Milwaukee, WI, Southern Wisconsin Chapter, Urban Hike

WHERE: Use The Gift of Wings Kite Store for mapping your route. LINK (https://maps.app.goo.gl/xMpAgp7yxz9sz4Ab8). We will rally in the SOUTHERN Veteran’s Park parking lot at the shelter near the lake.

DIRECTIONS: As you approach Veteran’s Park on Lakeshore Drive, you will PASS a monument of three pillars (there’s also a sign for the park here). Keep driving to the northern entrance, which is Lagoon Drive. You will see another sign for Veteran’s Park just before the light and then a sign for McKinley Marina beyond the intersection (and a SECOND monument of three pillars). Turn right here, onto Lagoon Drive. Picture of intersection at this LINK: (https://maps.app.goo.gl/QXBMPzoPtNCKu49eA)
Follow the road all the way back south to where it dead-ends in a parking lot and small cluster of buildings. Open/free parking is to the right.

AMENITIES: There is plentiful free parking (no sticker needed), but if the lot happens to be full, you can also park along Lagoon Dr. There are port-a-potties at the west end of the parking lot but you may want to bring your own hand sanitizer.

THE HIKE: This will be a snapshot tour of some of Milwaukee’s natural delights, covering 5.5 miles. We will jaunt from the lakefront over to the Milwaukee River, then proceed north along the river until we veer east back toward the lake through a lovely neighborhood. We will come upon a sister park, Lake Park, where there is a historic lighthouse and grand staircase. From there we will head back south to Veteran’s Park through another residential area, enjoying hilltop views of the shore of Lake Michigan.

GEAR: The path is largely flat, and the parts along the river and lake may be wet/muddy. Poles are unnecessary but welcome. Due to the time of year, in spite of some dormant foliage along the river, I do not believe we will have to worry about mosquitos or ticks, but hikers should take whatever precautions they feel are best.

WHAT TO BRING: Tapas or non-alcoholic drinks to share, and a donativo if you wish to take home a Chapter Patch for your pack.

Please RSVP by Monday, April 14 if you are attending so we can have reusable name tags ready. Thank you!