We had our first real look at the lakefront during our cruise. The boat took us along the river and on to Lake Michigan.We knew we wanted to walk along the lakefront. So, on our second trip to the downtown area, we took in the lakefront. We parked at Veterans Park (free parking available). We enjoyed a nice walk along the lake shore. We passed a shop where you could rent kites. Another shop rented bikes. We walked to the Milwaukee Art Museum. The museum has an original design – in the shape of a sail boat. During the day, the sails – AKA brise soleil – stand out, as if the boat was sailing on the lake. During its closed hours, the brise soleil closes and wraps itself around the building. At 10.am. daily, the brise soleil opens up. At noon, it flutters (closing and reopening). At 5 p.m., it embraces the building for the night. We had the opportunity to see it close from the lake the day before. We stood nearby the second day.The museum has more than 30,000 pieces of artwork, ranging from several periods. It is a modern building with a unique design. The artwork is in open rooms. They flow from one to another. You can be in a room with paintings of work from the 1600s, then step in to the next room and have artwork from 2013. Unbeknownst to us, but knownst to others, was the second floor of artwork. We missed it. We were focused on getting outside before 5 p.m. to watch the brise soleil close for the day that we missed the stairs. I guess that gives us another reason to go back to Milwaukee.The museum’s current special exhibit is “30 Americans.” It showcases art by modern African-American artists. Check it out if it comes to an art museum near you. We found it thought provoking in some cases, and clearly entertaining in others.One display that hit me in the gut was the KKK exhibit. All the artist did was place a few white hoods on chairs in a circle. In the middle was a noose. That simple display said so much.On a brighter note, the lobby of the museum, or the hull of the sailboat design is free to the public to walk around. The large glass windows give people a great view of the lakefront and Lake Michigan.Farther south on the lakefront is the Summerfest concert grounds. The city has the largest outdoor music festival in the United States. It runs over a 10-day period. Acts, such as the Eagles, John Mayer, REO Speedwagon and Tim McGraw were the major headliners. Other acts – local and national – took to the 10 stages scattered over 75 acres. The stages apparently are permanent fixtures and come in handy for other events, such as ethnic festivals including the country’s largest Irish festival). The Milwaukee Journal reported more than 840,000 people attended this year.The cool thing about the lakefront was the diversity of attractions and people. The children’s museum is nearby. The shops for bikes, kites and other items were there. As for people, you walked runners, walkers, bicyclists, skateboarders. Looking out toward the lake, you saw tour boats, sail boats, as well as other boats. It was relaxing.Then, a few hundred feet inland, companies conducted business in the towers and skyscrapers dotting the cityscape. So, Milwaukee has taken advantage of its location, in building both a positive business environment and a tourist industry, based on its major water resources.
The Milwaukee Lakefront Trail used to be called the Milwaukee 76 Trail to honor the bicentennial, but many of the trails that run through the city are now called the Oak Leaf Trail. There's this one that runs along the lake; another runs along the river, and still others through some of the city parks.My wife and I walked the Lakefront Trail during a recent day trip to Milwaukee. The Lakefront Trail is located right next to Veteran’s Park. This trail offers a very nice path to walk or ride a bicycle. It offers great views of downtown Milwaukee. This is a great place to take pictures. This trail is looped and is a total of 5.9 miles.
Nice paved trail alongside lake with good views of the lake and downtown. On a beautiful day, taking a stroll on it or biking along the trail is just great.
A nice trail, anyone who is new to MKE I would recommend at least once. Not something to do in winter.
it's just so beautiful all the time. be active join the crowd of people out running, walking, jogging, biking, and more...great family place
MKE has one of the best waterfronts in the US --- and you can enjoy it from the Lakefront Trail, whether you're biking, walking or rollerblading. (Segway tours available too) Enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Michigan. Stop at the Harbor House if you want to take a break, and enjoy the view of the Art Museum, or have a great lunch at the Art Museum Cafe.
Good place to enjoy some fresh air and take a walk. This is also a great place to take pictures. It offers you plenty of options - greens, trees, water, nice buildings and beautiful skies. It pretty much has everything you would expect from a lakefront trail.
The highlight of my visit to MILWAUKEE was biking the Lakefront Trail. The views of Lake Michigan are fantastic, truly a wonderful way to make use of the waterfront. There are some beautiful homes along Lake Michigan too. Biking around here is a blast!I'm really impressed with the friendliness of MILWAUKEE and it's outdoor charm.
Nice walking/bike path durning the daytime. If you go out there at night be aware of your surroundings. If you are with a group at night will not be a problem.
We took a short trip to Milwaukee to go the the Harley Davidson Museum, and brought our bikes along. The morning we rode along Lake Michigan was gorgeous! It was a beautiful place with a nice big path for riders and runners. The scenery was outstanding. It was safe and easy to get to from our downtown hotel.