Seven Bridges Trail

You'll forget you're in the city on Seven Bridges Trail that begins in South Milwaukee's Grant Park. As you cross the titular bridges and head deeper into the woods, the sounds of traffic give way to the sounds of the burbling stream and the birds singing all around you. Tall trees tower overhead, and in the spring, wildflowers sprout all along the banks of the creek. In the summer, the beach just off the trail becomes the perfect place to enjoy some sun, and in the fall, blue skies and colorful leaves fill your heart with beauty. Don't forget to bring your camera! You might also spot wildlife here, including deer and migratory birds.

You're likely to encounter other dogs and their walkers on this popular trail, though it rarely feels crowded. The Seven Bridges Trail packs a lot into a short, relatively easy distance that makes it accessible to a wide range of two-legged and four-legged explorers. Though you'll cross many ravines, the bridges and the stairs built into the hillsides mean you won't have to make any tricky ascents up muddy slopes. This is all by design. One of the oldest parks in Milwaukee, Grant Park was built with careful attention to detail and finalized with the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Local conservation groups have carefully preserved this natural haven in the decades since its founding.

The trail leads to the beautiful Grant Park Beach on the shores of Lake Michigan. This scenic and expansive beach is a perfect place to spend an afternoon. The cove that juts out to the north blocks the view of the city beyond, furthering the illusion you're far away from the urban world. You might even feel like you've escaped to a beach town if you walk further down the beach to Ferch's Beachside Grille. At Ferch's, you can enjoy favorite local foods and craft beer at one of many dog-friendly outdoor tables, or carry your meal to a picnic spot on the beach. As you sink your toes into the powdery sand, you'll be glad to have found such a special place to share with your best friend.