Milwaukee's Lakeside Suburb Is A Charming Haven With Sparkling Views And Peaceful Parks

Milwaukee may be best known for its strong brewing and biking history, (and maybe less so as the Bloody Mary capital of the world with a surprising cocktail culture), but it's worth leaving Wisconsin's largest city behind to discover what more the Northern suburbs have to offer, which includes everything from shoreline relaxation to parks and natural conservation areas. 

Perched on the western shores of Lake Michigan, about 12 miles north of Milwaukee, the suburb of Bayside has peaceful, glistening lake views and a plethora of parks. One of the seven communities that make up the North Shore of Milwaukee, Bayside is best enjoyed as a laid-back spot where you can revel in the great outdoors and small-scale community life, away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. It is also an ideal stop to add to a Wisconsin road trip following its scenic coastal byway further north in the Door County peninsula.

Though the easiest way to reach Bayside is by driving about 17 minutes from Milwaukee, (which has its own air connection at Milwaukee Mitchell International airport) you can also reach the village in less than two hours from Madison, another lively, outdoorsy paradise known as the "biking capital of the Midwest".

Perhaps thanks to its contained size, and peaceful, natural surroundings, Bayside has fostered a tight-knit community within its suburban boundaries, tied to a dedication to preserve its natural areas and heritage. One of its biggest selling points is, undoubtedly, the lakeside, which you can enjoy whether you are visiting one of the village's parks or walking along the shoreline.

To make the most of the glistening lake views, follow the one-mile Lake Terrace Trailhead, culminating on the land proclivity of Fox Point. The trailhead's slight elevation gives hikers a good vantage point to revel in the Lake Michigan splendor,  as well as being an ideal hub for observing the native flora and fauna. If you prefer to gaze at Lake Michigan while dipping your toes in the sand instead, you can head to the remote beach in Doctor's Park. On a sunny day, the park is ideal for a picnic, as it also features green areas, with stretches of shaded shrubs and trees across its 49-acres.

Central Bayside has a few basic amenities to keep you fed and entertained. Most of those are around the highway links of the Interstate 43 and West Brown Deer Road, which is the main road artery. At the crossing between the two, you will find a few cafes and eateries. Whereas for a caffeine fix you can head to Friendship Circle Cafe & Bakery, for a more substantial meal you have a few options among Indian, Italian, and Mexican. The corner where all the eateries converge is also a good place to head to Bayside's three charming parks, less than a mile away walking in a straight line down to the coastline.

With hundreds of acres of nature right on its doorstep, Bayside is a great location to enjoy a weekend immersed in nature –- with prairies, ponds, lakeside, and forests to choose from. You can hike through the 185 acres that make up the Schlitz Audubon Center, including 6 miles of accessible, paved walk along Lake Michigan allowing you to soak up the lakeside beauty and breeze. The Center is home to a Birding Resource Center, to provide birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts with tools to discover the surrounding bird life, and the "Feeder Grove" observation area, with birdfeeders hanging within a cozy, natural oasis. 

If you want to swap miles of leafy trails for an open-air museum experience featuring public art works, the place to go is the Lynden Sculpture Garden. This unpaved, 40-acre oasis is filled with 50 sculptures created by 20th century artists. You can enjoy the rugged paths, tranquil lakes, and monumental art works on a self-guided tour of the Lynden estate, or join a professional docent on a guided group tour, which is available upon prior registration.

There are more opportunities to venture into the wilderness further north from Bayside, where you can find the dramatic ravines, bluffs, and fragrant forests of the Donges Bay Gorge Natural Area among others. Note that the beaches are off-limits on this site, so if you want to enjoy a sandy scenery with views of the lake, the best option is to head to Doctor's Park.