Brown Deer Park
Features a sledding hill and five miles (four loops) of cross county skiing and snow shoeing trails. Trails are groomed for skating and striding; beginner and intermediate level. Enjoy gentle, rolling terrain in wooded and open areas. 7835 N Green Bay Ave.
Havenwoods State Forest
The state’s only urban forest with more than 200 acres of woods, wetlands and grasslands. friendsofhavenwoods.org
6141 N. Hopkins St.
Lapham Peak
A focal point is a 45 foot observation tower. The park’s glaciated topography provides excellent hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing on lighted trails. Seventeen miles of cross-country ski trails (including 2.5 miles of lighted trails for night skiing). laphampeakfriends.org
W329-N846 County Highway C, Delafield
Lakeshore State Park
A 22-acre Wisconsin state park located on the shores of Lake Michigan adjacent to Discovery World. The park offers fishing, and jogging paths wind throughout the park. There is also a marina in the park. friendslsp.org
Lynden Sculpture Garden
A laboratory at the intersection of art, nature, and culture. Works with artists and the community to share experiences that integrate the collection of more than 50 monumental sculptures, temporary installations and the natural ecology of this 40-acre site.
lyndensculpturegarden.org
2145 W. Brown Deer Rd. River Hills
(414) 446-8794
Milwaukee County Zoo
With its 680,000 -square-feet of space, and over 3,100 mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles in specialized habitats spanning 190 wooded acres, this zoo is a great place to explore in winter. On view in December is Wild Lights Powered by We Energies, Dec. 1-5, 8-12, 15-23 and 26-31.
milwaukeezoo.org
10001 W. Bluemound Rd.
Mitchell Park Conservatory The Domes
Experience a desert oasis, tropical rainforest, and special floral displays. Through Jan 2, 2022, Poinsettia Promenade Holiday Floral Show is on view. milwaukeedomes.org
524 S. Layton Blvd.
Red Arrow Park
Ice skate at Milwaukee’s own “Rockefeller Center,” the refrigerated rink in the heart of downtown. Milwaukee’s outdoor ice rink is free to use when you bring your own skates. Affordable skate rentals, Polar Pals (toddler-sized plastic skating supports) and Starbucks available in the warming house.
920 N. Water St.
Schlitz Audubon Center
The observation tower boasts views of Lake Michigan plus more than 185 acres of the surrounding forest and beyond. schlitzaudubon.org.
1111 E. Brown Deer Rd. (414) 352-2880
Urban Ecology Center
Nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate the Milwaukee community about the environment, conservation, sustainability, and other issues related to urban ecology. urbanecologycenter.org
Wehr Nature Center
Located in Whitnall Park with 220 acres of nature preserve and an education center. Visitors can enjoy over five miles of walking trails and explore prairie, woodlands, wetlands, an oak savanna, and Mallard Lake. Trails are open from sunrise to sunset 7 days a week. friendsofwehr.org
9701 West College Ave. Franklin
Whitnall Park
Sledding hill with a warming house (golf clubhouse) plus 5 miles (four loops) of trails. Lightly groomed for striding beginner and intermediate skier. Gentle, rolling terrain in wooded and open areas.
5879 S. 92nd St., Franklin