Lakeshore State Park Capital Campaign Receives $200,000 Boost

The vision for a year-round gateway to Wisconsin’s only urban state park is moving closer to reality. The Friends of Lakeshore State Park have announced two major $100,000 donations to the capital campaign for the upcoming Visitor and Education Center (VEC). These generous contributions come from two vital partners in the protection of our local environment: Veolia and The Fund for Lake Michigan.

Investing in the Future of Freshwater

For nearly two decades, Lakeshore State Park has served as a “living laboratory” for thousands of Milwaukee students and visitors. Currently, educational programming is often limited by the seasons and the lack of a permanent indoor facility. These new gifts represent a profound investment in the community and the next generation of environmental stewards by helping to create a permanent home for freshwater education that will be accessible to everyone.

The Friends of Lakeshore State Park invite the entire community to join these leaders in supporting the campaign. Every contribution brings the park one step closer to breaking ground on a facility that will serve as a hub for recreation and conservation for decades to come.  To view the architectural renderings or to learn how you can support the new center, please visit the official campaign page.

Partners in Conservation

The Fund for Lake Michigan 

The Fund for Lake Michigan, a private foundation based in Milwaukee, was established in 2011 as part of an agreement between We Energies, Madison Gas and Electric, WPPI Energy, Clean Wisconsin and Sierra Club to safeguard the lake and improve water quality in the region.  The Fund supports efforts, particularly in eastern Wisconsin, that enhance the health of Lake Michigan and its shoreline and tributary river systems for the benefit of the people and communities that depend upon the system for water, recreation and commerce.  The Fund has awarded more than $50 million in grants to restore habitat, improve beaches, clean up rivers and streams, and revitalize waterfronts in the Milwaukee area and in other communities within Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan basin.

“This investment reflects the Fund for Lake Michigan’s commitment to protecting and restoring the health of Lake Michigan,” said Vicki Elkin, the Fund’s Executive Director. “By incorporating a green roof, native plantings, and other green infrastructure into the new visitor’s center, the Friends of Lakeshore State Park is demonstrating how thoughtful design can reduce runoff, improve water quality, and create habitat in an urban setting. We’re proud to support a project that not only enhances the visitor experience but also serves as a visible, educational example of how communities can build resilience and safeguard our shared freshwater resources.”

Veolia

Veolia is contracted by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) to operate and maintain its regional wastewater treatment system serving over 1 million people in 29 municipalities.  Their 216 employees manage the 2 water reclamation facilities, conveyance system including the deep tunnel, and manage the biosolids program on behalf of MMSD.

In 2024, Veolia opened a regional office in the Enerpac Center to house 150 employees in finance, IT, human resources, and legal, serving as a hub for their regional operations.

Veolia is proud to support Lakeshore State Park’s Visitor and Education Center that will provide a platform to educate the community about Milwaukee’s water infrastructure and environmental stewardship—topics that are at the heart of our mission. By investing in this facility, we’re helping to create a space where residents and visitors can learn about the critical role clean water plays in our city’s past, present, and future.

Ghassan Korban, Vice President of Large Projects for Veolia.

Shine a Light

We’re excited to announce that Friends of Lakeshore State Park has been chosen as Light the Hoan’s featured nonprofit for April 2026 through their inspiring Shine a Lite initiative!

What Is Shine a Lite?

Each month, Light the Hoan partners with a local nonprofit that’s making a positive impact in Milwaukee. Through their Shine a Lite program, they “shine the lights” on that organization, both literally and figuratively, by illuminating the Hoan Bridge in the organization’s colors and sharing its story across Light the Hoan’s social media, website, and newsletter. It’s a creative way to celebrate Milwaukee’s changemakers and help the community learn more about local causes that keep our city vibrant and connected.

Our Moment to Shine

During April:

• The Hoan Bridge will be lit in the Friends of Lakeshore State Park colors
• Light the Hoan will spotlight our work through their social media, newsletter, and website features
• We’ll have the opportunity to share our mission, programs, and community impact with a wider audience across Milwaukee

Powered by Our Molson Coors Grant

This recognition comes at an exciting time. Our $10,000 Molson Coors grant is helping us expand several important initiatives within the park:

• Restoring and maintaining native prairie and pollinator habitats
• Supporting volunteer engagement and community education programs
• Enhancing the visitor experience through sustainability and accessibility improvements

These efforts bring people closer to nature while protecting one of Milwaukee’s most unique urban parks.

Bonus Opportunity — Let’s Celebrate!

Light the Hoan recently opened a new office near the Milwaukee County Boat Launch. It will be the perfect spot for a spring celebration or donor appreciation event as we share this special moment with our community.

Keep the Lights Shining

Throughout April, be sure to follow our features on Light the Hoan’s channels — and help us spread the word by tagging @LightTheHoan and @MolsonCoors in your social posts.

Together, we’ll keep shining a light on what makes Lakeshore State Park such a bright part of Milwaukee.

We have a Photo Contest WINNER!!

Congratulations to Jim Edlhuber

We’re thrilled to announce that Jim Edlhuber is the winner of our photo contest! His stunning image captured the graceful journey of an American White Pelican through Lakeshore State Park—from resting on the beach to soaring above the park sign before heading south. A perfect moment beautifully shared—congratulations, Jim!

A typical birding walk through Lakeshore State Park gave great looks at an American White Pelican resting at the beach, it makes its way out into the open water in the lagoon, rests for a moment on the west rocky shore, I walk to the west side of the lagoon, it takes flight to the sky and circles around the park gaining altitude and flies just above the Lakeshore State Park sign before leaving the park to the south.

Jim Edlhuber

Wildflowers on the Water

🌼 Wildflowers on the Water 2025 was a Success! The 3rd Annual Wildflowers on the Water at Lakeshore State Park on September 6, 2025 was a wonderful day of music, interactive art, and community—despite the cool weather!

Guests enjoyed live performances from Sarah Fierek,  Klassik, Malik Johnson, and more. Highlights included a community drumming circle, wildflower-inspired art projects, Sound Bowl experience, and visits with the MKE Urban Stables horses.

Special thanks to our hosting partners—Sincerely in Song, Friends of Lakeshore State Park, and the Wisconsin DNR as well as Rock the Green, our sustainability partner and all our many community members who attended and our corporate sponsors, donors and volunteers who brought the day into full bloom! A list of all who made this event possible can be found here: Sincerely in Song

We appreciate everyone who attended this gathering which was designed to uplift the mission of Friends of Lakeshore State Park and Sincerely in Song. We can’t wait for next year! Interested in learning more about sponsorship, volunteering or getting involved in Wildflowers on the Water in 2026?  Please email 

Clean Up in Lake Shore State Park

The Garden Club of Greater Milwaukee cohosted with the Friends a cleanup at Lakeshore State Park on Saturday morning, September 20^th.

Although the park appeared relatively clean on first inspection, several bags of various types of litter were collected, helping keep the park beautiful and protecting the natural habitat for all to enjoy – thank you DNR, Milwaukee Riverkeepers and the volunteers for helping make this happen!

Save the Date

November 9: Second Sunday Walk with Milwaukee Birders 8:30am-10:30amBinoculars up! Walk with expert birdwatchers to identify local species and record your sightings on eBird. Perfect for nature lovers of all levels. Meeting point: South Entrance. For more information: milwaukeebirders.org.

December 14: Second Sunday Walk with Milwaukee Birders 8:30am-10:30amBinoculars up! Walk with expert birdwatchers to identify local species and record your sightings on eBird. Perfect for nature lovers of all levels. Meeting point: South Entrance. For more information: milwaukeebirders.org.

Dragon Boat Festival Returns to Lakeshore State Park

The Friends of Lakeshore State Park are excited to have our beautiful park as host site for the Milwaukee Chinese Community Center’s Dragon Boat Festival.

We will be in the race with our team “Fishful Thinking” and helping provide volunteers for the event too.

The festival is solely run by volunteers, with the intent of promoting camaraderie and Chinese culture in the Greater Milwaukee area. If interested, please sign up below and fill in your information.

Request for Volunteers

Areas needing help include Friday set up, registration, parking, marshaling, trash management, the beer tent and Saturday take down. After completing the form, a festival volunteer coordinator will contact you.

If you volunteer, please check in at the MCCC registration tent 15 minutes prior to your volunteer time to receive further instructions.

Please let us know if you’ll be volunteering by sending a quick reply to this email. And stop by our team tent during race day to say hello and grab a cold drink and snack.

We hope to see you there!

The Friends of Lakeshore State Park Team

Kids’ Guide to Leave No Trace at Lakeshore State Park

Every family visit to Lakeshore State Park is a chance to take great care of Milwaukee’s urban oasis for everyone to enjoy!

When your family explores the trails, watches birds by the lagoon, or enjoys a picnic with Lake Michigan as your backdrop, you’re part of something special. Lakeshore State Park belongs to all of us, and that means we all get to be its caretakers. The Leave No Trace principles help families like yours make sure this beautiful space stays healthy and welcoming for every visitor who comes after you.

Think of Leave No Trace as your guide for outdoor adventures. These seven simple principles turn every park visit into an opportunity to care for nature while having amazing experiences together.

Principle 1: Plan Ahead & Prepare

Be the family that’s ready for anything!

Before you head to the park, spend a few minutes planning your adventure. Check the weather forecast and dress in layers—Lake Michigan can create surprising breezes! Pack everything you’ll need, including plenty of water, snacks, and a small bag for any trash you create.

Family Planning Tips:

• Bring reusable water bottles for everyone
• Pack snacks in containers you can take home
• Check park hours and any special events happening
• Let kids help choose which trails to explore using the park map

Planning ahead means more time for fun and less time worrying about forgotten essentials.

Principle 2: Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces

Stick to the paths and protect the plants!

Lakeshore State Park’s trails and designated areas are designed to handle lots of visitors while protecting the prairie plants and lakefront habitat. When your family stays on marked trails and uses established picnic areas, you’re helping preserve the native plants that make this urban park so special.

Trail Adventures for Kids:

• Make it a game to spot the trail markers and stay on path
• Teach kids to look for the “hidden highways” that animals use (but we don’t!)
• Use boardwalks and viewing platforms to get close to wetland areas safely
• Choose picnic tables and benches rather than sitting on fragile prairie plants

Your footsteps matter—every step on the trail helps protect the plants growing alongside it.

Principle 3: Dispose of Waste Properly

Pack it in, pack it out—leave only smiles behind!

Everything your family and friends bring to the park should come home with you, and you might even find some litter left by others that you can help clean up too.

Garbage Guardian:

• Give each child their own small bag for collecting their own trash
• Make a game of finding and properly disposing of litter (with adult help)
• Use the park’s recycling bins correctly
• Pack out banana peels, apple cores, and other food scraps—they don’t belong in urban parks

Remember: even “natural” waste like orange peels can take months to decompose and attract unwanted wildlife to areas where they shouldn’t be foraging.

Principle 4: Leave What You Find

Take pictures, not souvenirs!

Lakeshore State Park is full of treasures—interesting rocks, beautiful feathers, colorful shells from Lake Michigan’s shore. While it’s natural to want to take these home, leaving them in the park means other visitors can discover and enjoy them too.

Natural Treasure Hunters:

• Take photos of cool finds instead of taking the objects
• Create nature journals with drawings of discoveries
• Use the park’s educational signs to learn about what you’re seeing
• Remember that shells, rocks, and driftwood are homes and tools for park wildlife

Every rock, stick, and shell plays a role in the park’s ecosystem. When we leave them where we found them, we’re helping maintain the natural balance that makes Lakeshore State Park a thriving habitat in the heart of Milwaukee.

Principle 5: Minimize Campfire Impacts

Undertanding fire safety in the Park!

Lakeshore State Park doesn’t allow campfires or portable stoves to keep everyone safe and protect this urban natural space. This principle reminds us why fire restrictions exist and how we can still enjoy outdoor meals safely.

Safe Family Fun:

• Pack cold lunches and snacks that don’t need heating (Grilling is strictly prohibited)
• Use the park’s picnic tables for comfortable outdoor dining
• Bring insulated containers to keep cold drinks cold and avoid needing ice
• Understand that fire restrictions protect both visitors and wildlife in this urban setting

Even though we can’t have fires at Lakeshore State Park, we can still enjoy amazing outdoor meals together while keeping everyone safe and protecting this special place.

Principle 6: Respect Wildlife

Share the space with your wild neighbors!

Lakeshore State Park is home to birds, fish, small mammals, and countless insects that call this urban oasis home. Teaching children to observe wildlife from a distance helps protect both the animals and your family.

Wildlife Watching with Kids:

• Bring binoculars for better views from a respectful distance
• Never feed birds, ducks, or other wildlife—it makes them sick and dependent
• Keep voices low near wildlife viewing areas
• Stay on trails to avoid disturbing nesting areas
• Take photos instead of trying to get closer

The birds and other creatures in the park are wild animals, even in this urban setting. Respecting their space helps them thrive and gives your friends and family better opportunities to observe natural behaviors.

Principle 7: Be Considerate of Others

Make everyone feel welcome!

Lakeshore State Park brings together visitors from all over Milwaukee and beyond. Being considerate means everyone gets to enjoy the peaceful, natural experience they came for.

Thoughtful Family Visitors:

• Keep music and voices at levels that don’t disturb others
• Share popular spots like the lighthouse viewing area
• Clean up picnic areas completely when you’re done
• Be patient and friendly when trails are busy
• Help younger children understand park etiquette

When visitors are considerate of each other, everyone leaves with positive memories and a desire to return.

Growing Future Park Caretakers

Every time your family practices Leave No Trace principles at Lakeshore State Park, you’re doing more than protecting nature—you’re raising children who understand their role as environmental caretakers. These lessons learned by Lake Michigan will travel with your kids to every outdoor adventure they have throughout their lives.

The principles might seem simple, but their impact is profound. When children learn to plan ahead, respect wildlife, and leave places better than they found them, they develop the mindset needed to tackle larger environmental challenges as they grow up.

Your Park, Your Legacy

Lakeshore State Park exists because people like you believe Milwaukee deserves access to nature, environmental education, and outdoor recreation right in the heart of our city. By practicing Leave No Trace principles, your family becomes part of the solution—ensuring this remarkable urban park remains healthy, beautiful, and welcoming for generations to come.

Every family visit is an opportunity to model environmental stewardship, create lasting memories, and contribute to the legacy of this special place. When you pack out your trash, stay on trails, and respect wildlife, you’re not just following rules—you’re actively participating in the care and protection of Milwaukee’s premier urban natural space.

Pack your sense of adventure, bring your curiosity, and get ready to be park heroes. Lakeshore State Park is waiting for your family’s next Leave No Trace adventure!