Upcoming Events
Friday and Saturday June 12 and 13 at the Marina
All Hands Boatworks in coordination with the Maritime Heritage Alliance presents a “Small Boat Experience” Noon-5pm on Friday, June 12 and 10am – 5pm on Saturday, June 13 at the docks at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee.
Free Admission and open to the public.
Experience getting out on-the-water on a variety of wood boats, most of which were built by students from a variety of schools and youth organizations in Milwaukee. Participants must be at least 5 years old and weigh more than 50lbs, and all minors must be accompanied by an adult, sign a waiver and wear a life jacket. AHB will provide the boats and gear and life guards will be on hand along with safety boats for the public to row and paddle in the north and south lagoons at Lakeshore State Park. The 38′ wood Concordia cutter “Champion” of the Maritime Heritage Alliance from Traverse Bay will be on hand for ship tours and a few limited sails. Join All Hands Boatworks for this fun event!
Saturday June 13, 2026: 10am-2pm. Monarch Flyway Planting (kids prairie)
The Monarch Flyway initiative is a collaborative effort to restore and strengthen critical monarch butterfly habitat along Milwaukee’s lakefront at Lakeshore State Park.
By planting 2,000 one-gallon containers of monarch-favorite, Wisconsin-native perennials, the project aims to create a large, continuous landscape that supports monarchs during their migration through our area. This effort not only benefits monarchs but also enhances our urban biodiversity and provides a highly visible example of how native plants can be used to support pollinators in public spaces.
At its core, the Monarch Flyway is about partnership, education, and long-term impact. Johnson’s Nursery and the collaborators are bringing together community organizations, businesses, and volunteers to fund, promote, and physically build this habitat together.
Check out this promotional video! https://www.instagram.com/reels/DYS0NKdmjrB/
To volunteer, please register here: Volunteer for the Monarch Flyway
Sunday June 14, 2026: 8am-10am. Bird Walk with Milwaukee Birders
Binoculars up! Walk with expert birders to spot local species and log your sightings with eBird. Perfect for nature lovers of all experience levels. Coordinates to the meeting point are 43.029180, -87.895858. Details at milwaukeebirders.org.
Wednesday June 17, 2026: 5pm-8:30pm. Beach Bonfire (pebble beach)
Take advantage of our longer days and join Lakeshore State Park staff for a bonfire at Pebble Beach. Feel free to hang out and enjoy the fire or just stop by for a s’more. Donations for s’mores are welcome but not required and benefit the Friends of Lakeshore State Park. All ages and abilities are welcome to join us! This event is weather dependent and won’t occur if rain is in the forecast. Check here for updates.
Wednesday June 17, 2026: 6:30pm-7:30pm. Photos Scavenger Hunt (south entrance)
Join our Park Naturalist for a leisurely walk-through Lakeshore soaking in the last rays of daylight and appreciating the emerging prairie. This is a perfect time to search for summer flowers and take some beautiful photos! Meet at the south entrance park sign. Coordinates for the meeting point are 43.029180, -87.895858. All ages and abilities are welcome!
Sunday June 21, 2026: 10am-11am. Summer Solstice Walk (south entrance)
Summer solstice occurs when the earth’s tilt towards the sun is at a maximum. It is also a time of new beginnings, signaling the changing of seasons. Soak up the views of emerging prairies on a stroll through the park to reflex and relax in nature. Meet at the south entrance park sign. Coordinates for the meeting point are 43.029180, -87.895858. All ages and abilities are welcome!
Sunday June 28, 2026: 10am-11am. Prairie and Pollinator Walk (south entrance)
Curious about native plants and their pollinator friends? Come join the Park Naturalist Naturalists on a walk to celebrate Pollinator Week. With Lakeshore being home to over 200 native plants it’s a great place to learn about the varied plants that come into bloom and the pollinators that make this happen. Meet at the south entrance park sign. Coordinates for the meeting point are 43.029180, -87.895858. All ages and abilities are welcome!
Save the Date – Future Beach Bonfires
July 15, 5:00-8:30pm
August 19, 5:00-8:30pm
September 16, 5:00-7:30pm
October 21, 5:00-7:00pm (Halloween themed)
About Events
All events start at the south entrance of Lakeshore State Park, unless otherwise indicated. Public parking on the south side of the park can be found by entering “Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse” into a GPS map program. Approximate coordinates to the starting location are 43.029163, -87.895880
Contact: Elaine Zautke (Park Manager) 414.274.4281 elaine.zautke@wisconsin.gov
