Atwater Park

In my own little world, Milwaukee's lakefront spans from around Lake Park at the North end down to the Summerfest grounds at the South end. I've never really thought that the lake just ends at either of these points, but to tell you the truth, it has never even occurred to me to think about what is beyond them.

Now that I live further north than Lake Park, I have discovered that Lake Michigan's shoreline does indeed continue on, and it gets even more beautiful the further down you go.

Driving to work the other day, I followed my street toward the lake, figuring I'd make it eventually. Lo and behold, it was a faster route than the one I'd been taking, and bam! - straight ahead of me was the most beautiful view of Lake Michigan I've seen in all of Milwaukee. 

Yesterday my mom and my two brothers came to visit and we all walked down to Atwater Park in Shorewood. Less than one mile from my new place, and just about one mile down from Lake Park - where I am almost every day - is this amazing park and beach that I never knew about. Telling people at work last night, they said, "You didn't know about Atwater Beach?"

 

This morning I rode my bike back there to take some pictures and enjoy the spectacular view again. It felt so wonderful to get outside and get some exercise. My life has been just consumed with the move the past couple of weeks.

The park is quiet, lush and so green. There's a jungle gym for kids to play on, benches to sit on as you look out, and a paved path leading through it. Stairs or a paved ramp will take you down to the beach, a beach with soft white sand and clean-looking water. This morning there were only a few people down there, and even yesterday, on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, there were still only a couple dozen at most. It's secluded and peaceful, and yet it's a public beach offering access to all, and it's only minutes from downtown.

As I stared out over the water today, I marveled, as I always do, at how lucky I am to live here. I know I've said it before, but I think that many locals take it for granted, and people who have never been here think of it as nothing special. But unless you live on one of the coasts, or on one of these Great Lakes, you are nowhere near a body of water like this. If I didn't know better, I'd think I was looking out over the ocean. It stretches ahead and in either direction as far as the eye can see and it is simply breathtaking.

I was planning on biking through Lake Park today, too, so I could take some pictures, but the tires on my bike were low on air and I needed to head home. I'll go back soon, though, and I'm also going to hike over to this nature trail that I found, too. 



As for Atwater Park, I almost feel like the people of Shorewood (hey, I guess that's me now) would be angry at me for giving out such information, even though last night it seemed as though I was the only person who didn't know about it. It's located on Lake Drive at Capitol Drive. I'm going to jog there often, run up the stairs as an extra challenge, and I think I'll head down there tomorrow or Wednesday and take a dip - see if the water is truly as clean and refreshing as it looks!

Comments

[David Ernst]

If you haven't found it yet be sure to find the nature trail that goes from the top of the bluff down through the ravine to Lake Drive in Lake Park. Is is like the stories you read of Hansel and Gretel in the woods and feels completly cut off from the city.

[Nancy]

YES! You have to take that trail! If you love the view, you will love the trail. You would never know you were even in the city. I am an avid runner originally from Chicago and can seriously say that you cant find a place like this in IL. When I moved here, I quickly realized that I can live in a big city, while running through parks that make me feel like I am the only person around.

[Jon]

The best view of Lake Michigan is the bluff view form Silver Spring Park in Whitefish Bay, just north of Shorewood, located on the east end (obviously) of East Silver Spring Driver.

http://www.village.whitefish-bay.wi.us/forestry.html#Parks

[kelly]

Another great beach is at Grant Park in South Milwaukee. It is pretty far south...you will find it if you take Rawson Rd. all the way south until you cant go anymore and take a left. It will be immediately on your right. It is also part of the Oak Leaf trail that goes around Milwakee. The Beach is really clean, also has a playground, and even has indoor bathrooms. I thought the same thing Erin did about Atwater when I found Grant Park. Do yourself a favor and visit this beach before the summer is over

[Mark]

Ever been to Doctor's Park north of Fox Point? It's even better!

[Andre]

Hey, I want in on this... Ever been to Gas Works Park in Seattle or Golden Gate Park in San Francisco? They're the best ever!

Okay, just messin' with you guys. You guys are getting carried away though.

Anyone ever been to Lincoln Park in Glendale (on the river). I might be moving just near there, but I've never seen the park.