In the heart of downtown Milwaukee, Lakeshore State Park provides a Locationunique urban oasis with recreational and educational opportunities geared to the urban population. Lakeshore State Park offers great views of the city and Lake Michigan and has a reservable, overnight boat slip.
Activities and recreation
Hiking
The park's trails are open to walking and running and offer great views of the Milwaukee skyline, Lake Michigan and Lakeshore’s short grass prairies. Pets are welcome, but must be on a leash 8 feet or shorter and under control at all times.
Bicycling and skating
The paved trails are suitable for bicycling and skating and connect to the Hank Aaron State Trail, the Oak Leaf Trail and Milwaukee's scenic lakefront.
Boating, canoeing and kayaking
Lakeshore State Park has a 20-slip marina for mooring boats up to 60 feet long. The marina is very popular and reservations are recommended. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance on the Wisconsin State Parks reservation system.
Lakeshore’s lagoons offer a great opportunity to practice kayaking. Kayaks can launch and land on the beach or the stone steps at the south end of the island. Cars are not allowed on the trails, so kayaks must be carried or wheeled in.
Users of small watercraft or floatation devices should be aware of the wind conditions on Lake Michigan. Strong west winds can blow watercraft away from the shoreline.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted anywhere along Lakeshore’s shoreline and behind Summerfest’s Marcus Amphitheater. Please avoid walking through the prairies by using the paths cut along the shoreline. Fishing from the pedestrian bridge is not permitted. An accessible fishing pier is located on the south lagoon off the western trail of the island. A fishing license is required for anyone age 16 and over.
Winter activities
Winter hiking and snowshoeing are allowed in the park. Only the east trail is plowed. Bird watching is popular, with close views of many northern waterfowl that use the park’s lagoons. Snowy owls and snow buntings are also commonly observed.
Ice fishing for trout and other fish is popular on the southern lagoon when ice thickness is sufficient.