savor the summer

A woodland trail beckons at Kinsey Park in Brookfield

There's something so appealing about a path that just seems to invite you in. It doesn't have to be a long trail. It doesn't need to go on for miles. It doesn't have to climb to a majestic vista. But being sheltered on either side of a trail by trees, grasses, wildflowers, and streams, ahhhhh, that transports me to another world. A more peaceful, breathable world. 

Now that summer is in full-swing, the desire to get out and savor its best offerings feels amplified. I have lists of all sorts of wonderful places to explore.  Recently, I discovered the glorious wooded trail behind a local family-friendly park in Brookfield, visited a lush lakeside trail in Whitewater, and made a stop at a thirst-quenching free flowing artesian spring well just minutes away from that lakeside trail.  I spent an afternoon in Bayview reveling in the urban beauty of Humboldt Park, and took a short trip to Kenosha to visit an enchanting nature preserve just off I-94. It was the perfect spot to enjoy the coolness of the woods on a 90+ degree day. 

For a quick look at new additions to The Park Next Door, check out the What's New page.  Here you'll find a photo gallery of newer listings, with links to the individual pages for each location. More new features are to come as well.

​The trails are calling! 

The pond and pier at Kinsey Park in Brookfield

KINSEY PARK - Brookfield
​Kinsey Park is a great example of what thrills me about local, neighborhood parks.  At first glance, driving by, it looks like a pleasant, family friendly park.  At 6 acres, features include a fishing pond with a small pier, a simple picnic shelter, and a children's playground. But just beyond the playground, a trail begins. Aaahh, there is the magic!  For me, anyway.  Step inside this simple trail and you are enveloped, especially in spring, in green beauty.  Read More:

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RICE LAKE NATURE TRAIL - Whitewater
You'll find Rice Lake Nature Trail near the entrance to Whitewater Lake Visitor Center and Campground.  Rice Lake spans 144 acres, and is 10 feet deep. The Nature Trail circles the entirety of Rice Lake.  Although the trail itself is less than a mile, some of the terrain is rather rocky and steep, but manageable.  Wildflowers and lake views please the eye, as birds sing overhead, bullfrogs sing below, and dragonflies buzz over the surface of the water. Read More:

Entrance to Rice Lake Nature Trail in Whitewater

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Fresh, cool, clear artesian water springs forth at Flowing Well in Whitewater

FLOWING WELL - Whitewater
Recently, a friend told me about an Artesian Well in Whitewater that offered free, and tasty, cold clear spring water. You just need to bring your own containers.  I was intrigued, and I knew I would have to go check it out.

​Just off the side of Clover Valley Road, the large rocky stone well spilled forth, from two spigots, cold, clear, spring water. Read More:

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HUMBOLDT PARK - Bayview
I took a walk on a recent sunny  afternoon at Humboldt Park.  The park is a 73-acre gem in the Bay View neighborhood. It is one of the first six parks created by the City of Milwaukee parks commission after being established in 1890. The park was originally 45 acres, and evolved over time to the 73-acre multi-faceted park it is today. Todays Humboldt Park offers a wide range of activities for residents. Read More: 

World War I memorial at Humboldt Park in Bayview

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A grand canopy of trees line the trail at Jean McGraw Memorial Nature Preserve

​Jean McGraw Memorial Nature Preserve - Kenosha
Don't let the fact that Jean McGraw Memorial Nature Preserve is within shouting distance of I-94 keep you away.  Once inside this 13-acre upland forest, the buzz of busy freeway traffic fades to a hum, and the sound of birds and wind through the trees takes hold.  Maybe it's just an illusion, but the trees along the short mulched trail here seem to stretch toward the sky. Wildflowers like Solomon's Seal, May Apple, Large White Buttercup,  and Anemone frame the pathways. Read More: