Ultimate Guide to Parks in Milwaukee's North Shore

Klode Park in Whitefish Bay

Milwaukee’s North Shore communities (Glendale, Brown Deer, River Hills, Mequon, Bayside, Fox Point, Whitefish Bay, and Shorewood) offer a rich variety of parks – from expansive county parks to small neighborhood green spaces. Below is a comprehensive list of North Shore parks with their locations, amenities, and unique features for easy reference.

Glendale Parks

Richard E. Maslowski Glendale Community Park
2200 W Bender Rd, Glendale, WI

Amenities
Large all-inclusive playground, picnic plaza with tables, indoor community room, restrooms, Sprecher Brewing “Outdoor Oasis” beer garden/snack bar, amphitheater, and a baseball field. Ample parking is available on site.

Unique features
Home to an illuminated War Memorial honoring all branches of the military.
The park hosts the summer concert series Live at the Oasis, festivals, and family events.

Kletzsch Park
6560 N Milwaukee River Pkwy, Glendale
A 141-acre Milwaukee County park along the Milwaukee River.

The Kletzsch Park waterfall

Amenities
Oak Leaf Trail access for biking and hiking, archery range, sand volleyball court, soccer fields, 9-hole disc golf course, winter sledding hill, softball diamonds, playground, and reservable picnic areas.

Unique features
Noted as a birding hotspot with over 160 species observed during migrations. The park features a historic dam (now with a fish passage completed in 2023) that allows native fish to move upstream for the first time in over a century. The land was once known as “Indian Prairie” and contained Native American mounds mapped by Increase Lapham, adding historical significance.

Lincoln Park
1301 W Hampton Ave, Milwaukee – at Glendale’s southern border
A large Milwaukee County park along the river.

Lincoln Park is home to one of Milwauee County’s most challenging golf courses

Amenities
The David F. Schulz Aquatic Center (water park with slides, splash features, and a lazy river) is located here. Lincoln Park also offers a 9-hole golf course, multiple athletic fields (for baseball and other sports), playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking paths along the Milwaukee River.

Unique features
Expansive riverside green space with footbridges and lagoons. The aquatic center is a major draw for families in summer. Portions of the park date back over a century, making it one of Milwaukee’s historic parks (named after President Lincoln).

Estabrook Park
4400 N Estabrook Dr, Milwaukee/Glendale/Shorewood
A 125-acre Milwaukee County park spanning the Milwaukee River’s east bank.

Amenities
Oak Leaf Trail access, numerous trails and river walks, multiple playgrounds, an 18-hole disc golf course, a large dog park, soccer fields, and picnic areas with tables, weekly Shorewood farmers market in the summer and fall.

Estabrook Park is home of the Shorewood Farmers market

Unique features
Home of the popular Estabrook Beer Garden, the first public beer garden in the U.S. since Prohibition, perched on a bluff overlooking a waterfall on the river. Visitors arrive by foot, bike, or even kayak/canoe from the river. The park’s beer garden (modeled after those in Munich) and its historic stone structures give Estabrook a unique cultural flair. It’s also known for scenic river views and remnants of a former dam. The public art installation Ghost Train also “runs” just south of the park along the Oak Leaf Trail.

Brown Deer Parks

Brown Deer Park
7835 N Green Bay Rd, Brown Deer/Glendale
A sprawling 360-acre Milwaukee County park offering a mix of manicured spaces and natural areas.

Amenities: An 18-hole golf course (with driving range and clubhouse), a stocked fishing lagoon (panfish, trout, bass), extensive hiking/biking trails (including the Oak Leaf Trail along the west edge), a disc golf course, sledding hill, and plenty of picnic areas. Athletic facilities include baseball diamonds, soccer fields, a sand volleyball court, and a children’s playground. In winter, trails are used for cross-country skiing and there is a popular sledding slope.

Unique features: Known for its beautiful ponds and abundant wildlife—birdwatchers often spot great blue herons and other waterfowl in the ponds. Brown Deer Park is also home to the yearly “Brown Deer Run” cross-country meet and other community events. Its size and variety make it one of the flagship parks in the North Shore.

Badger Meter River Park
3701 W Brown Deer Rd, Brown Deer
A small (2.75-acre) park along the Milwaukee River.

Amenities
River access for launching canoes and kayaks, a parking area, and a picnic shelter. The park is primarily used as a canoe/kayak launch point and riverside picnic spot.

Unique features
The park provides a tranquil spot to access the Milwaukee River in a natural setting. It’s a convenient put-in/take-out for paddlers navigating the river’s northern stretches.

Fairy Chasm Park
5712 W Fairy Chasm Rd, Brown Deer
A 10-acre community sports park.

Amenities
Designed for youth baseball and soccer, with two baseball diamonds and three soccer fields. Also features an outdoor basketball court, a children’s play structure, and a restroom facility. Open space for informal play is available when fields are not permitted for games.

Unique features
This park is the hub for local youth sports leagues in Brown Deer. Its focus on organized sports and its programmed use means it’s often bustling with Little League games or soccer matches on weekends.

Village Park & Pond
4920 W Green Brook Dr, Brown Deer
A 10.8-acre park behind Brown Deer Village Hall, adjacent to the historic village center.

Amenities
A large open commons lawn suitable for events, two open-air picnic pavilions (available for rent), walking paths along Beaver Creek, and access to the Oak Leaf Trail. The park is also the site of the Brown Deer Pond, a seasonal swimming pond with sandy beach area (admission required), and it neighbors the historic 1884 Little White Schoolhouse (now a museum)​.

Unique features
Hosts many community events such as Summer Concerts and the annual Fourth of July celebration​. The combination of the scenic pond, historic schoolhouse, and modern facilities makes this park a center of community life in Brown Deer. In winter, the gently rolling terrain is used for snow play, and the pond becomes a skating rink (weather permitting).

River Hills Parks

Lynden Sculpture Garden
(2145 W Brown Deer Rd, River Hills
A 40-acre art sculpture park blending art with nature.

Amenities
Open green spaces, woodlands, gardens, and a small lake, all interspersed with over 50 monumental sculptures​. Walking paths guide visitors through the grounds; there is also an on-site art gallery and education center in a renovated 1860s farmhouse (the former estate home). Limited picnic tables are available for use​.

Unique features
A unique “art in nature” experience – Lynden was formerly the private Bradley family estate, now open to the public. The sculpture collection includes works by significant artists, making it essentially an outdoor museum​. The tranquil pond, stands of trees, and curated gardens provide a scenic backdrop for the art. (Note: Admission is required on most days, as it is operated by a private foundation.)

Bayside Parks

Tennis courts at Ellsworth Park in Bayside

Ellsworth Park
600 E Ellsworth Ln, Bayside
The main village park of Bayside, located near Bayside Middle School

Amenities: A universal playground with modern play equipment, an open-air pavilion (rentable for events), and restrooms​. Sports facilities include a baseball/softball diamond, multi-use soccer fields, and four full-size tennis courts that double as pickleball courts (with practice bounce boards)​.

Unique features
Serves as the community gathering spot for Bayside events and celebrations. The park’s pavilion is used for summer picnics and the annual Bayside 5K run. Its variety of facilities in a neighborhood setting makes it ideal for both active sports and casual family outings.

“Mount Bayside” Sledding Hill
Regent Rd & E Fairy Chasm Rd, Bayside
An informal name for the village sledding hill just north of Village Hall.

Amenities
A grassy sledding hill constructed for winter recreation. In the snow season it’s a popular spot for families with sleds. Off-street parking is available in a lot west of the hill for easy access​.

Unique features
This small hill is an intentionally made feature in the otherwise flat landscape – the product of leftover earth from area projects, now repurposed for fun. “Mount Bayside” has become a local novelty nickname. In summer months, the hill and adjacent open space are sometimes used for kite-flying or exercise, but its prime time is during snowy winters.

Fox Point Parks

Doctor’s Park in Fox Point

Doctor’s Park (1870 E Fox Lane, Fox Point/Bayside)
A 49-acre Milwaukee County park located on the Lake Michigan shore bluff at the far north end of the North Shore​.
Access via E. Fox Ln off N. Lake Dr.

Amenities:
A bluff-top area with a large playground and open playfields, plus several picnic areas. Wooded nature trails lead down a ravine to a secluded Lake Michigan beach (with a beach house shelter by the water). The shoreline is great for beachcombing; swimming is allowed (no lifeguards on duty) and the park’s jetties help maintain the beach​.

Unique features:
The park’s steep staircase and trails (renovated in 2021) were originally built in the 1930s by the WPA, as were the stone jetties and historic beach house on the shore​. Doctor’s Park is home field for the Milwaukee Grays vintage baseball team, which plays 1860s-style baseball here during summer​. The park’s name honors Dr. Joseph Schneider, who donated the land – it retains a more natural, tranquil atmosphere because it’s somewhat hidden in a residential area. In fall, the wooded ravine offers gorgeous foliage scenery.

Indian Creek Park
Fox Point – 200 E Spooner Rd at N Mohawk Rd
A 7.5-acre neighborhood park tucked into a residential area of Fox Point.

Amenities:
Tennis courts – four full courts, which can be reserved (sign-up at the courts)​. Two separate playground areas (for different age groups) with modern play equipment​. A soccer field and a baseball/softball diamond occupy the large open field in the park’s center​. A small parking lot is available, and in winter the flat field is sometimes flooded for ice skating.

Unique features:
True to its name, Indian Creek Park has Indian Creek running through or alongside it, adding natural ambience (look for ducks and geese). It’s known as a quiet, well-kept park “tucked away” in the suburbs – a great place for families and casual sports. The mix of facilities means there’s always activity, yet the surrounding trees give it a peaceful neighborhood charm.

Longacre Park
7343 N Longacre Rd, Fox Point
A small park facility adjacent to Stormonth Elementary.

Amenities:
An open field that is used in winter as an ice skating rink (the village sets up and floods a rink when weather permits)​. The namesake Longacre Pavilion is a shelter building with restrooms, available for community use and private rentals​. In warmer months, the field can host casual soccer or frisbee, and there are picnic tables.

Unique features:
This park serves as Fox Point’s central gathering spot for seasonal activities – notably the outdoor ice rink which is a popular attraction for local families in winter. It’s also the site of Fox Point’s summer picnic and other small village events. The combination of a skating pavilion and a sheltered picnic area in a quiet neighborhood setting makes Longacre Park a beloved local gem.

Mequon Parks

Virmond Park overlooking Lake Michigan in Mequon

Virmond Park
10606 N Lake Shore Dr, Mequon
A large bluff-top park overlooking Lake Michigan.

Amenities:
Walking trails, playground, soccer fields, tennis courts, and picnic shelters.

Unique features:
Stunning lake views from the high bluff. The park has prairie areas, a wooded section, and trails leading to scenic overlooks. It is a favorite for nature walks and birdwatching.

Rotary Park
4100 Highland Rd, Mequon
A 75-acre park with extensive recreation opportunities.

Amenities:

Baseball diamonds, soccer fields, large picnic pavilions, a fishing pond, walking trails, and a children’s playground.

Unique features:
Hosts many community events and concerts. The park is widely used for youth sports leagues and summer festivals.

Mequon Nature Preserve
8200 W County Line Rd, Mequon
A 444-acre nature preserve focused on conservation and education.

Amenities:
Over five miles of trails, observation towers, wetlands, and prairie restoration areas. The nature center has educational exhibits and restrooms.

Unique features:
A premier environmental education destination. Visitors can explore diverse habitats and spot a variety of wildlife, including sandhill cranes, deer, and foxes.

River Barn Park
9808 N Cedarburg Rd, Mequon

A 20-acre park along the Milwaukee River.

Amenities:
Walking trails, picnic areas, a playground, and access to the river for canoeing or fishing.

Unique features:
A peaceful, wooded retreat with access to the Milwaukee River for water-based recreation. It’s a great spot for a relaxing afternoon outdoors.

Whitefish Bay Parks

• Klode Park (5960 N Lake Dr, Whitefish Bay) – A signature 17-acre park on a bluff above Lake Michigan.

  • Amenities: A community-built playground (large and well-maintained), picnic areas with tables and grills, several tennis courts, and a warming house building with restrooms (used as a shelter and for ice skating in winter)​. A paved path with switchback ramps leads down the bluff to a sandy beach on Lake Michigan​. In winter, part of the open field is flooded to create an ice-skating rink. The park also has open grassy areas for frisbee or lounging.

  • Unique features: Lakefront access – Klode’s beach is one of the few in the North Shore (though unsupervised, it’s popular for summer swimming and beach play)​. The blufftop offers stunning sunrise views over the lake. Klode Park is a focal point for community events: it hosts summer concerts, the Whitefish Bay Fourth of July fireworks viewing, and winter activities like an outdoor ice rink. (Fun fact: The park is named after former Village President Clare Klode, who helped acquire the land.)

Updates are coming to Cahill Park in Whitefish Bay, WI

Big Bay Park
5000 N Lake Dr, Whitefish Bay
A quiet, mostly natural park adjacent to Buckley Park on Lake Michigan. (Maintained by Milwaukee County)

(Note: In 2024, Big Bay and adjacent Buckley Park underwent repairs due to a storm sewer outfall collapse, with planned reopening in 2025​.)

Amenities:
A short walking path through wooded green space and a bluff overlook deck with benches, offering panoramic views of Lake Michigan​. There is no playground or picnic shelter here – the emphasis is on the natural scenery. A staircase/path from the bluff leads down near the water (though there isn’t a traditional beach for swimming).

Unique features:
Big Bay Park is prized for its scenic vista and tranquility. Tucked in a residential area, it’s less visited, making it ideal for a peaceful stroll or sitting on a bench to watch the waves. It’s also notable for birdwatching along the migratory flyway.

Buckley Park
East end of E Fairmount Ave at Lake Dr, Whitefish Bay)
A small village park on the bluff immediately south of Big Bay Park.

Amenities:
A paved walking path that connects to a set of stairs leading down the bluff to the Lake Michigan shoreline​. It essentially serves as an access point to the lake. There are a few benches for enjoying the view. No playground, picnic, or restroom facilities are provided​.

Unique features:
This park occupies the site of a former streetcar right-of-way and provides lake access for hikers (though swimming is not allowed here due to rocks and no beach)​. Buckley Park’s highlight is the experience of descending the bluff amid natural vegetation. It’s a favorite spot for local college students and residents to take in the sunrise or for artists seeking a quiet sketching location. (Buckley and Big Bay Parks are adjacent and often thought of together; both were temporarily closed for bluff infrastructure repairs in 2024​.)

Armory Park
1225 E Henry Clay St, Whitefish Bay
A small memorial park on the corner of Henry Clay & Ardmore.

Amenities:
A landscaped memorial garden with seating (benches) and flagpole. There is a paved walk and an informational plaque; no playground or athletic facilities (this park is intended for reflection).

Unique features:
Veterans Memorial – Armory Park was created on the site of the old Whitefish Bay National Guard Armory (Battery A, 121st Field Artillery), which stood here from 1929 until its demolition in 2004​. The park’s design incorporates a red arrow motif, honoring the 32nd Infantry Division’s insignia​. Donor-funded elements include a memorial plaza and benches that allow visitors to reflect on the service of veterans​. Historical markers detail the Armory’s rich history – from training soldiers in two world wars to serving as a community center in the mid-20th century (“Bay’s Back Door”)​. This blend of history and tribute makes Armory Park unique in Whitefish Bay.

Cahill Square Park
1001 E Fairmount Ave, Whitefish Bay
A multi-use recreational park near the village center

Amenities:
Multiple sports fields and courts packed into one park. There are tennis courts and a basketball court, a soccer field, and a baseball diamond – making it a hub for youth sports and practices​. A playground (Cahill Playground) sits at the corner, which is soon to be upgraded. In winter the large warming house next to a small hill that’s popular for sledding. The warming house building includes restrooms and can be reserved for parties or activities​.

Unique features:
Cahill Square is essentially Whitefish Bay’s “sports complex” – it’s bustling with Little League games, pick-up basketball, tennis lessons, and more. The Cahill Warming House is notable as a community space and for hosting events. Its central location and variety of facilities make it a favorite for active families.

Craig Counsel Park in Whitefish Bay

• Craig Counsell Park (6321 N Lydell Ave, Whitefish Bay) – A sports park in the northwest corner of the village, named after hometown baseball hero Craig Counsell.

  • Amenities: Baseball diamonds (multiple) which are home to Whitefish Bay Little League, and adjacent soccer fields for youth soccer​. There is a central concession stand building that includes restrooms for players and spectators​. Bleachers and team benches are installed by the ballfields.

  • Unique features: This park was dedicated in 2012 to honor Craig Counsell (longtime MLB player and manager, and Whitefish Bay native). It serves as the primary Little League complex for the area – during summer evenings you’ll find games under the lights and a very family-friendly atmosphere. The park’s recent upgrades (scoreboards, batting cages, etc.) were community-funded, underscoring the strong local support for youth baseball. For fans of the sport, the connection to a famous local figure and the vibrant Little League culture give the park a special identity.

• Schoolhouse Park (5445 N Marlborough Dr, Whitefish Bay) – A small triangular park across from the Whitefish Bay Public Library, also known as Old School House Park.

  • Amenities: A fountain at the center with surrounding flower gardens, walking paths, and several benches for seating​. The park is more ornamental; there’s no playground or sports field, but plenty of open lawn for informal use.

  • Unique features: Historic site of the village’s first schoolhouse (hence the name) – a plaque commemorates the 1880s school that once stood here​. Today the park is lovingly landscaped, making it ideal for quiet relaxation or reading (library patrons often bring books outside). Each October, Schoolhouse Park transforms for the Great Pumpkin Festival, when hundreds of carved pumpkins are displayed and lit up across the park​, creating a whimsical community tradition that draws visitors from all over the North Shore.

• Silver Spring Park (East Silver Spring Dr & Lake Dr, Whitefish Bay) – A tiny overlook park at the eastern terminus of the village’s main street.

  • Amenities: Essentially a lookout point: it features a scenic overlook with a couple of benches and a brick patio area, offering breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the shoreline far below. There are some plantings around the edges. No buildings or play equipment.

  • Unique features: This pocket park serves as a quiet vista point where Silver Spring Drive meets Lake Michigan. It’s a favorite spot for locals to take a break after shopping or dining on Silver Spring’s business district – you can enjoy an ice cream on the bench while gazing at the lake. The overlook is also a romantic spot often used for small wedding proposals and photos. Given its size and singular purpose, Silver Spring Park is a true “stop and enjoy the view” kind of park.

Shorewood Parks

Atwater Park Beach in Shorewood

Atwater Park and Beach
4000 N Lake Dr at E Capitol Dr, Shorewood
A gorgeous 5-acre bluff-top park with a beach below on Lake Michigan​

Shorewood’s Atwater Park sculpture

Amenities:
A large open lawn atop the bluff (used for events and relaxation), a modern playground near the entrance, and several memorials/art installations, including the notable “Spillover II” sculpture, a crouching figure by artist Jaume Plensa.

There are benches and picnic areas on the upper terrace​. A paved switchback trail and stairway lead down the steep bluff to 800 feet of sandy beach shoreline​. At the beach level, you’ll find a boardwalk and seasonal portable restrooms (in summer). The upper park has a small restroom building near the top of the bluff trail​.

Unique features:
Spectacular lake views – Atwater is known for its panoramic overlook where you can catch the sunrise or see downtown Milwaukee’s skyline to the south on a clear day​.

It’s a hub of village events: the annual Memorial Day ceremony is held here, as are summer band concerts and the Shorewood Men’s Club Chicken BBQ, and the 4th of July fireworks are launched from the beach, drawing huge crowds​. The combination of park and beach is rare in the area, making Atwater extremely popular year-round (from summer swimming to winter photography of ice on the lake).

Hubbard Park
3565 N Morris Blvd, Shorewood
A secluded 4.5-acre park along the east bank of the Milwaukee River, accessible via a tunnel under the Oak Leaf Trail​

Amenities:
Wooded picnic areas with tables, a riverfront walking path (part of the Milwaukee River Greenway), and a boat landing for canoes/kayaks on the river. There is a cozy beer garden operated seasonally outside the historic lodge, and a fishing pier on the river. No traditional playground, but kids often explore the natural areas.

Unique features: Rustic River Lodge – The 1936 WPA-constructed Hubbard Park Lodge sits in the woods here​. It now functions as a public restaurant and event venue (known for Friday fish fries and Sunday pancake brunches) as well as the site of a winter beer garden and summer outdoor dining​. The park’s terraced, forested terrain and the fact that you enter through a pedestrian tunnel give it a “hidden retreat” atmosphere​. Historically, this riverside spot was once an amusement park in the early 1900s, and some old park relics remain. Today, it’s cherished as a peaceful escape with northwoods charm right in the village.

River Park (N Morris Blvd & E Capitol Dr, Shorewood) – A newer (opened ~2001) community sports park located along the Milwaukee River at Shorewood’s north end.

Amenities: Athletic fields are the main feature – River Park has a full-size soccer field and Spector Field, a high-quality Little League baseball diamond with bleachers​. There’s also a batting cage and storage building. A paved walking path runs through the park, connecting to the Oak Leaf Trail nearby. A small parking lot is on site.

Unique features: This park was created on reclaimed land and quickly became the center for Shorewood’s youth sports (it’s the home field for Shorewood Little League baseball and the “Shorewood Kickers” youth soccer)​. The investment shows – the fields are very well maintained. While primarily for organized sports, when not scheduled it’s a great open space by the river. Its location adjacent to the river and the Oak Leaf Trail means you might see canoes launching or cyclists passing by, blending active recreation with natural surroundings.

Humble Park
Oakland Ave & Edgewood Ave, Shorewood
A tiny “pocket park” on a busy commercial corner at the south end of the village.

Amenities:
A few benches and open lawn. Recently renovated, it features some decorative paving and landscaping. There is no playground equipment – its purpose is more as a rest spot or mini plaza.

Unique features:
The park’s strategic location on Shorewood’s main street makes it perfect for a quick relax or people-watching while shopping on Oakland. In summer, you’ll often see folks enjoying ice cream from nearby shops on the benches. Despite its name “Humble”, the park does have a bit of public art or signage acknowledging donors after its renovation. It’s a nice example of urban green space squeezed into a small triangle of land.

Shorewood Nature Preserve
Lake Dr between E Menlo Blvd & E Newton Ave, Shorewood
An 8-acre natural woodland preserve on the Lake Michigan bluffs, left in a wild state​.

Amenities:
Nature trails only – a narrow unpaved path forms a short loop through dense woods and descends a steep bluff to the lake. No facilities (no benches, restrooms, or picnic tables). The shoreline below is a narrow strip of stones and sand accessible when water levels permit.

Unique features:
This preserve offers a glimpse of pre-settlement forest with mature trees and native plants right in an urban area. It is an important birding spot – over 200 bird species have been recorded here, making it a favorite for bird-watchers during spring and fall migrations​. The lack of development means wildlife thrives (deer, foxes, and owls have been spotted). Visitors should be prepared for a steep hike down (and back up) the bluff – a rustic staircase aids in some sections. The reward at the bottom is a secluded lakeshore often all to oneself. The Nature Preserve is a treasured slice of wild nature amid the North Shore’s suburban landscape.

Each of these parks contributes to the character of Milwaukee’s North Shore, providing recreational opportunities and natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking active sports, a family picnic spot, a bit of local history, or just a quiet place to enjoy lake or river views, the North Shore parks offer a bit of everything. Enjoy exploring!