wilson park - milwaukee, wi

It was cold and windy when I visited Wilson Park. The day was gray, but the sounds of early migrating Canadian Geese and Mallard ducks filled the air as they hung out in the large lagoon.  Still a mix of ice and open water, they seemed to be enjoying it.  

The park is 76 acres of multi-use trails and facilities. I parked in the lot on the east side of the park, off of 13th Street, and took the paved walking trail around the lagoon, passing a charming gazebo en route. The distance around the lagoon clocks in at about 0.7 miles.  The pond here is the largest in the Milwaukee County Parks system, and fishing is permitted. There is a full-size baseball diamond, and three little league diamonds. A kids tot lot, too.  There are reservable picnic areas, as well as a rentable pavilion on site.  Restrooms are available in season.

On my walk I spotted the mentioned waterfowl, but also returning Robins, Downey Woodpeckers, and a White-breasted Nuthatch.  No doubt this park is a splendid birdwatching spot come spring migration. Especially since it is not all that far from Lake Michigan. 

The Wilson Park Ice Arena is nearby, as well as the Wilson Park Recreation Center, which features softball, tennis, volleyball, and swimming activities in the summer months. 

Hours: Open daily, 6am - 10pm
​Dogs permitted, on-leash.

Location: 1601 W. Howard Avenue, Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee County)
For more information, click here.