Veterans Park

Lakeside Escape in the Heart of Milwaukee

Nestled along Lake Michigan's shores in downtown Milwaukee, Veterans Park spans a generous 91.8 acres of urban greenery. Born from land reclamation projects that kicked off in 1957, this peaceful city retreat offers an ideal blend of open spaces and waterfront views. From one side, you'll see the vast blue of Lake Michigan; from the other, Milwaukee's impressive skyline rises up - not a bad backdrop for your afternoon outdoors!

Make a Splash

At the heart of the park sits a 14-acre lagoon that was once part of Lake Michigan before being enclosed during the park's creation. When the weather warms up, the lagoon sees plenty of visitors. You can rent adorable swan-shaped paddle boats or take out a kayak to explore the calm waters at your own pace.

If you prefer staying on dry land, a well-maintained path circles the lagoon for about 1.3 miles - great for a casual stroll, morning jog, or bike ride. The trail features several benches along the way when you need a moment to catch your breath or simply soak in the scenery.

View towards N Lincoln Memorial Dr

Photo: Robert Geiger (CC BY 2.0)

Room to Play

Veterans Park offers plenty of wide, open spaces great for spreading out a picnic blanket, launching a kite into the lakefront breeze, or just lounging on the grass. Speaking of kites, the park has become something of a kite flying hotspot, complete with an on-site kite store where you can pick up your own flying contraption if the mood strikes.

The park honors its namesake with several important memorials, including the Southeastern Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial, dedicated in 1991. During Memorial Day weekend, the park features special commemorative displays with flags honoring fallen service members - a moving sight.

Dog owners, rejoice! Your four-legged friends are welcome within the park, provided they stay on leash. It's a great spot to give both you and your pup some fresh air and exercise.

Oak Leaf Trail towards General Douglas MacArthur Statue with Milwaukee Art Museum in the background

Photo: Robert Geiger (CC BY 2.0)

Connections and Perspectives

The park links up with Milwaukee's extensive Oak Leaf Trail system, making it easy to extend your bike ride or walk beyond the park boundaries. Small piers extend into Lake Michigan, offering quiet spots to get closer to the water - excellent for a moment of reflection or just watching the waves roll in.

Seasonal Happenings

Year-round, Veterans Park comes alive with community events. The annual Memorial Day Kite Festival is popular in the area, while other seasons bring outdoor concerts, movie nights, and fitness activities to the grounds.

Its central location puts you within easy reach of other Milwaukee must-sees like the Milwaukee Art Museum, Discovery World, and McKinley Marina. When larger events and concerts happen in the park, there are sound systems and vendor setups available.

Practical Stuff

For your comfort, clean restrooms are available during the warmer months from spring through mid-October. During winter or special events, portable facilities keep things covered.

You'll discover picnic areas with tables scattered throughout the park - ideal for anything from a simple sandwich break to a full family gathering with Lake Michigan as your dining backdrop.

While Veterans Park doesn't have its own playground, families with kids can head over to the nearby McKinley Marina playground, which offers swings, slides, and climbing equipment to burn off extra energy.

Parking is plentiful, but it fills up quickly during events or those perfect summer days when everyone has the same idea to head to the lakefront.