All events located at Lakeshore State Park unless otherwise indicated
April 19th: Spring Bird Migration Hike, 6:00pm-7:00pm (North Entrance)
Did you know there are over 100 species of birds that call the park home? Walk through Lakeshore State Park with a park naturalist and learn the basics of urban bird watching and watch for the over 70 migratory birds that reside annually! Hike with us multiple times throughout the season to see how populations change over time. All ages and abilities welcome. Bring binoculars. All ages and abilities welcome. Meet at the north entrance of the park, just in front of Discovery World.
April 20nd: Work*Play*Earth*Day Events
9:00am-12:00pm: Earth Day Clean Up with Milwaukee Riverkeeper
Meet at the Lakeshore’s north entrance, just in front of Discovery World and help pick litter to get the park looking beautiful for summer! Register through Milwaukee RiverKeeper or simply show up! Trash bags are provided. Dress for the weather and bring gloves, if desired. Celebrate afterwards at Rock The Green from noon to 3pm! https://www.rockthegreen.com
12:00pm-1:00pm: Earth Day Hike
Walk through Lakeshore State Park with one of our Naturalists to learn about the history of the park, the wildlife that call it home, and the benefits of prairie restoration. All ages and abilities welcome. Meet at the north entrance of the park, just in front of Discovery World.
April 26th: Arbor Day Tree Walk, 5:30pm-6:30pm (North Entrance)
Arbor Day emphasizes the benefits of trees and encourages citizens to plant their own. Come along on an easy 1.7 mile “hike” around Lakeshore State Park, to learn about Wisconsin trees and discover the unique challenges when it comes to planting at Lakeshore State Park. All ages and abilities welcome. Meet at the north entrance of the park, just in front of Discovery World.
April 27th: Prairie Hike, 10:00am-11:00am (North Entrance)
Native plants provide ever-changing colorful scenery at the park! Lakeshore has over 100 native plant species providing a variety of benefits. Join a park naturalist on the hunt for signs of the park’s earliest wildflowers and learn these hardy plant’s characteristics. All ages and abilities welcome! Meet at the north entrance of the park, just in front of Discovery World.
May 1: May Day Hike, 6:00-7:00 PM
May 1st marks the beginning of summer. Come celebrate May Day at Lakeshore State Park and join a park naturalist in searching for early blooming natives and signs of other life in the park. Meet at the north entrance of the park, near Discovery World. All ages and abilities welcome!
May 3: History of Lakeshore State Park Hike, 2:00-3:00 PM
Learn about the history and construction of Lakeshore, Wisconsin’s only human-built, urban state park. We will walk a complete loop of the park, stopping to talk about the changing landscape along the way. Meet at the Park’s north entrance, just west of Discovery World. All ages and abilities welcome!
May 5: Great Lakes Awareness Walk, 3:00-4:00 PM
Milwaukee is lucky to be on the shores of the beautiful Lake Michigan, one of the 5 Great Lakes. These 5 lakes make up the largest body of freshwater in the entire world and over 20% of the world’s freshwater supply. Come learn more about what makes these lakes so great as you enjoy a walk along the shoreline. Meet at the north entrance of the park, near Discovery World. All ages and abilities welcome!
May 8: Wildflower Walk, 6:00-7:00 PM
April showers bring May flowers, and the flowers in our prairies are starting to bloom! Join our Educator for a hike and learn about what’s currently blooming in our park. Meet at the park’s north entrance, located near Discovery World. All ages and abilities welcome!
May 10: Bird Hike, 6:00-7:00 PM
Lakeshore State Park is home to over 70 native and migratory species of birds, and the spring is an excellent time to spot some of our returning friends! Join us on an evening hike to learn the basics of bird watching and seek out some of these beautiful species. Each bird hike is unique as migration causes our residents to change throughout the year. All ages and abilities are welcome, meet at the park’s north entrance, near Discovery World. Bring your binoculars! All ages and abilities welcome!
May 11: Public Fishing Clinic, 1:00-3:00 PM
Always wanted to learn how to fish but don’t know where to start? Stop by the park and our staff can help show you the ropes. All experience levels are welcome, people 15 and under do not need a fishing license. Fishing equipment provided. Meet at the fishing pier, along the western path after the pedestrian bridge.
May 12: Mother’s Day Hike, 3:00-4:00 PM
Bring your mom, aunt, grandmother, or other special someone on a beautiful hike for Mother’s Day! Join our Educator to learn about our prairie environment and moms in our natural world. Meet at the north entrance of the park near Discovery World.
May 15: Fossil Hike, 5:00-6:00 PM
What does Lakeshore State Park have to do with Niagara Falls? Come find out and learn some Wisconsin geological history as you explore the Lannon stone lining the park searching for fossilized coral, trilobites, brachiopods, and cephalopods. Meet at the Park’s North Entrance, just west of Discovery World. All ages and abilities welcome!
May 15: Beach Bonfire 6:00-8:30 PM
As the days become longer, beach bonfires return to Lakeshore State Park! Come join us at Pebble Beach to make s’mores, enjoy the cozy fire, and get to know our park staff at our first bonfire of 2024. Donations for s’mores are welcome, but not required and benefit the Friends of Lakeshore State Park. Meet at Pebble Beach, along the park’s western path.
May 17: Mushroom Hunt, 6:00-7:00 PM
Our park is not only home to plants and animals, but fungi too! Come see what mushrooms you can find on a guided hike with our Educator. Meet at the north entrance of the park, near Discovery World. All ages and abilities welcome!
May 19: World Bee Day Walk, 3:00-4:00 PM
Help us celebrate World Bee Day with a prairie walk! Bees have emerged from their long winter’s nap and are out and about in the park once more. Join our Educator for a hike and learn about the importance of bees as well as the threats they face. Meet our naturalist at the park’s north entrance, near Discovery World. All ages and abilities welcome!
May 22: Edible Plants Walk, 6:00-7:00 PM
Did you know that many of our native plants are edible? Come explore Lakeshore and learn about what edible plants we have in the park, and how you could use them at home! The hike will start at the park’s north entrance, near Discovery World. All ages and abilities welcome!
May 24: Spring Scavenger Hunt, 6:00-7:00 PM
Love a good scavenger hunt? If so, come and pick up a check list of items to search for while you enjoy a walk throughout the park. This event is suitable for all ages and abilities. Starting point will be at the north entrance of the park near Discovery World.
May 29: Snail Trails, 6:00-7:00 PM
Join our park naturalist in a hunt for snails and slugs! Walk along Lakeshore’s paths and trails searching for signs of these gastropods. Along the way learn about Wisconsin’s native snails and slugs, as well as invasive species. End the hike with an opportunity to make your own “snail” slime. Starting point will be at the north entrance of the park near Discovery World. All ages and abilities welcome.
Save the Date for these future events!
Wednesday, June 19 6pm-8:30pm. Evening bonfire with smore’s
Sunday, July 7 time TBA. Brunch By the Beach with food trucks
Wednesday, July 23 6pm-8:30pm. Evening bonfire with smore’s
Wednesday, August 21 6pm-8:30pm. Evening bonfire with smore’s
Saturday, September 7 time TBD. Music, Food and Art
Wednesday, September 18 5:30pm-7:30pm. Evening bonfire with smore’s
