Cross-Country Skiing Near Milwaukee: Best Trails Guide
Lapham Peak stands as the region's premier destination with snowmaking and night skiing, but Milwaukee-area families have access to more than 80 miles of trails spanning three counties—many free or low-cost. Whether you're strapping on skis for the first time or seeking challenging terrain, southeastern Wisconsin offers groomed trails from Franklin to Port Washington. The season typically runs late December through early March, with Lapham Peak's artificial snow extending the season to 85+ days. This guide organizes every viable option by location and skill level, with complete details on rentals, lessons, and family programs.
Milwaukee County trails offer free skiing
Milwaukee County maintains two parks with groomed cross-country trails, both free to use with free parking. For North Shore families, these represent the most accessible options without a long drive.
Whitnall Park Golf Course (Franklin)
The county's flagship ski destination occupies 626 acres in Franklin, offering 5 miles of trails across 4 loops through gentle, rolling terrain mixing woodlands and open prairie. Whitnall is the only Milwaukee County park with on-site equipment rentals: skis run $25/day and snowshoes $15/day through a Wheel & Sprocket partnership. The warming house features a wood-burning fire, hot chocolate, and restrooms—essential amenities for families with young children.
Detail Information Address 6751 S. 92nd St., Franklin, WI 53132 Hours Dawn to 10 PM daily Trail length 5 miles (4 loops) Difficulty Beginner to intermediate Grooming Classic skiing (striding); requires 6" snow Fees Free (donations appreciated) Rentals (414) 525-4765 Park office (414) 425-7303
The adjacent 400-foot lit sledding hill (open 4:30-8:30 PM) and toboggan slide ($7/hour) make this ideal for families wanting multiple activities. Wehr Nature Center across 92nd Street offers additional snowshoe trails.
Brown Deer Park — Closest groomed trails for North Shore residents
Located just 15 minutes from Shorewood and Whitefish Bay, Brown Deer Park provides 4.5 miles of trails across two distinct systems—one groomed for classic skiing through woodlands, another for skate skiing on the golf course. The flat terrain makes this the county's best spot for absolute beginners learning technique.
Detail Information Address 7835 N. Green Bay Road, Milwaukee, WI 53209 Hours Dawn to 10 PM daily Trail length 4.5 miles (4 loops) Difficulty Beginner to intermediate Grooming Both skate and classic; requires 6" snow Fees Free Rentals None—bring your own equipment Park office (414) 352-7502
Important limitation: No rental equipment, warming house, or concessions. Come prepared with your own gear. The park connects to the 96-mile Oak Leaf Trail system for extended ungroomed skiing.
Ozaukee County delivers the best options near North Shore communities
Residents of Mequon, Fox Point, and Bayside have excellent trails practically in their backyards. Ozaukee County parks are free to access but lack on-site equipment rentals.
Mee-Kwon Park (Mequon) — Top family destination in Ozaukee County
This 63-acre park on Bonniwell Road offers groomed trails for both skate and classic skiing, plus a warming house, sledding hill ("Mule Hill"), and ice skating pond—making it perfect for families wanting variety. The trails wind through mature woodlands on the west and south sides of the summer golf course.
Detail Information Address 6333 W. Bonniwell Road, Mequon, WI 53092 Hours Sunrise to sunset Grooming Classic and skate Fees Free Amenities Warming house, sledding, ice skating Contact (262) 689-4684
Riveredge Nature Center (Saukville) — Most extensive groomed system
Located 30 minutes north of Shorewood, Riveredge offers 6 miles of groomed and tracked trails—the most extensive groomed system in Ozaukee County—through 485 acres of prairies, woodlands, and Milwaukee River frontage. The educational focus makes this outstanding for families.
Detail Information Address 4458 County Road Y, Saukville, WI 53080 Trail length 6 miles groomed (10+ miles total) Fees $5/adult, $2/child (4-13), $15/family (members free) Membership $55/dual, $75/family annually Special Free membership for 4th graders and families Snowshoes Free for members Website riveredgenaturecenter.org Phone (262) 375-2715
Additional Ozaukee County groomed trails
Tendick Nature Park (Saukville): Groomed trails through 89 acres with warming house, indoor pavilion, and boardwalks. Free admission. Hours: 6 AM-9 PM.
Hawthorne Hills County Park (Saukville): The county's largest park at 286 acres with groomed trails for both techniques. Excellent eagle watching along the Milwaukee River.
Harrington Beach State Park (Belgium): 3 miles of classic groomed trails through a 702-acre park with Lake Michigan beach access. Requires Wisconsin State Park vehicle sticker ($8/day or $28/year for residents).
Scenic ungroomed options worth exploring
Mequon Nature Preserve: 6+ miles of trails through 510 free acres with an education center, observation tower, and wheelchair-accessible paths. Dogs welcome on leash. Address: 8200 W. County Line Road.
Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve (Grafton): Ozaukee County's most-visited park features stunning Lake Michigan bluff views from 73 acres. The 2-mile loop trail includes boardwalks and wooden bridges. New pavilion with indoor restrooms. Free.
Virmond Park (Mequon): 62.5 acres on Lake Michigan bluffs with woodland trails and lake views. Beach staircase closed December-March.
Waukesha County hosts the region's premier skiing at Lapham Peak
For serious cross-country skiing, nothing in the Milwaukee metro compares to Lapham Peak State Park—Wisconsin's only state property with snowmaking, lighted trails, and comprehensive rental/lesson programs.
Lapham Peak — The must-visit destination (25 miles from Milwaukee)
This Kettle Moraine unit offers 17 miles of groomed trails ranging from gentle beginner loops to challenging advanced terrain with significant elevation changes. The 1.5-mile snowmaking system typically operates from mid-December, targeting 85+ days of ski-able conditions regardless of natural snowfall. The 2.5-mile lighted trail enables skiing until 9 PM Monday through Saturday.
Trail Distance Difficulty Meadow Trail (Green) 2 miles Beginner Kame Terrace (Purple) 2 miles Beginner Kettle View (Blue) 5.8 miles Intermediate Moraine Ridge (Black) 7 miles Advanced Lighted Loop 2.5 miles Varies Man-Made Snow Trail 1.5 miles Varies
Fees: Wisconsin State Vehicle Pass required ($13/day or $28/year for residents; $16/day or $38/year non-residents). Trail pass also required for skiers 16+ ($5/day or $25/annual). Seniors 65+ pay $13/year for vehicle pass.
Rentals: Nordic Specialists operates weekend rentals (skis, snowshoes) at the Evergreen trailhead shelter. Wheel & Sprocket offers on-site rentals Tuesdays and Fridays 4-9 PM, weekends 9 AM-5 PM. Call (262) 261-3800.
Warming facilities: Lapham Lodge (new 5,000 sq ft facility opening spring 2025) and Homestead Hollow shelter provide heated rest areas with indoor restrooms.
Contact Information Address W329 N846 County Road C, Delafield, WI 53018 Directions I-94 Exit 285, 3/4 mile south on Highway C Park hours 7 AM-9 PM (closes 5 PM Sundays) Trail conditions (262) 646-4421 Park office (262) 646-3025 Website dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/laphampeak Trail reports laphampeakfriends.org
Other Waukesha County parks with groomed trails
All require Waukesha County vehicle permits: $7/day or $40-60/annual.
Nashotah Park: 6 miles across 3 loops ranging from novice (2.4 km around open field) to advanced (1.6 km challenging woodland). Beautiful lake views and oak savanna. 444 acres. Address: W330 N5113 County Road C, Nashotah. Phone: (262) 367-1022.
Minooka Park: 6 miles across 3 loops on gentle, rolling terrain ideal for families and beginners. The county's largest park at 579 acres also offers sledding and fat-tire biking. Address: 1927 E. Sunset Drive, Waukesha. Phone: (262) 896-8006.
Menomonee Park: 3 loops through rolling woodland terrain, connecting to the 16-mile Bugline Trail. Address: W220 N7884 Town Line Road, Menomonee Falls.
Where to rent equipment in the Milwaukee area
Finding rental gear can be challenging—plan ahead rather than expecting walk-up availability.
Best rental options by location
On-site at trails:
Whitnall Park (Franklin): XC skis $25/day, snowshoes $15/day. Weekends only when conditions permit. (414) 525-4765
Lapham Peak: Weekend rentals through Nordic Specialists. (262) 261-3800
Specialty ski shops:
Bicycle Doctor (Dousman): Full-service Nordic shop with rentals, 30 minutes from Milwaukee. Supplies Peak Nordic youth equipment. 105 N Main St. (262) 965-4144
Les Moise Ski (Mequon): 10130 N Port Washington Rd. (262) 518-0069
Les Moise Ski (Brookfield): 19730 W Bluemound Rd. (262) 879-0800
Clear Water Outdoor (Lake Geneva only): $25/24 hours including skis, boots, poles. (262) 348-2422
Nature centers with rentals:
River Bend Nature Center (Racine): XC skis $15+tax, snowshoes $12+tax—must use on-site. (262) 639-1515
Retzer Nature Center (Waukesha): Snowshoe rentals only (no ski rentals). Free admission. (262) 896-8007
REI Brookfield: Ski shop services and potentially rentals—call to confirm XC availability. 13100 W Capitol Dr. (262) 783-6150.
Lessons and programs for beginners and families
Youth programs (kindergarten through high school)
Peak Nordic Ski Club runs the region's most established youth program at Lapham Peak:
Peak Nordic Kids (K-6th): Games-based instruction; $60 first child, $40 second, $30 third
Middle School Team: Intro to racing, Monday/Wednesday practices
High School Team: Competitive racing circuit
Website: peaknordic.com | Location: Evergreen Shelter, Lapham Peak
Junior Nordic Ski Series (Wednesdays, January-February): Weekly races at Lapham Peak for K-12. Courses from 0.7 km (K-6 beginners) to 4.0 km (high school). $5/night. Contact: Paul Keber, (262) 547-4827.
Adult lessons
Nordic Ski Club of Milwaukee: Free lessons included with $25 annual membership during club outings. Both classic and skate instruction. Active since 1971. Contact: nordicskiclub.mke@gmail.com
Lapham Peak Ski Club: Tuesday lessons (registration November-December); club membership required ($35/year). Website: laphampeakskiclub.org
Kettle Moraine Ski School: Private PSIA-certified instruction for all levels. Classic, skate, and even downhill skills on XC skis. Contact: (262) 880-1919 or kmskischool.com
Urban Ecology Center (Milwaukee): Beginner XC skiing classes in January-February at Riverside Park. Gear provided. Ages 7+. Registration required. urbanecologycenter.org
Major events and candlelight ski opportunities
Races and competitions
Lapham Loppet (January 17, 2026): The region's premier 11K race with challenging hills. Freestyle and classical divisions. Recent record: 180+ adult registrations. Register at racewire.com.
Wednesday Night Adult Ski League: 4.9K races January-February at Lapham Peak's lighted trail, 7:15 PM. $60/series or $10/night. Contact: Kris Maki, (262) 470-2635.
Family-friendly candlelight events
Lapham Peak Candlelight Ski & Hike (January 25, 2025, 6-8:45 PM): 1.8-mile candlelit trail with bonfire and refreshments at Homestead Hollow. $10 special event fee or 2025 annual state park sticker. Free vehicle voucher required—call (262) 646-3025.
Riveredge Nature Center (Saukville): Lantern-lit events every Friday in January (3, 10, 17, 24, 31). Different themes weekly. Free admission.
Urban Ecology Center Candlelight Hike (February 22, 2025): Menomonee Valley, 5:30-8 PM. Campfires, marshmallows, hot cocoa. Free.
Havenwoods State Forest (Milwaukee, January 19, 2025): 0.75-mile candlelit trails with s'mores. Snowshoes available. (414) 527-0232.
Trails organized by skill level for family planning
Best for absolute beginners and young children
Brown Deer Park (Milwaukee): Flat terrain, free, 15 minutes from North Shore
Mee-Kwon Park (Mequon): Gentle trails plus sledding and skating for variety
Minooka Park (Waukesha): Gentle rolling terrain, good for learning
Lapham Peak Green/Purple Loops: Excellent grooming on easy terrain with rental availability
Best for intermediate skiers building skills
Whitnall Park (Franklin): Rolling terrain with warming amenities
Nashotah Park Loop 2: Beautiful 3.5-mile intermediate trail
Lapham Peak Blue Loop: 5.8 miles of varied terrain with outstanding grooming
Riveredge Nature Center: 6 miles of scenic groomed trails
Best for advanced and experienced skiers
Lapham Peak Black Loop: 7 miles of challenging glacial terrain
Nashotah Park Loop 3: Short but demanding woodland trail
Hawthorne Hills (Ozaukee): Varied terrain with wildlife viewing
Best for night skiing
Lapham Peak is the only option—2.5-mile lighted loop until 9 PM Monday through Saturday. No lights on Sundays.
Checking trail conditions before you go
Snow conditions vary dramatically in southeastern Wisconsin. Always verify before driving.
Online resources
Resource Best For laphampeakfriends.org Lapham Peak detailed grooming reports skinnyski.com Comprehensive Midwest trail conditions travelwisconsin.com/snowreport Statewide overview waukeshacounty.gov (search: snow conditions) Waukesha County parks
Phone hotlines
Location Number Lapham Peak Trail Conditions (262) 646-4421 Lapham Peak Park Office (262) 646-3025 Milwaukee County Parks (414) 257-7275 Whitnall Park Rentals (414) 525-4765 Waukesha County Parks (262) 548-7801
Minimum snow requirements
Milwaukee County Parks: 6 inches for grooming
Whitnall Park Clubhouse: Opens with 3 inches
Lapham Peak: Snowmaking supplements natural snow; check conditions hotline
What to wear and practical tips
Layer like a runner, not a downhill skier. Cross-country skiing generates significant body heat—overdressing causes overheating and sweat-soaked clothing.
Base layer: Moisture-wicking synthetic or merino wool. Avoid cotton entirely—it absorbs moisture and chills you.
Outer layer: Breathable softshell jacket; slim-fitting pants or tights. Skip heavy parkas and Gore-Tex hardshells.
Accessories: Lightweight hat or headband (not heavy beanie), thin gloves for pole grip, sunglasses (goggles fog), single pair of wool or synthetic socks.
Best times to ski: Weekday mornings offer freshest grooming and fewest crowds. Weekend mornings (9-10 AM) provide good conditions before afternoon softening. Lapham Peak's lights enable weeknight skiing after work.
Quick-reference cost summary
Item Cost Milwaukee County Parks (Brown Deer, Whitnall) Free Ozaukee County Parks Free (except Harrington Beach) Waukesha County Parks daily permit $7 Waukesha County annual pass $40-60 Wisconsin State Park daily vehicle $13 (residents) Wisconsin State Park annual vehicle $28 (residents) State Trail Pass (age 16+) $5/day or $25/year Typical ski rental $15-30/day Peak Nordic Kids program $30-60/child Nordic Ski Club membership $25/year (includes free lessons)
Key contacts at a glance
Organization Phone Website Milwaukee County Parks (414) 257-7275 county.milwaukee.gov Whitnall Park Rentals (414) 525-4765 — Lapham Peak (262) 646-3025 dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/laphampeak Trail Conditions (Lapham) (262) 646-4421 laphampeakfriends.org Nordic Ski Club of Milwaukee — nordicskiclub.org Peak Nordic (youth) — peaknordic.com Bicycle Doctor (rentals) (262) 965-4144 bikedr.com Ozaukee County Parks (262) 284-8257 ozaukeecounty.gov Riveredge Nature Center (262) 375-2715 riveredgenaturecenter.org
Conclusion: Getting started this winter
For North Shore families new to cross-country skiing, Mee-Kwon Park in Mequon offers the easiest first experience—groomed trails, warming house, and sledding all in one free package close to home. Brown Deer Park provides another nearby free option for those with their own equipment.
Once hooked, make the 25-mile drive to Lapham Peak for the region's best skiing experience: reliable snow via snowmaking, extensive groomed trails for all abilities, rental equipment, lesson programs, and the only lighted trails for evening skiing. The Peak Nordic youth program and Nordic Ski Club of Milwaukee's free adult lessons provide excellent on-ramps for families building skills together.
Looking to hit the trails this winter? The greater Milwaukee area offers over 660 miles of groomed snowmobile trails within an hour's drive