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)