Oak Creek Parkway

A Slice of Nature in the City

Located in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, Oak Creek Parkway offers a refreshing escape from urban life without actually leaving the city. Part of Milwaukee's "Emerald Necklace" of interconnected green spaces, this environmental corridor weaves through neighborhoods like a natural thread connecting the community.

Following the gentle meandering of Oak Creek, this park gives you a chance to reconnect with nature without a long drive out of town. The peaceful setting, clear waters, and abundant wildlife make it feel like you've stepped into a different world, even though you're still in Milwaukee.

Room to Roam

Spanning approximately 1,163.6 acres, Oak Creek Parkway gives you plenty of space to stretch your legs and breathe. The park extends from South Milwaukee northward, linking several neighborhoods and creating a green artery through the urban landscape.

The diverse terrain includes shady wooded areas, sunny open fields, and of course, the creek itself. This variety creates perfect habitats for local wildlife - don't be surprised if you spot deer, raccoons, rabbits, or foxes going about their business during your visit.

Get Moving or Just Relax

Oak Creek Parkway offers opportunities both for exercise and relaxation. The well-maintained paved paths are great for walking, jogging, or cycling, while the quieter areas offer peaceful spots for reflection.

If fishing is your thing, you're in luck - especially during salmon runs. Some spots along the creek are known as excellent salmon fishing locations, particularly near the waterfall. During certain seasons, you might even hook king salmon if you're patient and lucky.

Gather and Play

Planning a get-together? The park features several picnic areas, including a covered pavilion that you can reserve for gatherings. The mature trees provide natural shade for impromptu lunches or family outings, no reservation needed.

Families will appreciate the well-maintained playground where kids can burn off energy. Throughout the parkway, large grassy areas offer plenty of space for frisbee, catch, or simply lounging on a blanket with a good book.

A Touch of History

As you explore, you'll come across the historic Chicago & North Western Railroad Overpass from 1883. This beautiful stone arch bridge where the parkway meets the railroad adds a bit of architectural character to your nature walk.

The bridge features dual arches spanning both Oak Creek and the parkway. Though it's been reinforced over the years for safety, it still maintains much of its original 19th-century charm.

Water Wonders

The Mill Pond and adjacent waterfall are arguably the stars of Oak Creek Parkway. These scenic water features create great photo opportunities and are popular fishing spots.

The Mill Pond has recently become a focal point for community conversations about environmental preservation. Local discussions have centered around the future of the Mill Pond Dam and potential ecological restoration projects in the area.

Connected to Milwaukee's Larger Trail System

One of the best things about Oak Creek Parkway is that it's not isolated. It forms part of the larger Oak Leaf Trail network, which spans over 135 miles throughout Milwaukee County. This means you can extend your adventure beyond the parkway if you're feeling ambitious.

The parkway also connects to Grant Park to the east, which leads right to Lake Michigan. In winter, when the trees have shed their leaves, you can catch surprising glimpses of the lake from certain spots along the trail.

Easy to Reach

You don't need a car to enjoy this natural space. The parkway is accessible via public transportation, with Line 15 running north and south nearby. This makes it a truly accessible urban oasis for everyone to enjoy, regardless of how you prefer to travel.