Biking & Walking-Friendly Areas in Milwaukee, United States
1. Menomonee River Parkway
A scenic biking and walking trail that follows the Menomonee River, offering stunning views and a peaceful escape from city life.
- Natural Beauty: Features lush greenery, wildlife, and several beautiful bridges.
- Length: Stretches for over 14 miles, making it an ideal spot for long bike rides or leisurely walks.
- Accessibility: Well-maintained trail with multiple access points throughout the city.
2. Oak Leaf Trail
A network of trails spanning Milwaukee County, connecting popular parks and attractions for biking and walking.
- Connectivity: Links up key locations like Miller Park, Mitchell Park Conservatory, and Lake Park.
- Length: Over 100 miles of interconnected trails cater to both casual and avid bikers.
- Scenic Views: Offers views of parks, urban landscapes, and Milwaukee's famous landmarks.
3. Milwaukee Riverwalk
A pedestrian-friendly promenade along the Milwaukee River, offering dining, shopping, and sightseeing opportunities.
- Urban Amenities: Features restaurants, shops, and public art installations.
- Accessibility: Easy access from downtown hotels and attractions.
- Architectural Interest: Showcases Milwaukee's unique architecture, including the historic Pere Marquette Park.
4. Root River Bike Trail
A scenic biking and walking trail that runs along the Root River, providing a peaceful escape from city life.
- Natural Beauty: Features lush greenery, wildlife, and several picturesque bridges.
- Length: Stretches for over 40 miles from Hudson to La Crosse, with a Milwaukee section included.
- Accessibility: Well-maintained trail with multiple access points throughout the Milwaukee area.
5. Hank Aaron State Trail
A multi-use trail that offers a connection between downtown Milwaukee and the Miller Park Stadium.
- Connectivity: Links up key locations like Miller Park, Menomonee Valley, and downtown Milwaukee.
- Length: Over 8 miles long, providing ample opportunities for biking and walking.
- Urban Amenities: Features eateries, parks, and views of Miller Park's iconic retractable roof.
6. Lakefront Trail
A scenic biking and walking trail that follows the Milwaukee lakefront, offering stunning views of Lake Michigan.
- Natural Beauty: Features beautiful lake views, parks, and wildlife.
- Length: Stretches for over 10 miles from the Lake Park to Veterans Park.
- Accessibility: Easy access from downtown hotels and attractions.
7. Kettle Moraine State Forest
A vast forest park offering biking and hiking trails, scenic lakes, and camping opportunities.
- Natural Beauty: Features rolling hills, kettle lakes, and diverse wildlife.
- Length of Trails: Offers over 160 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
- Outdoor Activities: Includes camping facilities, picnic areas, and equestrian centers.
8. South Shore Park
A beautiful park with a scenic bike trail along the lakefront, offering stunning views of Lake Michigan.
- Natural Beauty: Features lush greenery, wildlife, and picturesque lake views.
- Length: The bike trail is approximately 2 miles long, perfect for leisurely rides or walks.
- Accessibility: Easy access from downtown Milwaukee and the South Shore Line train station.
9. Washington Park
A vibrant urban park with walking paths, sports facilities, and a beautiful conservatory.
- Urban Amenities: Features sports fields, tennis courts, and picnic areas.
- Scenic Views: Includes a beautiful conservatory, rose garden, and lily pond.
- Accessibility: Centrally located in the city and accessible via public transportation.
10. Villard Avenue Bike Boulevard
A residential bike route designed to prioritize cyclists with slower traffic speeds and dedicated lanes.
- Safety: Slower traffic speeds and dedicated bike lanes enhance safety for cyclists.
- Connectivity: Links up key neighborhoods like Riverwest, Villard Avenue, and Martin Drive.
- Local Businesses: Passes through local businesses and restaurants for easy stops along the way.
11. East Side Bike Loop
A scenic bike route that takes riders through Milwaukee's East Side neighborhoods and parks.
- Scenic Views: Offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan, parks, and urban landscapes.
- Connectivity: Links up key neighborhoods like East Side, Bay View, and St. Francis.
- Local Businesses: Passes through local businesses and restaurants for easy stops along the way.
12. Westside Bike Loop
A scenic bike route that takes riders through Milwaukee's West Side neighborhoods and parks.
- Scenic Views: Offers beautiful views of the Menomonee River, parks, and urban landscapes.
- Connectivity: Links up key neighborhoods like West Allis, Wauwatosa, and Washington Heights.
- Local Businesses: Passes through local businesses and restaurants for easy stops along the way.
13. Ozaukee Interurban Bike Trail
A scenic biking trail that runs along an old railway line between Port Washington and Saukville.
- Natural Beauty: Features lush greenery, wetlands, and several picturesque bridges.
- Length: Stretches for over 30 miles, with a Milwaukee extension included.
- Accessibility: Well-maintained trail with multiple access points throughout the Ozaukee area.
14. Riverwest 24 Bike Co-op
A non-profit bike shop that offers bike repairs, rentals, and education in Milwaukee's Riverwest neighborhood.
- Repairs and Maintenance: Offers bike repair services and educational workshops.
- Bike Rentals: Rents bicycles for short-term use or daily excursions.
- Community Engagement: Promotes bike safety, education, and community engagement through events and programs.
15. Wheel & Sprocket Bicycle Co.
A full-service bike shop offering sales, service, and rentals in Milwaukee's Shorewood neighborhood.
- Sales: Offers a wide selection of new and used bicycles.
- Service: Provides bike repairs, maintenance, and custom builds.
- Rentals: Rents bicycles for short-term use or daily excursions.