Washington Park in Milwaukee

Activities: Canoeing/Kayaking, Cycling, Fishing, Nature Center, Picnicking

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Lagoon panorama

Serving Milwaukee’s inner city, this historic 128-acre park is one of three in Milwaukee designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the nation’s preeminent landscape architect. Olmsted’s belief in the restorative value of nature led him to design its spaces with a variety of terrains, including open lawns and natural areas, as well as recreational opportunities.

Home to one of three branches of the Urban Ecology Center, which manages the park’s natural areas, offers educational opportunities, and lends out canoes and kayaks to members for use on the park lagoon, as well as other kinds of equipment.

Its wide array of amenities include numerous playing fields and courts, three playgrounds, seven reservable picnic areas, and Senior Center. The Washington Park Bandshell offers free concerts on Wednesday evenings in the summer.

Story links:

“Burning Washington Park,” a prescribed burn conducted by the Urban Ecology Center to help control in invasive species and encourage native growth.

“Wild Space at Washington Park,” an innovative dance performance in the park by Wild Space Dance Company.

For a Milwaukee County Parks map, click here.

Gallery (click to enlarge)