Milwaukee's Immaculate Trail Outside Of Downtown Thrives With Pretty Bridges And Wildflowers On Lake Michigan

Sitting on Lake Michigan's western shore, Milwaukee is a connoisseur of nature escapes. This city was made for walkers, as evidenced by the walkable Milwaukee neighborhood of Bay View, a charming summer gem. It's also not shy about utilizing its proximity to Lake Michigan for recreation, such as the sandy Kohler-Andrae State Park, with beaches and nature trails. So it's no surprise to find one of the city's most alluring walking trails is only a 20-minute drive south of the city center in a park right on the lake.

The Seven Bridges Trail in Grant Park is a lovely way to get out into nature and soak up Lake Michigan views on a sunny day. It's one of Grant Park's biggest draws, for good reason. The trail is 2 miles long — a good distance for a solid walk but not so far that it consumes your day — and includes various beautiful artificial and natural sights along the way. The stone stairways, wooden bridges, and waterfalls blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment. Vibrant wildflowers, including lilies and trilliums, litter the ground in spring, while autumn brings out the rustic oranges and yellows of maple tree leaves. When you reach the beach, Lake Michigan opens up, revealing serene water vistas.

If you're coming from Downtown Milwaukee, drive about 10.5 miles, passing the airport, before heading east to Grant Park. A parking lot sits right next to the trailhead on Grant Park Drive and is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Once you're on the trail, there are a few different routes and detours you can take. The Main Loop cuts through the middle of the park and takes you past the beach entrance, where you can put a blanket down for a picnic. If you feel like stretching your legs more, you can take the various side trails north or south, including a bluff trail along the shoreline. 

Despite what the trail's name may imply, you can actually walk across 10 bridges, including a covered bridge that conjures images of a Bavarian forest (pictured). This is the first bridge you encounter if you start from the trailhead just off Grant Park Drive on the park's western side. It sets the scene for aimless woodland wanderings with a poetic quote from William Cullen Bryant carved into its timber: "Enter this wild wood and view the haunts of nature." From there, you are transported into a magical forest filled with flourishing trees, from yellow birch to American beech. 

There are multiple picnic areas south of the Main Loop, including a covered shelter with toilets. To the north, kids can play on a small playground close to another parking area. The trail's various features were constructed almost 100 years ago, so they're a treat for old souls. You can even see a house built circa 1917 on the edge of the trail, which was built for the horticulturist who helped develop the park. Called Frederick C. Wulff Lodge, it also doubles as overnight accommodations for scout or civic groups.

Birdwatchers are also in for a treat when exploring the Seven Bridges Trail. The different ecosystems attract a range of migratory birds, from owls and woodpeckers in the forest to avocets and willets on the beach. Spring is the best season for seeing the wildflowers in bloom, autumn has its own vibrant colors, and winter brings a carpet of white snow. If you're coming from out of state, you can fly into Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and stay in Milwaukee's most stylish neighborhood, the Historic Third Ward, mixing charm, river views, and a walkable arts scene.