Three Bridges Park

From Rails to Trails: A Natural Rebirth

Located in the heart of Milwaukee, Three Bridges Park is a 24-acre slice of green serenity that tells quite the comeback story. Once an abandoned rail yard, this spot along the Menomonee River between 27th and 37th Streets has transformed nicely since opening in 2013.

Winding through sculpted hills are two miles of smooth, accessible trails that welcome everyone from casual strollers to dedicated cyclists. As you make your way through the park, you'll catch some impressive views of Milwaukee's skyline - that perfect blend of wild nature against urban backdrop that makes city parks so unique.

Get Moving Outdoors

Regardless of whether you're in the mood for a leisurely walk, morning jog, or bike ride, the well-maintained paths here accommodate all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. The trails are suitable for all ability levels.

The Menomonee River flows through the park, offering limited fishing spots and creating a peaceful backdrop. There's something calming about being near water, even in the middle of the city.

Changing Seasons, Changing Park

When winter blankets Milwaukee, the paved trails transform into ungroomed cross-country ski routes - proof that this park doesn't hibernate when temperatures drop.

Each season brings its own character to Three Bridges. Spring bursts with new growth, summer offers lush green escapes from the heat, fall paints the landscape in warm colors, and winter provides a quiet solitude that's hard to find in urban settings.

Bridging Communities

The park's name comes from its three pedestrian bridges - the Valley Passage, the Silver City Bridge, and the Potawatomi Bridge - which connect surrounding neighborhoods to this green space, improving accessibility.

As part of the Hank Aaron State Trail system, Three Bridges Park plays a key role in Milwaukee's urban trail network, creating extended routes for anyone looking to explore more of the city on foot or by bike.

Nature Reclaiming Space

More than 50,000 plants, trees, and shrubs have taken root since the park's creation, turning what was once an industrial landscape into a more diverse ecosystem.

The vegetation has matured beautifully over the years, creating pockets of lushness that support local wildlife. What makes this landscape unique is how it doesn't hide its industrial past - instead, natural and manufactured elements blend together, telling the story of transformation.

What You'll Find

If you're planning to make a day of it, you'll come across picnic tables on the Canal Street side of the river - fantastic for a packed lunch after exploring the trails.

And good news for dog owners: your four-legged friends are welcome here. Just remember to keep them leashed and clean up after them so everyone can enjoy the park.

More Than a Park

Three Bridges is an outdoor classroom for the Urban Ecology Center, which runs environmental education programs in this living laboratory of urban renewal.

What makes this green space thrive is the ongoing care from both the Urban Ecology Center and community volunteers. It's a grassroots effort that shows what's possible when people commit to preserving natural spaces within our urban landscapes.