Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
Hank Aaron State Trail

• For People with Disabilities
• Friends Group
• Partnerships with a Purpose
• Plans for the Future
• How to Get There

The Hank Aaron State Trail provides a continuous connection between Milwaukee's Miller Park Stadium and the Lake Michigan lakefront for bicyclists, walkers, runners, and skaters.

Walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and in-line skaters use the trail.
DNR Photo

Along the way, people using the trail pass the Milwaukee Art Museum, Potawatomi Bingo, the Marquette Soccer Fields, and Miller Park Stadium, home to the Milwaukee Brewers.

• Map of trail and proposed extension [PDF 1.8MB]. This map shows the completed sections of the Hank Aaron trail and the 5.5-mile, proposed extension. Prints on 11 by 17-inch paper, landscape orientation.
• Map of trail [PDF 1.3MB]. This map shows the completed sections of the trail. Prints on 8.5 by 11-inch paper, landscape orientation.

An asphalt paved path follows portions of the Menomonee River from Miller Park to the Sixth Street Bridge. From there, users can follow bike lanes across the bridge to a temporary trail on Florida Street, and then use the sidewalk on Second Street to access bike lanes going east on Pittsburgh Street. Future plans include development of a ramp and stairway off of the Sixth Street Bridge to the valley floor.

The trail then proceeds down Pittsburgh Street across the confluence of the Menomonee and Milwaukee rivers and connects to Milwaukee Street in the Historic Third Ward. From there you may connect with Chicago Street all the way to the front door of the Maier Festival Grounds. A connection with Harbor Drive will take you the rest of the way to the lakefront and a connection with the new Lakeshore State Park and Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin.

Also here is the connection to Milwaukee County’s Oak Leaf Trail [exit DNR], a system of paved trails and and parkways traversing about 100 miles through the county.

A river loop trail also exists as an alternative to the parallel path along Canal Street. The river loop can be accessed from the main Hank Aaron State Trail at 25th Street or at 13th Street (Emmber Lane). This loop offers a more secluded trail along the Menomonee River, behind the buildings facing Canal Street. This trail segment also runs along the Marquette Soccer Fields.

At the trail’s west end in Miller Park, bike, walk, or state to Doyne Park by taking 44th Street north from Miller Park. Follow the road or wide sidewalk up the hill and under the Wisconsin Avenue Viaduct where the road bends to the west and becomes Wells Street. The entrance to Doyne Park on Wells Street is the connection to Milwaukee County’s Oak Leaf Trail.

This linkage to the Oak Leaf Trail makes it possible to bike or hike from Lake Michigan, along several trails across the state, and eventually link to the Ice Age and Military Ridge Trails.

For People with Disabilities

Portions of the Hank Aaron State Trail are accessible for people with disabilities. The best segment is about 1/2 mile of trail adjacent to the Milwaukee Brewers parking lot, where all sidewalks are accessible, so easy access from the parking lot to the trail is possible. The trail gradually goes from the parking lot to the river. While the trail is not right on the river, the views are very pleasant. On a non-game day, use the stadium pavilions for a picnic lunch. There are accessible tables in each of seven pavilions.

Paved sections of the Hank Aaron State Trail make it accessible for people with disabilities.
DNR Photo

Friends Group

The Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail [exit DNR] have many scheduled events and activities throughout the year. Visit the Friends website for more information on the Hank Aaron State Trail, and to see the list of events and volunteer opportunities available.

Partnerships With a Purpose

The development of the trail contributes to the restoration, protection and enhancement of the natural, scenic, historical and cultural resources of the Menomonee River corridor while providing recreational opportunities and access to the river. The preservation of this important environmental corridor aids in the restoration of fish and wildlife habitat and the rehabilitation of urban waterways.

Linked trails also offer an alternative to motorized transportation, therefore helping to improve air and water quality.

Starting with the early planning stages, the Department of Natural Resources has involved the business community, neighborhood organizations, and other interested parties in the planning and development of the Hank Aaron State Trail. Other partners include the city, county, and federal governments, the regional planning commission, environmental organizations, and representatives from local historical groups. "While the development process has been more complex than anticipated, it now appears that the end result will exceed some of our greatest expectations," said Melissa Cook, trail manager.

In 1999, the White House Millennium Council in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy designated the Hank Aaron State Trail as a Millennium Legacy Trail. Legacy Trails represent the essence and spirit of each of the fifty states. The Hank Aaron State Trail was selected as Wisconsin's representative because of its respectful celebration of the past, its connection to the community, and its far reaching vision for the future.

Hank Aaron was at our dedication celebration.

Plans for the Future

The recent acquisition of a 5.5-mile former rail corridor from Miller Park west to the Milwaukee-Waukesha county line will enable the trail to be nearly doubled in length. This proposed trail extension, expected to be completed in 2009, will go past the historic Ward Theatre on the grounds of the National Soldiers Home, State Fair Park, and the Pettit National Ice Center and along the southern edge of the Milwaukee County Zoo, and connect with the Oak Leaf Trail near the county line.

How to Get There

Driving east or west on Interstate Highway 94, take exit 308B and go south on State Highway 341 (Miller Park Way) After entering on to Highway 341 move as soon as possible to the right lane and take the exit marked Miller Park. Follow around the curve and at the first set of lights turn right. At the next set of lights turn left into the “Expos” parking lot. This is just south of the Klement’s Sausage Haus.

Park here and take the pedestrian bridge across the river. You'll see the Hank Aaron State Trail sign at the bridge's east end. The trail is down the hill from the sign via ramps at the north and south ends of the walkway.

You can also take 44th Street from the south and follow signs to the General Parking Area.

Weather [exit DNR]

For more information, ask:

Hank Aaron State Trail
2300 N. MLK Jr Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53212
(414) 263-8559.