The 8 Secret Parks Of Milwaukee You've Never Heard Of But Need To Visit

No matter how long you’ve been in Milwaukee, it can be hard to visit each and every one of our 150 parks. Each area holds its own beauty, but these eight parks are secretly enchanting. Whether it’s Miller Valley or downtown, there’s a hidden park to be found and they’re so worth exploring!

Menomonee Valley/Facebook

This secret park might be hidden, but once you find it the beauty expands throughout every acre. Not only is it now an incredible getaway from the busy city life, it's history is fascinating. Three Bridges Park used to be a rice marsh and then a rail yard. After that, it was vacant for decades until it was transformed into the park we know and love today. Conveniently located near Miller Valley, this secret is hidden right within our city.

Three Bridge Park is located at 610 S. 35th St., Milwaukee.

Joseph A./Foursquare

This park is hiding right where you'd least expect it - in the middle of the city! With swings for everyone, it's the perfect place to stop, take a break, and have some fun. You'll feel like a kid again!

The Swing Park is located under the Holton Street Bridge at 1737 N. Water St., Milwaukee.

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GoogleMaps/Ryan Matejka

Hart Park is arguably the most popular park in Tosa, but some still don't know of its greatness! Located in the heart of the village, this park is always full of events. Check out the upcoming lineup on the Hart Park website here.

Hart Park is located at 7300 Chestnut St., Wauwatosa.

Photo Courtesy of Author

This incredibly unique Milwaukee park isn't just beautiful and home to the best views; it's full of amazing history. This park is home to Milwaukee’s first mayor, Solomon Juneau... well, a statue of him at least! This statue was built in 1887 and stands tall to this day.

Juneau Park is located at 900 N. Prospect Ave., Milwaukee.

Friends of Lakeshore State Park/Facebok

Even though it's right downtown, many don't know we have a beautiful park hidden along our lakefront. This park is located right on the shores of Lake Michigan and is almost completely surrounded by water. The peninsula of the park is known as Harbor Island, which was constructed in the 1980s to protect the festival grounds that sit behind it. If you haven't walked through the park upon the lakefront yet, you must get out and do so!

Lakeshore State Park is located at 500 N. Harbor Dr., Milwaukee.

Cathedral Square Friends/Facebook

This small slice of greenery is hidden right within our city. The name of the park is from the nearby Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, but there is no association otherwise. This is one of Milwaukee's favorites, though it's small. From Jazz In The Park to farmers markets every summer weekend and so much more, we can't get enough.

Cathedral Square is located at 520 E. Wells St., Milwaukee.

Jim H/TripAdvisor

Estabrook Park in nearby Shorewood is a beautiful natural gem. This urban green space packs a lot into a small space, including America's first beer garden since Prohibition.

Estabrook Park is located at 4400 N. Estabrook Dr., Shorewood.

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Kayla's Krew/Kayla's Playground/Facebook

Just outside of Milwaukee is the suburb of Franklin, which holds this hidden gem. This nature park is full of greenery and is home to Kayla's Playground. This all-accessible all-inclusive playground is the first of its kind in the area and is a great place space with a fantastic mission inside an awesome hidden park!

Franklin Woods Nature Center is located at 3723 W. Puetz Rd., Franklin.

Have you discovered these secret Milwaukee parks? Which is your favorite? Are there any others you know of that we should check out? Let us know in the comments and share your secret snapshots with us on our Wisconsin Nature Lovers Facebook group or on Instagram using #onlyinmilwaukee for a chance to see your photos featured!