Veterans Memorial Park - Grafton, WI
I have a vague memory of watching 4th of July fireworks at this 3-acre park in Grafton in my preteen years. At that time it was known as Mill Pond Park. Years later, in 1992, it would be renamed to Veterans Memorial Park in honor of local veterans who served in the country's military forces and actions.
The park is a mainstay for local residents, nestled along the Milwaukee River. In recent years a new paved walkway along the river was installed, including locations for putting in/taking out kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards. The walkway is short, and cuts off at the north end, just short of private residential properties. Headed south, it crosses the street, and wanders past shops and restaurants, with park benches in an encircled patio with a view of the river dam (originally built in 1842). Further south, on the next block, is the old saw mill building, which is now home to art galleries, a tap room, and coffee shop (see sidebar).
Amenities at the park include a handicapped-accessible children's playground, a basketball court, fishing along the river, and ample picnic space. Ice skating is open to the public on the frozen river in winter. A wooden, ice-skating snowman is posted on-site with a sign that lets folks know when it is safe to skate.
There are two rentable shelters - one is a large open air shelter with picnic tables that can accommodate up to 100 guests. The historic, open air gazebo/band shelter is rentable as well. The pavilion has restrooms available to the public (closed in winter). Events are held at the park throughout the year.
Angled street parking is available on 13th Avenue, adjacent to the park.
Animals are not allowed in village parks (except for seeing-eye dogs).
Hours: Daily, 8am - 10pm
Location: 1000 13th Avenue, Grafton, WI (Ozaukee County)
For more information, click here and here.
The park is a mainstay for local residents, nestled along the Milwaukee River. In recent years a new paved walkway along the river was installed, including locations for putting in/taking out kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards. The walkway is short, and cuts off at the north end, just short of private residential properties. Headed south, it crosses the street, and wanders past shops and restaurants, with park benches in an encircled patio with a view of the river dam (originally built in 1842). Further south, on the next block, is the old saw mill building, which is now home to art galleries, a tap room, and coffee shop (see sidebar).
Amenities at the park include a handicapped-accessible children's playground, a basketball court, fishing along the river, and ample picnic space. Ice skating is open to the public on the frozen river in winter. A wooden, ice-skating snowman is posted on-site with a sign that lets folks know when it is safe to skate.
There are two rentable shelters - one is a large open air shelter with picnic tables that can accommodate up to 100 guests. The historic, open air gazebo/band shelter is rentable as well. The pavilion has restrooms available to the public (closed in winter). Events are held at the park throughout the year.
Angled street parking is available on 13th Avenue, adjacent to the park.
Animals are not allowed in village parks (except for seeing-eye dogs).
Hours: Daily, 8am - 10pm
Location: 1000 13th Avenue, Grafton, WI (Ozaukee County)
For more information, click here and here.
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Grafton Arts Mill
Art, freshly roasted coffee, local craft beer, creative atmosphere. The Grafton Arts Mill has it all. Just a block or so south of Veterans Memorial Park in Grafton, is a historic brick saw mill building. It is now home to North Shore Academy of the Arts (NSAA), AM Coffee, which brews local Cedarburg Coffee Roastery blends , and The O24 Taproom, a unique craft beer room, which supports local charities. I'm so glad we took the time to visit! The coffee was great, the treats were, too, and the gallery space has amazing art of all kinds. Paintings, jewelry, textiles, and more. Whether your in the mood for a fresh espresso, a cold craft beer, or to enjoy and shop for some locally created art, it's definitely worth a visit. Art is everywhere here. It might even inspire you to sign up for a class or workshop (offerings are available), or to visit one of their upcoming exhibits. Studio and gallery space are for rent, and the third floor is available for event rentals as well. There's an outdoor patio along the Milwaukee River, available in the warmer months. Perfect for sampling some cool craft beers on a beautiful day. Grafton Arts Mill 1300 14th Avenue, Grafton, WI |
Art, coffee, craft beer: Grafton Arts Mill has it all.
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All photos, blog posts, and content are copyright (c) 2014-2023 Kimberly Mackowski, unless otherwise noted. |
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