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

May 11th: Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day at Lakeshore State Park 8am-11am

Birds migrate thousands of miles each year in search of perfect breeding habitats. Milwaukee is both an endpoint and a stopover for birds. Learn about migration and what makes Lakeshore State Park such an excellent stopover. Start at the south entrance for all activities. Drop in and stay for as long as you want.

• 8:00 and 10:00 Bird walk
• 8:30-10:30 Migration game throughout the park with the Wisconsin DNR
• Creating a good bird habitat with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District
• Clean water for us and birds with Milwaukee Riverkeeper
• Bird identification with Milwaukee Birders
• What birds nest at the Park? Intro to Purple Martins, Tree Swallows, and Bluebirds

Sunday, May 18: Bee Hike 3:30-4:30pm

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 south entrance. All ages and abilities welcome!

Wednesday, May 21: Bubble Hike 5-6pm

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. All ages and abilities welcome!

Wednesday, May 21: Beach Bonfire 6-8:30pm

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. All ages and abilities welcome!

Saturday, May 24: Spring Scavenger Hunt 9:30-10:30am

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 south entrance of the park.  

Sunday, May 25: Urban Bird Hike 9:30-10:30am

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. All ages and abilities are welcome, meet at the park’s south entrance. We recommend bringing your own binoculars, but a small amount are available to those who need them. Please inquire by May 22 to reserve a pair!

June 7: Reptile Hike 9:30am-10:30am (part of Discovery World Turtle Fest)

June 8: Walk Milwaukee Birders 8:00am-10:00am / Free Fishing Weekend 12-3pm

June 18: Sunflowers and Suncatchers (at the beach) 5-6pm / Beach Bonfire 6-8:30pm

June 22: Wildflowers of Lakeshore 3:30-4:30pm

June 29: Urban Bird Hike 9:30am-10:30am

July 12: Dragon Boat Festival and Racing

July 13: Walk with Milwaukee Birders 8:00am-10:00am / Fossil Hike 3:30-4:30pm

July 16: Hunting for Colors Hike 5-6pm / Beach Bonfire 6-8:30pm

July 26: Fishing Clinic 9:30am-12pm

July 27: Urban Bird Hike 9:30am-10:30am

August 3: Fishing Clinic 12-3pm

August 10: Second Sunday Walk with Milwaukee Birders 8:00am-10:00am

August 12: Perseids Meteor Shower Viewing Party 8:30-10pm

August 20: Butterfly Hike 5-6pm / Beach Bonfire 5-8pm

August 30: Looking for Dragonflies 3:30-4:30pm           

August 31: Urban Bird Hike 9:30-10:30am

September 6: Wildflowers on the Water Festival 3pm-7pm

September 14: Second Sunday Walk with Milwaukee Birders 8:00am-10:00am

September 15-18: Canoemobile (potential for open paddle September 17, but TBD)

September 17: Bat Facts! Hike 5-6pm / Beach Bonfire 5-7:30pm

September 20: Fall Scavenger Hunt 9:30am-10:30am

September 21: Urban Bird Hike 9:30-10:30am

September 28: Offsite-Harbor Fest 

October 4: Seed Collecting Hike 9:30-10:30am

October 12: Second Sunday Walk with Milwaukee Birders 8:30am-10:30am

October 15: Pumpkin Craft Drop In 5-6pm / Beach Bonfire 5-7:30pm

November 9: Second Sunday Walk with Milwaukee Birders 8:30am-10:30am

December 14: Second Sunday Walk with Milwaukee Birders 8:30am-10:30am