted the park is huge so I may have just not come across it yet. Some very good views of the lake and a lot of wide open space for picnics and such. I live about 6 blocks away and we are there all the time. Total gem! read more

Fantastic running trails, beautiful park, right by the lake; what more could you want?

I moved to Milwaukee from landlocked Atlanta, and then adopted a dog, so I've spent lots of time walking in pretty much every nook and cranny of this park and the surrounding neighborhoods. I have also written many a melody here, since I'm also a songwriter. The changing weather is exciting because you look down over Lake Michigan and each time it's a little different. Sometimes it looks glazed over and calm - and others, bright blue and waves crashing. It's not ever very crowded, even in the summer when the sun is beating down. It's a wide open green space, full of nature. My dog let out a few barks one day and lo-and-behold out came a fox or coyote - we didn't hang out to find out - we ran toward the bocche ball and golf course. Yes, it first struck me as this really old-school Milwaukee place, and it is, but when I leave Milwaukee soon, this is going to be a park I remember fondly and will miss a lot. People are friendly and say hello. The mansions across the street from the park are really historic and lovely. No McMansions and in the Spring the gardens are extraordinary. Yeah, I like this park. So does my dog. read more