Milwaukee Area Turkey Trot Complete Guide 2025

Thanksgiving Day promises exceptional turkey trot options across the greater Milwaukee area, with races offering everything from free community runs to professional-level events at iconic venues.

The region's turkey trot scene benefits local charities while providing family-friendly racing from scenic lakefront courses to botanical garden trails. Most races concentrate on November 27 (Thanksgiving Day), with early registration offering significant savings and guaranteed t-shirt sizes.

Thanksgiving Day races

The crown jewel of Milwaukee's Thanksgiving racing scene features four major turkey trots on November 27, each with distinct personalities. Festival Foods Turkey Trot at American Family Field offers the most unique experience, allowing runners to race through the Milwaukee Brewers' stadium with distances from 2-mile fun runs to 5-mile competitive races. The Milwaukee Turkey Trot at Veterans Park provides stunning Lake Michigan views on an 8K/5K course that's been drawing thousands of participants annually.

For budget-conscious families, Lake Park Turkey Trot maintains Milwaukee's oldest Thanksgiving tradition with a completely free 4-mile race that's welcomed runners for 26 years. The scenic Great Gobble Wobble at Boerner Botanical Gardens rounds out Thanksgiving morning options with rolling hill challenges through Whitnall Park's picturesque landscape.

Registration strategies and timing considerations

Early bird pricing offers substantial savings across all major races. Festival Foods Turkey Trot pricing jumps from $27 (early bird through October 31) to $40 during race week, while Milwaukee Turkey Trot maintains consistent $39.99 pricing with occasional promotional discounts. Most races guarantee t-shirt sizes only through mid-November registrations.

Registration deadlines vary significantly: Lake Park's free race requires no formal registration, while others close online registration 1-4 days before Thanksgiving. Race-day registration remains available for most events but expect premium pricing and potential supply limitations for merchandise.

Payment platforms differ by race organization. Festival Foods uses Race Roster, Milwaukee Turkey Trot operates through RunSignUp, and Great Gobble Wobble integrates with the Wisconsin Chilly Willy Run Series platform.

Complete race directory

Thanksgiving Day - November 27, 2025

Festival Foods Turkey Trot Milwaukee

• Location: American Family Field (Brewers Stadium), 1 Brewers Way

• Time: 8:00 AM sharp

• Distances: 5-Mile Run (timed), 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk (untimed), 2-Mile Dog Jog

• Cost: Early Bird $27-35, Race Week $40 (Youth $15, Dogs $5)

• Website: milwaukee.festivalfoodsturkeytrot.com

• Special features: Personal pumpkin pie, dog-friendly 2-mile course, professional stadium venue

• Packet pickup: Wednesday 2:00-6:00 PM (SKYY Lounge) or Thursday 6:30-7:30 AM

• Benefits: Southwest & West Suburban YMCAs

• Parking: Complimentary in designated Brewers lots

Milwaukee Turkey Trot 5K & 8K

• Location: McKinley/Veterans Park, 1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive

• Time: 9:00 AM (Kids Dash 8:45 AM)

• Distances: 8K Run, 5K Run/Walk, Kids Dash (8 and under)

• Cost: $39.99 (Virtual options $44.99)

• Website: wisconsinruns.com/milwaukeeturkeytrot

• Registration: runsignup.com/Race/WI/Milwaukee/MilwaukeeTurkeyTrot

• Special features: Lake Michigan lakefront course, Cranky Al's donuts at finish, choice of long-sleeve shirt or fleece pullover

• Benefits: Hunger Task Force

• Awards: Top 3 in each 5-year age group (must be present)

Lake Park Turkey Trot (26th Anniversary)

• Location: Lake Park Pavilion, 3133 E. Newberry Blvd.

• Time: 9:00 AM

• Distance: 4-mile family run/walk (shortcut options 1-2 miles available)

• Cost: FREE (suggested non-perishable food donation)

• Contact: Victor at 414-721-6062

• Special features: Milwaukee's oldest Thanksgiving Day race, completely free entry, scenic Lake Park course

• Benefits: Hunger Task Force (food donations)

• Registration: No formal registration required

Great Gobble Wobble

• Location: Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Dr., Hales Corners

• Time: 9:00 AM (1K Kids Race 8:45 AM)

• Distances: 5K Run/Walk, 1K Kids Race (free)

• Website: Part of Wisconsin Chilly Willy Run Series via RunSignUp

• Special features: Rolling hills through Whitnall Park, hot chocolate bar, custom woodle finisher awards

• Parking: Enter off 92nd Street ($7 daily park fee required)

• Course: Stroller-friendly with one aid station passed twice

Weekend Options - November 29, 2025

Kelly Johnson Foundation Turkey Trot 5K (8th Annual)

• Location: Fox Brook Park, 2925 N Barker Rd, Brookfield

• Time: 9:00 AM

• Distance: 5K Run/Walk only

• Cost: Pre-race $20-35 (family discounts available), Race day $40

• Website: kjfwi.org/wisconsin/turkeytrot/

• Special features: Chip timing, counter-clockwise park course, post-race prize raffle

• Benefits: Kelly Johnson Foundation scholarships

• Packet pickup: Wisconsin Athletic Club Brookfield, Wednesday 12:00-4:00 PM

Regional races

Kenosha's historic Mayor's Turkey Day Run dating to 1906 offers the area's longest race distance at 10K alongside a 2-mile option. The lakefront course provides panoramic Lake Michigan views but runs on open city streets requiring traffic awareness. Early bird registration through July 13 offers exceptional value at $20 for all distances and ages, jumping to $25-30 in later registration periods.

Racine's Turkey Trot 5K distinguishes itself with a complimentary Thanksgiving dinner for all participants served 10 AM-2 PM at Festival Hall. The ADA-compliant Lake Michigan Pathway course ensures accessibility while avoiding hills entirely. Social media sharing provides instant $2 discounts, and referral programs can eliminate registration fees entirely.

Burlington area races emphasize community inclusivity, particularly the myTEAM TRIUMPH event pairing able-bodied "Angels" with "Captains" (individuals with disabilities) for inspirational finish line moments.

Practical considerations

Weather policies across all major races follow "rain, snow, or shine" protocols. November in southeastern Wisconsin typically sees temperatures ranging 34-48°F with possibilities for precipitation. Most races may delay only for lightning or dangerous conditions. Layer appropriately and bring gloves for early morning starts.

Parking strategies vary by venue but generally provide adequate capacity. American Family Field offers the most extensive free parking across multiple designated lots. Veterans Park closes N. Lincoln Memorial Drive at 8:30 AM on race day. Botanical Gardens and county parks charge daily entrance fees ($7 at Waukesha County parks).

Family-friendly accommodations span all races with dedicated kids' events, stroller-friendly courses, and post-race refreshments. Dogs are welcome only at Festival Foods Turkey Trot (2-mile course exclusively) and St. Leonard Turkey Trot (walking division only).

Charitable impact and community benefits

Turkey trots collectively support major Milwaukee-area charitable organizations. Hunger Task Force benefits from multiple races addressing food insecurity, while Southwest & West Suburban YMCAs receive significant funding from Festival Foods events. The Festival Foods organization has donated over $4.8 million to Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCAs across 17 years of operations.

Individual races support targeted causes: Kelly Johnson Foundation provides educational scholarships, while Burlington events benefit Southern Lakes Area Love Inc. food pantries.

Registration recommendations and insider tips

Register by October 31 for optimal pricing and guaranteed merchandise sizing across all major paid events. Monitor individual race websites for flash sales and promotional pricing that can provide additional savings.

Packet pickup timing significantly impacts race morning stress. Wednesday evening pickups are strongly recommended over Thursday morning options, which close 30-75 minutes before race starts and create congestion at venues.

Course familiarity enhances race day experience. Most races publish detailed course maps, and several offer pre-race course tours or training group meetups for nervous first-timers.

For participants seeking competitive racing, focus on chip-timed events (Milwaukee Turkey Trot, Kelly Johnson Foundation, St. Leonard) with established age group awards and course records. Recreational runners and families will find exceptional value in free or low-cost community-focused events like Lake Park Turkey Trot and Great Gobble Wobble kids' races.

Conclusion

Milwaukee's turkey trot landscape provides exceptional diversity from free community celebrations to premium venue experiences, ensuring perfect matches for every running ability and budget preference. Early registration, weather preparation, and advance packet pickup optimize race day experiences across all events. The concentration of quality options on Thanksgiving morning allows families to make turkey trot participation a cherished holiday tradition while supporting vital community organizations throughout southeastern Wisconsin.