Lakeshore State Park

In the heart of downtown Milwaukee, Lakeshore State Park provides a unique urban oasis with recreational opportunities and amenities geared to the urban population. It is open to the public from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; anglers, people going through the park on designated trails, and registered guests at the marina leaving or returning to their boats may be in the park at other times.

This 17-acre island, bridged on both ends, provides city dwellers a green space to call their own.
DNR Photo Illustration

Lakeshore State Park offers boat docks and improved fishing access. It is easiest for boaters to enter the marina from south to north. Geographic coordinates are:

43° 2' 5.6" N
87° 53' 40.4" W

To reserve space for overnight mooring, open the reservation form, fill it out on the screen, and either save it on your computer and enclose it in an e-mail (we'll call you for credit card numbers) or print it out and mail or fax it to us.

Children checked out the accessible fishing pier and found it good for enjoying the view of the city.
DNR Photo by Jeff Prey

The park's lakeside multi-use trail will connect to the Hank Aaron State Trail, the Oak Leaf Trail [exit DNR] and Milwaukee's recreational lakefront resources, eventually part of a path from Lake Michigan's shore to the banks of the Mississippi River.

The entrance path is accessible for people with wheelchairs and baby strollers.
DNR Photo by Jeff Prey

Plans also call for a park visitor center with public restrooms and showers for overnight boaters, landscaping and additional parking.

Educational programs related to the park will explore the cultural history of the lake, focusing on the Lake Michigan fishery and its importance to this area. Opportunities abound to team up with the Discovery World [exit DNR] educators to offer programs on the natural history of Lake Michigan and Milwaukee’s river systems.

In the Area

Milwaukee [exit DNR]—Accommodations, activities, dining, events, and more

History

Through cooperation and collaboration with our partners, construction of Lakeshore State Park began in fall 2005 and was completed in 2007.

Friends Group

The Friends of Lakeshore State Park [exit DNR] has been formed to support the park, assist in fundraising for public programs and improvements, and collabarate on future activities. The group maintains a Web cam [exit DNR] at the park.

To join the group or get more information about either the park or the group, contact

Ronald Novak , Acting Superintendent
Lakeshore State Park
500 N. Harbor Dr.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone (414) 274-4281