Upcoming Events
Friday June 5, 2026: 7am-9am. Bike Week Commuter Station
Join the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail and the Friends of Lakeshore State Park who are cohosting a Bike Week commuter station at the newly open Lakefront Bike and Pedestrian Pocket Park at the NW corner of Urban Park at the intersection of N. Harbor Drive and Clybourn Street.
Sunday June 7, 2026: 10am-11am. Urban Bird Hike (south entrance)
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 a morning 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. Meet at the south entrance park sign. 43.03268515463763, -87.89624151169264 43.029180, -87.895858. All ages and abilities are welcome!
Sunday June 7, 2026: 12:30pm-3pm. Youth Fishing Clinic (fishing pier)
Always wanted to fish but not sure where to start? Come on down to Lakeshore State Park’s fishing pier for our public fishing clinic! Naturalists will be there to show you or your kids the ropes and all supplies, poles and bait, will be provided. Coordinates for the meeting point are 43.03266439267174, -87.89622966598805. All ages and abilities welcome!
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
Volunteer Kickoff at Lakefront Brewery: Thursday June 4th, 4pm – 7pm
Raise a glass with Johnson’s Nursery staff and partners as Lakefront Brewery donates a portion of proceeds from their sales toward the project.
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
