McKinley Park

McKinley Park is a 102.2-acre public park located along the shores of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Originally established in 1887 as Flushing Tunnel Park, it was later renamed McKinley Park. The park's history is closely tied to public sanitation improvements, as it was initially created around a flushing tunnel built to back flush the Milwaukee River.

Today, McKinley Park serves as a popular recreational area for Milwaukee residents and visitors. It features expansive green spaces with mowed lawns and deciduous trees throughout. The park's location on Lake Michigan's western shore provides scenic views of the lake and access to water activities.

A key feature of McKinley Park is the McKinley Marina, Milwaukee County's only public lakefront marina. The marina offers 655 boat slips with floating docks, providing boaters with access to Lake Michigan. Adjacent to the marina is a public boat launch facility.

The park has undergone various improvements and changes over the years. In 1989, McKinley Beach was constructed, serving both as a recreational resource and as a buffer between Lake Michigan and Lincoln Memorial Drive. However, the beach was closed in 2020 due to safety concerns and underwent renovation work in 2023 to address these issues.

McKinley Park is part of the larger Lake Michigan Parkway system in Milwaukee, connecting it to other lakefront parks and providing continuous public access along the shoreline. The park's layout and amenities make it a versatile space for various outdoor activities and events throughout the year.