Bender Park in Oak Creek
Located on Lake Michigan at the east end of Ryan Road. 303 acres of lush beech woodlands, abandoned orchards, and prairie grasslands with wide-open vistas on top of steep bluffs overlooking the lake. A hiking trail, a stop on Milwaukee County’s Forked Aster Trail System, winds throughout the park.
The combination of diverse habitats and proximity to Lake Michigan make this park a birding hotspot, as identified by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology eBird.org program. 180 species of birds recorded.
Most of the lakeshore is buttressed with rip-rap, except for a tiny beach nestled against a small marina. The only amenities are a boat ramp and restrooms at the marina. Canoeing or kayaking on Lake Michigan is possible for hardy, experienced paddlers.
For a Milwaukee County Parks trail map click here.
Gallery (Click to enlarge)
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- Bender beach
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- A bouquet of wildflowers
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- Prairie and Sky
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- Prairie dock and sunflowers
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- Busy breakwater
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- Autumn color
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- Field stippled with wildflowers
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- A popular sport
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- Pale gentian blossoms
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- A wealth of bee balm
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- Sumac and coneflowers
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- Aerial view of beach and boat launch
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- Prairie in bloom
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- Great blue lobelia blossoms
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- A field aflame with goldenrod
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- Jet skis in action
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- Dogwood
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- Woodland sunflower
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- Stiff breeze
Address
4503 E. Ryan Rd.53154, Oak Creek, WI, US