Best Parks For Picnics In Milwaukee Near Me

4worldlovers: The public access staircase to Lake Michigan at Virmond County Park is now open!

To date, this work was largely completed during the winter months. Department staff, contractors, and other partners have been continually observing site conditions throughout for suitable, safe access to continue project activities. Due to recent toe erosion on the bluff and changing lake levels, the Department completed revised design and engineering plans that assisted in completing the stairway to the beach. The Department is seeking additional donations to fund this final phase.

The Department has been working with Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP) and Wisconsin Coastal Hazards Work Group since 2015 on the design, engineering, and construction unique pilot project for public access to Lake Michigan.

The County received design and engineering funds from Wisconsin DNR Stewardship and WCMP in 2017 and 2018. This unique, pilot project design and engineering include patented construction techniques as well as meets international design standards for a public access structure. A stairway structure meeting international design standards for a bluff site has not previously been constructed for public use.

In finalizing design and engineering plans to meet these international standards (e.g., PE stamped engineering plans), construction cost estimates doubled from original concept plans.

Stairway construction has been designed and phased to protect the sensitive bluff ecology and has not caused additional erosion at the site.

The County has simultaneously conducted and completed a surface and groundwater study for all of Virmond County Park that will guide the sustainability of this unique pilot public access project (funded by a 2021 WCMP Coastal Resiliency grant).

The County secured Phase I construction funding and began construction in the winter of 2019 – 2020.

Phase I construction was completed at the end of winter 2020, which represents approximately 50% of the total construction.

Suitable site conditions for construction, as the frozen ground is most suitable for safe working conditions and to minimize impact to sensitive bluff ecology.

Full staircase completion was not possible during a single winter construction season.

At the outset of Phase I construction, the County secured significant funding for Phase II construction (WCMP and private foundation grants).

Phase II construction funding includes bluff top gateway amenities (informational kiosk, brick paver path), additional landscaping, and native vegetation restoration.

Vegetation restoration is being guided by ecological experts from the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, UW Sea Grant, State of Wisconsin Coastal Hazards Work Group and the Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department.

The County monitored conditions throughout the spring, summer, and fall of 2021 for possibly resuming construction. Construction of Phase II resumed in January, 2022 with the start of suitable site conditions (e.g., frozen bluff face) to protect the ecologically sensitive bluff and allow for safe working conditions.

Due to toe erosion on the bluff in 2022, the County has completed revised design and engineering plans that will assist in completing the stairway to the beach. This revised design required a Phase III construction.

Phase III construction went through winter 2022-23, with final completion in August 2023!

Phase II stairway construction funding has been secured; however, grant match funding including gateway amenities and funding for Phase III still requires additional assistance. If you would like to donate to this project, please visit the Donations & Gifts webpage. Thank you!

Virmond Park is a 63 acre park that provides breathtaking panoramic views from the bluffs that overlook Lake Michigan. Take a stroll through the nature conservancy, play volleyball, baseball, soccer, tennis, or pickleball, enjoy a family picnic, or relax in the pavilion.

George Virmond, originally donated this woods and vacant land in 1944, with the request of developing a park for all to enjoy.

Many park visitors are currently using this park for sports, the children's playground, and weddings. The park also has several excellent hiking trails through the nature preserve areas.

Accessible public bathrooms are located at the park. These bathrooms will be closed during the winter, but a portable bathroom will be available.

Reservations can be made for either of the two shelter buildings, the bluff area, or the sand volleyball court. A fee must accompany the application. Reservations can be made on our Reservations Page.

A new pickleball court was added to the park in September 2022!

4worldlovers: Whether it’s the paved trails that wind around sculpted rolling hills or the small oaks that are growing into mighty giants or the stunning views of Milwaukee’s skyline, nature and impressive views await you at every corner of the award-winning Three Bridges Park, a 24-acre urban oasis in the Menomonee River Valley.

Located along the Menomonee River between 27th and 37th Streets, Three Bridges Park was once part of a wild rice marsh, then a rail yard, and then a vacant site for decades. Through passion, persistence, and partnership, Three Bridges Park opened in 2013 and is enjoyed by more than 50,000 visitors each year.

Three Bridges Park isn’t visible from the street. There are four convenient places to park from which you can walk into the park. The map above shows where you may park or you may download a PDF.

Street parking on W Canal St across from Ingeteam (3550 W Canal Street). Pay attention to posted signs as parking permissions vary, especially when the Brewers are playing (see schedule here).

Behind Palermo’s Pizza at the south end of 33rd Court.


In the parking lot behind (to the north of) the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservancy (The Domes, 524 S Layton Boulevard).

This park is more than a pretty place. The Urban Ecology Center uses it as their outdoor science classroom to give kids hands-on experiences to explore waterways, native flora and fauna, and regional history. It is a place where volunteers nurture the land for future generations. It is a quiet place of respite in the heart of the city. It is a Milwaukee destination for outdoor recreation and learning.

Rolling Hills - Hills were built to resemble natural glacial landforms (kames, drumlins, and eskers) to teach children about southeast Wisconsin’s natural topography in true to life form and almost to scale.


River Restoration - Stones and boulders were added to the river to vary the direction of water flow and improve fish habitat.

Natural Stormwater Filtration - Swales, a low area of land that collects stormwater, were designed to manage water runoff, filter pollutants, and increase rainwater infiltration.

Snake Hibernacula - Underground chambers provide a home where snakes can safely spend the winter protected from the cold.

Wildlife & Native Vegetation - The list of native plants and animals, those that were here long before the 1800s, grows each year. Read more in the Urban Ecology Center’s 2017 Community Science Review.

Community Scientists - The Urban Ecology Center welcomes community and professional scientists to Three Bridges Park to perform research and observe the wildlife. Read more in the Urban Ecology Center’s 2017 Community Science Review.

Can I reserve space or hold an event in Three Bridges Park?

Three Bridges Park is available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no grills or open flames allowed due to the prairie grass. There is one small platform that could fit one picnic table near the 33rd Court bridge and a cement platform near the Domes bridge. Note that there are no picnic tables or garbage bins in the park due to maintenance costs. Please be respectful of all park users and remove everything you bring in so we can keep a clean, green park for all. There are no restrooms in the park. The closest restrooms are in the Urban Ecology Center (3700 W Pierce Street) or in the picnic area of Mitchell Park.

Why isn’t the Hank Aaron State Trail plowed in the winter?

Currently, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources does not have funding to plow the Hank Aaron State Trail; however, partners at the City of Milwaukee generally plow from Selig Drive east to 25th Street, and adjacent property owners generally take care of the path in front of their buildings east from 25th up to about 11th Street.

On Saturday, July 20, 2013, Three Bridges Park opened to the public with a dedication and family celebration. It is the largest park developed in Milwaukee in decades and marks the continued transformation of the Menomonee River Valley into an asset for families, children, fishers, hikers, bikers, boaters, businesses, and employees in the area.

4worldlovers: Reservable Picnic Area No staking allowed! Use sand bags, weights, or water barrels