5 Great Parks in Milwaukee for Renters

One of the best parts of living in Milwaukee is how easy it is to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax, run, or gather with friends, the city has no shortage of green spaces close to many apartment communities. Here are five great parks and outdoor spaces Milwaukee renters should know about.

1. Lake Park

Lake Park sits on the East Side, a neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of students, young professionals, and long-time residents.

Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same landscape architect behind New York’s Central Park, Lake Park is a classic Milwaukee destination. The bluff-top trails overlook Lake Michigan, and the park is home to the historic North Point Lighthouse, an 18-hole golf course, and winding walking paths that connect seamlessly with the Oak Leaf Trail. Apartments in this part of the city offer easy access to both urban amenities and some of the most scenic lakefront views in Milwaukee, making the park a natural extension of daily life for many renters.

2. Veterans Park

Veterans Park lies along the lakefront just south of the East Side and a short distance from downtown. No park in Milwaukee integrates Lake Michigan in a more scenic and important way.

Its wide open lawns, bike paths, and lagoons create a welcoming environment for residents (and kite enthusiasts) who want to be close to both the water and the city. The park is adjacent to Bradford Beach, giving apartment dwellers easy access to one of Milwaukee’s most popular summer destinations. Families gather for the outdoor movie night series, while large festivals throughout the year fill the park with energy.

If you're a downtown resident, Veterans Park is walkable and almost a mandatory experience throughout the summer for the most enriched Milwaukee lifestyle. Living near Veterans Park offers renters an unmatched combination of outdoor recreation, cultural events, and stunning views of the lake.

3. Humboldt Park

Humboldt Park is located in Bay View, one of Milwaukee’s most popular neighborhoods for its creative energy, vintage shops, and lively food scene.

The park is best known for “Chill on the Hill,” a weekly summer concert series that draws thousands of people to the natural amphitheater. Neighbors bring picnic blankets, food, and drinks, and the event creates one of the most vibrant community gatherings in the city.

Beyond the concerts, the park also offers a lagoon for fishing, walking trails, and a beer garden that becomes a social hub during warm months. For renters in Bay View, Humboldt Park is both a backyard and a community living room where the neighborhood truly comes together.

4. Mitchell Park Domes & Greenhouses

Mitchell Park sits on the Near South Side in the Clarke Square neighborhood, a diverse and historic part of Milwaukee close to the Menomonee Valley.

The park is home to the Mitchell Park Domes, a horticultural conservatory that features three distinct biomes: desert, tropical, and floral show domes. These glass domes are a Milwaukee icon, attracting visitors year-round and offering renters nearby access to one of the city’s most unique attractions.

In August 2025, Milwaukee County approved thirty million dollars in funding as part of a long-term restoration plan to preserve and redevelop the Domes for future generations link here. The project includes plans for new interactive gardens, a café, and improved visitor amenities, which will make the space even more valuable for surrounding communities. Apartments in the area offer proximity to both everyday conveniences and this one-of-a-kind green space.

5. Washington Park

Just a few miles west of downtown, Washington Park anchors the neighborhood of the same name on the city’s West Side.

Like Lake Park, it was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and reflects his vision of expansive landscapes that invite both recreation and reflection. The park includes a large lagoon, scenic bridges, and open lawns that once hosted the original Milwaukee County Zoo. Today, it remains an important community hub with the Blatz bandshell for outdoor concerts and an Urban Ecology Center branch that runs environmental education programs for youth.

For renters, Washington Park offers affordable housing options nearby along with direct access to trails, community events, and family-friendly outdoor activities. Its location provides a balance of neighborhood charm and close proximity to downtown Milwaukee.

Why It Matters for Renters

Access to parks and outdoor spaces is a major perk when choosing where to live.

These spots not only provide a healthy lifestyle boost but also make neighborhoods more vibrant and connected. Milwaukee renters can enjoy both city living and easy access to nature—often just steps from their apartment door.