Wisconsin residents like to enjoy the outdoors, whether it is at gorgeous Lake Michigan beaches, exploring an abundance of inland lakes, along the Milwaukee River or in the state’s legendary Northwoods. Milwaukee County features more than 15,000 acres of public parkland at 140 different county parks. In addition, southeastern Wisconsin boasts several state parks and trails that offer a range of hiking, biking, and swimming opportunities:
There are dozens of trails to tempt you in the region. There are also many organized events where you can compete or just hang out with like-minded individuals.
There are several major biking trails in the region, including the 96-mile Oak Leaf Trail that meanders throughout Milwaukee County, with an extended length along the lakefront; the Ozaukee Interurban Trail, a 30-mile, paved path that follows former railroad tracks between Mequon and Belgium in Ozaukee County; the Hank Aaron State Trail, a 13.5-mile paved path from Lake Michigan west to Miller Park; the Glacial Drumlin Trail, which covers 13 miles in Waukesha County near the communities of Dousman, Pewaukee and Waukesha; the Lake Country Recreation Trail that connects the city of Waukesha with the county's "lake country;" the Bugline Trail, a 12-mile path near Menomonee Falls; and the 9.8-mile Lake Michigan Pathway lakeshore trail in Racine.
In addition to the many county and city parks, southeastern Wisconsin boasts several state parks and trails that offer a range of hiking, biking, and swimming opportunities:
Havenwoods State Forest is Wisconsin's only urban state forest, featuring 237 acres of grasslands, woods and wetlands in the city of Milwaukee.
Lakeshore State Park, located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, provides a unique urban oasis with great views of the city and Lake Michigan.
The Hank Aaron State Trail, named in honor of baseball legend Hank Aaron, connects Milwaukee's Miller Park Stadium and the Lake Michigan lakefront.
Lapham Peak, the highest point in Waukesha County, provides excellent hiking, backpacking and cross-country skiing, and features a 45-foot observation tower.
Harrington Beach State Park is a 715-acre park with more than a mile of beach along Lake Michigan in northern Ozaukee County, near Belgium.
The Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, located near Hartford, includes a 522-acre, spring-fed lake, and Powder Hill, a large glacial kame featuring great views.
Kettle Moraine Northern and Southern Units are comprised of more than 50,000 acres of glacial hills and lakes stretching across the southeastern side of the state.
Glacial Drumlin State Trail stretches for 52 miles through farmlands and glacial topography. The trail travels through 10 small towns from Cottage Grove to Waukesha.
Following is a list of resources for state and local license requirements.
Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources (dnr.wi.gov) offers an online, one-stop license center for hunting and fishing licenses through its Go Wild system. To purchase fishing, hunting or trapping authorities, or for online registration service for boats, ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, or off-highway motorcycles, as well as permits, stamps and snowmobile trail passes, login to the Go Wild site at gowild.wi.gov to set up an account and access the customer dashboard and catalog. In addition to licenses and fees, Go Wild also provides information regarding safety education classes, off-highway recreational vehicle renewals, harvest reporting for hunters, and well-drilling permits.
Contact the appropriate local government regarding fees, rules and regulations. Milwaukee residents, see city.milwaukee.gov/bicyclelicenses for specific information for that municipality or contact the City Clerk - License Division at 414-286-2238 or via email at license@milwaukee.gov. Free licenses may also be obtained in person at Milwaukee City Hall, 200 E. Wells Street, Room 105 and at libraries, police stations or local universities.
