Milwaukee North Shore Family Cycling Guide
Oak Leaf Trail in Milwaukee
Milwaukee's north shore offers exceptional family-friendly cycling opportunities with over 165 miles of paved trails, scenic lakefront routes, and safe paths connecting charming communities from Shorewood to Mequon. The region's crown jewel is the Oak Leaf Trail system, which combines with the Ozaukee Interurban Trail to create an interconnected network perfect for families.
These cycling trails features well-maintained paved surfaces, numerous rest stops with amenities, and stunning Lake Michigan views. The trails connect historic downtown areas, nature preserves, and family attractions while offering varying difficulty levels from easy lakefront cruises to longer adventure rides. With excellent bike shops, rental options, and year-round accessibility, the north shore provides everything families need for memorable cycling adventures.
Trail systems and cycling routes
The north shore's cycling infrastructure centers around two major trail systems that create seamless connections between communities. The Oak Leaf Trail forms a 135-mile network encircling Milwaukee County, with nearly 25% hugging the Lake Michigan shoreline. This paved, multi-use trail connects all major parks and provides dozens of access points throughout north shore communities.
The trail connects numerous parks and green spaces, providing riders with a mix of urban and natural scenery. Its extensive reach and well-maintained paths make it suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. The trail has multiple entry points along the North Shore, and includes for convenient access to the Shorewood Farmers Market in Estabrook Park.
The Ozaukee Interurban Trail extends 30 miles through Ozaukee County, connecting Mequon, Thiensville, Cedarburg, Grafton, Port Washington, and Belgium. This free-to-use trail runs mostly off-road through woodlands, wetlands, and farmlands, offering families a safe, scenic route away from traffic. The trail features a gentle 5% average grade and includes bike repair stations along the route.
Key trail segments for families include the Lake Line (8 miles along Lake Michigan), the Zip Line (9 miles connecting to Ozaukee Interurban), and the Milwaukee River Line following the river through various parks. These trails feature smooth asphalt surfaces suitable for road bikes, family bikes, and hybrid bicycles.
Mountain Bike Trails in North Shore Milwaukee
Kletzsch Park Trails (Glendale)
Kletzsch Park features two loops—the Bog Loop and River Glen Loop—totaling approximately 2.5 miles. These trails offer a mix of scenic views, including mature maple trees and riverside paths, making them enjoyable for riders of all ages. The trails are designed for single-direction riding (counter-clockwise) and are open from dawn until 10 p.m.
In addition, Milwaukee County Parks offer several trails, including the Kegel Alpha Mountain Bike Trail, Hoyt Mountain Bike Trail, and Oak Hill Mountain Bike Trail. These trails provide varying levels of difficulty and are open year-round.
Family-friendly routes by skill level
Beginner routes (ages 8-12)
Whitefish Bay to Fox Point Loop (3-5 miles) offers gentle riding through residential areas with stops at Klode Park's Lake Michigan beach and downtown Fox Point's boutique shopping. The route features minimal elevation changes and multiple rest opportunities.
Kletzsch Park Loop (2.5 miles) provides a perfect introduction to trail cycling with the Bog Loop and River Glen Loop offering paved surfaces and scenic wildlife viewing opportunities in a contained park environment.
Intermediate routes (ages 11-14)
Ozaukee Interurban: Cedarburg to Port Washington (9.91 miles) delivers a longer ride through historic downtown Cedarburg with lunch options and scenic countryside views ending at Port Washington's lighthouse and harbor.
Oak Leaf Trail Lakefront Sections (customizable 5-15 miles) allow families to choose their distance while enjoying stunning Lake Michigan views and connections to multiple parks including Estabrook, Veterans, and Grant Parks.
Advanced family routes (ages 13+)
Mequon to Grafton via Ozaukee Interurban (15+ miles) challenges stronger riders with longer distances while maintaining safe, paved surfaces and offering historical sites and nature preserves along the way.
Oak Leaf Trail Full County Loop (40+ miles in segments) provides ambitious families opportunities for multi-day adventures with numerous exit points and community connections.
Points of interest and attractions
Nature and outdoor destinations
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center (Bayside) offers 185 acres with 6 miles of hiking trails, Lake Michigan shoreline access, and a raptor program featuring 15 birds of prey including Bald Eagles. The facility provides clean restrooms, educational programs, and wheelchair-accessible trails. Admission: $8 adults, $5 ages 3-17.
Lynden Sculpture Garden (River Hills) features 40 acres with 50+ monumental sculptures and offers free admission. Open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am-5pm, the garden provides wheelchair-accessible facilities and allows visitors to create their own walking routes through the art installations.
Mequon Nature Preserve spans 438 acres with 5 miles of hiking trails, multiple specialized trail options, and educational center facilities suitable for various skill levels.
Parks and recreational areas
Klode Park (Whitefish Bay) provides Lake Michigan beach access, a community-built playground, tennis courts, and scenic overlooks. The park features free parking and clean restrooms in the warming house, with beach and park hours from 6am-9pm.
Doctors Park (Fox Point/Bayside border) offers 49 acres on Lake Michigan bluff with multiple beach access points, playground facilities, and excellent bird watching opportunities featuring native Wisconsin plants.
Estabrook Park (Glendale) connects to the Oak Leaf Trail and features an 18-hole disc golf course, two playgrounds, dog park, and the family-friendly Estabrook Beer Garden with extensive green space for picnics.
Dining and refreshment stops
Whitefish Bay offers Stone Creek Coffee for breakfast, Moxie Food + Drink with outdoor patio dining, and various shops along Silver Spring Drive. Fox Point/Bayside features Matilda Bakehouse for pastries and coffee, plus Maxfield's Pancake House for full breakfast menus.
Glendale area provides iconic Wisconsin experiences at Kopp's Frozen Custard, Bavarian Bierhaus for German family dining, and Bayshore Town Center with 75+ shops and restaurants. Cedarburg (accessible via Ozaukee Interurban Trail) offers historic downtown dining with local bakeries, cafes, and winery options.
Bike shops and rental locations
Full-service bike shops
Wheel & Sprocket - Fox Point (6940 N. Santa Monica Blvd.) stands out as Wisconsin's largest bike shop chain, named "Best Bike Shop in the Country" by the National Bicycle Dealer Association. This family-owned shop offers comprehensive services including bike fittings, repairs, and extensive Trek bicycle selections perfect for families.
ERIK'S Bike Shop - Bayshore (598 W Northshore Dr, Glendale) provides the largest bike selection in the Midwest as the #1 Specialized dealer in the country. The shop offers same-day service, extensive children's bike inventory, and family-oriented services with convenient Oak Leaf Trail access.
Belgianwerkx Bicycle Studio - Mequon (10802 N Port Washington Rd) specializes in high-end road, gravel, and cyclocross bikes with precision Retül fittings. While performance-focused, they service all bike types and offer professional custom builds.
Bike rental services
Trailside Recreation - Mequon (11090 N Weston Dr) provides the most convenient rental option, located directly on the Ozaukee Interurban Trail. Rentals cost $25/day for all bike types including regular bikes, e-bikes, and child trailers. Available models include Gazelle e-bikes, Bulls e-bikes, city bikes, and Co-Pilot child trailers.
South Shore Cyclery - Cudahy (4758 S. Packard Ave.) offers bike rentals with over 30 years of experience and exceptional children's bike selection including 12", 20", and 24" wheel options. The shop also houses the Milwaukee Bicycle Museum.
Bublr Bikes operates Greater Milwaukee's nonprofit bikeshare system with 100+ stations across Milwaukee, offering $3 for 30 minutes of city bike usage with lights and baskets for short-distance trips.
Seasonal cycling considerations
Spring cycling (March-May)
Spring brings variable weather requiring layered clothing and awareness of winter debris and potholes on trails. Trail conditions may include soft ground and increased water runoff, making route planning essential. The Ozaukee Interurban Trail undergoes major repaving from July-September 2025, potentially affecting summer access.
Summer peak season (June-August)
Summer offers ideal cycling conditions with warm weather and long daylight hours. Families should prioritize hydration, sun protection, and expect higher trail traffic. Extended summer hours at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center (8:30am-8:00pm Mon-Thu) provide additional family activity opportunities.
Fall cycling (September-November)
Fall delivers spectacular foliage viewing but requires preparation for wet leaves (slippery conditions), shorter daylight hours, and rapid weather changes. Ensure bike lights work properly for earlier sunset times.
Winter cycling (December-February)
Winter cycling remains possible with proper preparation including studded tires for ice, layered clothing, and regular bike cleaning to prevent salt corrosion. 85% of Oak Leaf Trail receives winter plowing, maintaining accessibility for dedicated winter cyclists.
Local cycling events and activities
Annual cycling events
Scenic Shore 150 starts in Mequon and travels to Sturgeon Bay over two days, representing Wisconsin's largest locally organized cycling event benefiting the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. This popular ride attracts cyclists of all skill levels.
Bike the Drive offers families the unique opportunity to cycle on Chicago's lakefront without cars while supporting Active Transportation Alliance. The event features full routes and shorter distances suitable for all skill levels.
Tour of America's Dairyland brings professional cycling to the north shore region, providing educational opportunities for young cyclists to observe competitive racing techniques.
Family-friendly seasonal activities
Fox Point Fourth of July features a children's bike parade with decorating at 8:15am, followed by the kids' parade at 8:45am and community picnic at Longacre Pavilion. The event includes an ice cream social and lawn games.
Slow Roll Milwaukee hosts a free, family-friendly 10-mile ride along the scenic lakefront starting at the War Memorial downtown, riding north to Shorewood, then returning via Oak Leaf Trail.
Milwaukee County Zoo Bike Tour offers the unique experience of cycling inside the zoo with 2.5-mile kids' rides or challenging 10-, 17-, or 27-mile routes, including breakfast, lunch, and zoo admission.
Planning successful family cycling outings
Pre-ride preparation
Check weather forecasts and trail conditions, especially during the 2025 Ozaukee Interurban Trail repaving project. Ensure all bikes receive proper maintenance including brake function, tire pressure, and chain lubrication. Plan routes based on family skill levels and pack water, snacks, and basic repair tools.
Equipment essentials
While helmets aren't legally required, they're crucial for safety. Ensure proper bike fit where children can place feet on ground, reach handlebars comfortably, and easily use brakes. Add reflectors, lights, and bells for visibility, especially during shoulder seasons with reduced daylight.
Route selection strategies
Begin with shorter, contained routes like Kletzsch Park loops before progressing to longer trail segments. Use Oak Leaf Trail's multiple access points to create customizable distances. Ozaukee Interurban Trail's flat grade and numerous communities provide natural break points for rest and refreshment.
Emergency preparedness
Carry emergency identification, basic first aid supplies, and cell phones for communication. Know key emergency numbers including 911, Milwaukee Police (414-935-7360), and Milwaukee County Sheriff (414-278-4788). Wisconsin Bike Fed (608-251-4456) provides statewide cycling advocacy and safety education resources.
Accessibility and practical information
Parking and trailhead access
Major parking locations include Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Klode Park (free public parking), Brown Deer Park, Estabrook Park (Hampton Avenue access), and Mequon City Hall (11333 N. Cedarburg Road). Veterans Memorial Park in Grafton provides 13th Avenue access to Ozaukee Interurban Trail.
Restroom and water facilities
Restroom facilities are available at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Klode Park warming house, all major parks along Oak Leaf Trail, and Bayshore Town Center. Water fountains can be found at major parks, visitor centers, and main trail facilities.
Bike surface compatibility
Paved trails (Oak Leaf Trail, Ozaukee Interurban Trail) accommodate road bikes, family bikes, and hybrid bicycles. Mixed surface trails at Kletzsch Park and Mequon Nature Preserve require hybrid or mountain bikes for optimal performance.
This comprehensive network of trails, amenities, and family-friendly infrastructure makes Milwaukee's north shore an exceptional destination for cycling families. The combination of safe, well-maintained paths, scenic natural beauty, and convenient access to restaurants, parks, and cultural attractions creates ideal conditions for memorable family cycling adventures throughout the year.
Bike Trails Beyond the North Shore
Hank Aaron State Trail
Covering about 15 miles, this trail stretches from Lakeshore State Park to Wauwatosa, following the Menomonee River. The route offers a blend of urban and natural landscapes, including views of the river, city skyline, and historical sites. It's an excellent choice for families seeking a leisurely ride with educational opportunities along the way.
Kinnickinnic River Trail
This 2.5-mile trail follows the Kinnickinnic River, providing a scenic route through Milwaukee's south side. The path includes both off-street and on-street segments, making it a unique urban biking experience. It's ideal for families looking for a shorter ride within the city.
Metro MTB's Annual Event Celebrating Women Riding
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Ride:
Plan Ahead: Check trail maps and conditions before heading out to ensure the route suits your family's skill levels.
Safety First: Ensure all riders wear helmets and understand basic biking safety rules.
Stay Hydrated and Energized: Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially for longer rides.
Respect Trail Etiquette: Stay to the right, pass on the left, and alert others when passing.
Be Weather Aware: Given Milwaukee's variable climate, dress appropriately and be prepared for sudden changes in weather.
Embarking on these biking adventures will not only provide quality family time but also encourage a healthy, active lifestyle while exploring the diverse landscapes Milwaukee has to offer.
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