Wisconsin State Park System Hank Aaron State Trail

Named in honor of baseball legend Hank Aaron, this trail provides a continuous connection between Milwaukee's Miller Park Stadium and the Lake Michigan lakefront, as well as providing connections to famous Milwaukee landmarks such as the historic Ward Theatre on the grounds of the National Soldiers Home, the Wisconsin State Fair Park and the Pettit National Ice Center. Eventually the trail will connect with the Oak Leaf Trail near the Milwaukee/Waukesha county line and run along the southern edge of the Milwaukee County Zoo.

The trail west of Miller Park stadium travels along a former rail corridor. This segment is paved with asphalt to 94th Place. From 94th Place to the Underwood Creek Parkway at the Miwaukee/Waukesha county line, the trail corrodor is surfaced with crushed limestone. Please note that this section may be closed when construction is taking place on the Zoo Interchange.

The trail east of Miller Park runs along the Menomonee River on both off-street and on-street segments and connects to the Marquette Soccer Fields, Lakeshore State Park, Discovery World, the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Oak Leaf Trail [exit DNR], a system of paved trails and and parkways traversing about 100 miles through Milwaukee County.

The development of the Hank Aaron State Trail has contributed to the restoration, protection and enhancement of the Menomonee River valley. The preservation of this important environmental corridor aids in the restoration of fish and wildlife habitat and the rehabilitation of urban waterways.

Trail activities

The trail may bring a number of different users to the trail at the same time. It is important to use good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users.

• Wisconsin Trail Etiquette and Safety Guidelines [PDF]

Walking, bicycling and in-line skating

The level grade and limestone surface make this trail suitable for bicyclists, walkers, joggers and in-line skaters. Some sections of the trail are on-street, so remember to use caution.

Pet owners, please be sure to have your pet on a leash, 8 feet or shorter, at all times. You must pick up after your pet.

Portions of the Hank Aaron State Trail are accessible for people with disabilities. The 0.5-mile segment of trail adjacent to the Milwaukee Brewers parking lot has accessible sidewalks, allowing easy access from the parking lot to the trail. The trail gradually goes from the parking lot to the Menomonee River. Several bump-out areas near the Marquette soccer fields offer fishing access for people with disabilities.

No Hunting and trapping allowed on trail

Hunting and trapping are not allowed on the trail corridor. For more information, please see:

• Hunting and trapping in Wisconsin State Parks

Directions

Miller Park area: Driving east or west on Interstate Highway 94, take exit 308B and go south on State Highway 341 (Miller Park Way). After entering on to Highway 341 move as soon as possible to the right lane and take the exit marked Miller Park. Follow around the curve and at the first set of lights turn right. At the next set of lights turn left into the "Expos" parking lot. This is just south of the Klement's Sausage Haus. Park here and take the pedestrian bridge across the river. The Hank Aaron State Trail sign is at the bridge's east end. The trail is down the hill from the sign via ramps at the north and south ends of the walkway. Visitors can take 44th Street from the south and follow signs to the general parking area as well. There is also parking near the intersection of Canal Street and Milwaukee Road just east of the stadium.

• Hank Aaron State Trail map [PDF]

Road connections: There are several roadways that intersect with the rail corridor portion of the trail. These connections are at 94th Place, 76th Street, 68th Street, Hawley Road and the the Zablocki Medical Center west of Miller Park. East of the stadium, the trail continues off the rail corridor. There are several road connections as well as some segments where the route of the trail continues on roadways.

A river loop trail exists as an alternative to the parallel path along Canal Street. The river loop can be accessed from the main Hank Aaron State Trail at 25th Street or at 13th Street (Emmber Lane). This loop offers a more secluded trail along the Menomonee River, behind the buildings facing Canal Street. This trail segment also runs along the Marquette Soccer Fields.

Friends group and volunteering

• Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail [exit DNR]
• Wisconsin State Park System volunteering opportunities

Department of Tourism listings

• Milwaukee [exit DNR]

More in the area

• Discovery World [exit DNR]
• Wisconsin State Fair Park [exit DNR]
• Pettit National Ice Center [exit DNR]
• Milwaukee County parks [exit DNR]
• Oak Leaf Trail [exit DNR]
• Milwaukee Art Museum [exit DNR]