FOR THE MOST PART, DOWNTOWN milwaukee has always been shaped by business — from steel and iron mills to meat packing plants and breweries. But the city’s lakefront is a different story. That area was designed entirely for the people in the 1920s, when the Socialists were managing the city. There, trails and roadways, not factories, skirt the lake and hug overlooks, making it the perfect spot to squeeze in a peaceful run.
“Definitely explore the lakefront park,” says Nashville lawyer Randy Michels, who runs in Milwaukee when visiting for business. “It’s very scenic, safe, with a lot of other runners.”
Start a six-miler at the Milwaukee Art Museum, not far from hotels at the easternmost point of downtown. From the museum’s lake side, run north into Veterans Park. You’ll know you’re there when you see the Milwaukee Vietnam War Memorial — three red granite pillars representing the soldiers who were killed, those who became prisoners of war, and those missing in action. When the road splits, veer right onto a flat asphalt path along the lake.
After about half a mile, turn left onto a path that takes you between a marina and a kite store. Straight ahead, when you see a lagoon, veer to the right. Cross Lagoon Drive and follow the path up and over the Brady Street Bridge. From there, you’ll travel up a steep hill into Milwaukee’s robust and historic East Side neighborhood.
At the top of the hill you’ll reach North Prospect Avenue. Take a moment to catch your breath, then run north on North Prospect and enjoy the first downhill of the hilly East Side. At Lafayette Place turn right and, as the street curves, you can look out over the marina and catch another whiff of lake air. Turn left onto Lake Drive and then, at a V-shaped intersection, veer left onto North Downer Avenue.
At Newberry Boulevard, turn right and you’ll run into Lake Park. With its myriad of statues, bridges, overlooks, recreational spots, and historical markers, Lake Park, says Milwaukee historian John Gurda, is the “brightest in the necklace of pearls” that makes up the Milwaukee parks system. This marks the halfway point of your run, but if you feel up for another mile, follow the trails north along Lake Drive, making a right and heading east on Kenwood Boulevard, then south along the lakefront bluff. At the Grand Staircase, turn right and go up the stairs. You’ll pass the Lake Park Pavilion and some bowling greens on your way back to Newberry Boulevard.
To continue on your original route, run south on Lake, turn left on Park, and right onto North Terrace Avenue, a luxurious residential street. Terrace runs along the bluff, so between houses and falling orange and red leaves, you’ll catch glimpses of the lake. After eight-tenths of a mile, you’ll see the Old North Point Water Tower at North Street. Past the tower, on North Terrace, you’ll see an Italian-inspired whitewashed brick mansion. Originally owned by prominent businessman Lloyd Smith, the home is now the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum.
You can make your way back to Veterans Park and the art museum via the Brady Street Bridge by following North Terrace to Lafayette and then making a left onto North Prospect to head back the way you came. Once in Veterans Park, take the path that runs alongside the lagoon until you reach your starting point.
As you cool down, take a closer look at your surroundings. Featuring an addition designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava in 2001, the museum’s facade has been compared to a bird taking flight and a ship setting sail. If that doesn’t encourage you to take to the trails again, nothing will.
— Samantha Cleaver
Healthy, Inside-Out
The Wisconsin Athletic Club, with locations all around the area, is a Milwaukee staple. In addition to cardio and weight training equipment, the clubs offer fitness classes and personal training. Nutritional programs are also available to offset the city’s signature beer and brats–type fare. A $10 day pass (weeklong passes are $30) allows visitors full use of the facility and classes. The downtown location is at 411 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Ste. 600. 414.212.2000; thewac.com. — S.C.
Getting There: Continental offers daily nonstop service to Milwaukee from its hubs in Houston, New York/Newark, and Cleveland.
