Scenic Pathways Through the City

The Oak Leaf Trail is a scenic route through Milwaukee and areas north and south. It can be traveled by bike, foot, or followed by car. It travels through areas of industry, entertainment, historic sites, parks, and impressive architecture. Areas near the water are lined with stately mansions, many with historical ties to many of Milwaukee's most famous families. There are lighthouses, water towers, and beach houses along the route. The trail can be traversed in one motion, or you can sample spots along the way at different times. The Betty Brinn Children's Museum is on of the most sought after destination along the trail. Within short reach of the trail are other attractions such as the Milwaukee Public Museum, the Milwaukee County Zoo, Miller Brewing, the Bradley Center, and the world-famous Summerfest grounds. The Milwaukee Art Museum features a variety of permanent and traveling exhibits and visitors will love the breathtaking location situated right on Lake Michigan.

The Oak Leaf Trail is a part of the Milwaukee Country Park system. There are areas well-traveled and out in the open, as well as more secluded, remote segments, perfect for quiet hikes and picnics. Along the trail you can enjoy biking, skating, running, and walking, as well as socializing. There is also a portion of the trail sectioned off, known a Alpha Trail, available for mountain biking. There are over 100 miles of loops throughout the city and the surroundin gareas. Looped areas include park drives, municipal streets, and off-road paved trails. In order to help travelers navigate the trail, the Parks Department has undertaken the task of marking the trail. The first phase labeled along Lincoln Memorial Drive from Ogden Avenue to Locust Street, downtown. The Parks Department asks that users of the trail observe common rules of etiquette and work to ensure their own person safety, as well as those around them using the pathways.

The trail is constructed of four main regions. The Main Route is Root River, running from Kulwicki to Greenfield, then there is the Franklin Spur, the Lake Loop, and the North Shore Spur. The trail runs north as far as Shorewood and south down to Oak Creek and Racine. The Oak Leaf Trail connects many of Milwaukee's neighborhood and county parks and provides a unique, scenic pathway throughout the town. These paved trailways are great for enjoying Milwaukee's natural environment while getting exercise and spending quality time with your family. Milwaukee winters are long and cold, but once the sun is shining and the mercury starts to rise, residents and visitors head outside. Exploring the Oak Leaf Trail is a favorite pasttime of many who live in the Milwaukee area. Along the shores of lake Michigan, this trail takes people to some of the most sought after natural areas of the city. Within a few blocks of this seclusion are the sights and sounds of the city. Relax, enjoy an afternoon in the sun by the lake, and then experience all that Milwaukee nightlife has to offer.