Milwaukee is a city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin on Lake Michigan’s western shore. It’s the fifth largest city in the midewestern U.S. Known for its brewing traditions, major new additions to the city include the Milwaukee Riverwalk, the Wisconsin Center, Miller Park, an expansion to the Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and Pier Wisconsin, and the planned Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center, scheduled to open in 2018. The heart of the city is the relatively compact area east of I-43 near the Milwaukee River, heading east to Lake Michigan, and the University of Milwaukee to the North and the Historic Third Ward to the South. This is a guide to the best places to run in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Despite being known for less health-centric activities, Milwaukee has become a runner’s city. In the last decade, it has expanded and enhanced trails, opened a state park on Lake Michigan, and started a race that traverses the iconic Hoan Bridge. Milwaukee’s terrain is sculpted by the glacier path and includes steep bluffs along Lake Michigan that begin about a mile north of downtown. There is wonderful running along the water. Another highlight is the three-park system designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Olmsted: Lake, Riverside and Washington Parks, all of which are featured in our routes. For some great residential neighborhood running, we recommend Whitefish Bay and Fox Point, a few miles north of downtown.
Many of the city’s most popular attractions and a wide variety of restaurants are within easy walking distance, but there are plenty of public transportation options as well. Buses run throughout downtown Milwaukee, including shuttles to summertime lakefront events. With over 130 bike trails, the city also has a prominent bike share system, available at 11 major downtown locations.