Waukesha County Park System

Waukesha County Park System

There are currently eight parks within the Waukesha County Park System. From swimming and camping to hiking and cross country skiing, each park has its own personality, so be sure to visit them all. They are all so unique and beautiful! We are so lucky!

Fox Brook Park
2925 North Barker Road
Brookfield, WI 53045
(262) 783-1346

Park Hours: Sunrise to 10 pm (Year-Round)
Beach: 11 am – 7 pm (Daily)
Fox Brook Park is well known for its swimming beach located around a man-made lake. The lake was formed as a result of the gravel pit operation and is approximately 30 feet at the deepest point. Families can enjoy a day of swimming, pedal boating or scuba diving. This 223-acre park consists of 178 acres of wetlands, which will be preserved and protected as a natural habitat and open space area. This habitat allows for many bird species – gold finches and indigo buntings to name a few. The mile of paved trail curves around the lake, with three wildlife viewing areas, so you can stop to soak in the wonders of nature. The beauty and tranquility of this park offers a variety of recreational and open space opportunities.

Fox River Park
W264 S4500 River Road
Waukesha, WI 53189
(262) 970-6690

Park Hours: Sunrise to 10 pm (Year-Round)
Located in the Town of Waukesha, on the river, which shares its name, Fox River Park, is full of mature woodlands, wetlands and many species of wild flowers. You’ll feel like you’re in the northern woods of Wisconsin without leaving Waukesha County. The 257 acre park represents an outstanding area for providing a feeling of wilderness and solitude. No matter what time of the year one visits the park, the view and activity is ever-changing: spring brings delicate wildflowers; summer produces a wooded canopy for a hike through the forest; fall offers a breath taking color display and winter donates snow that glistens in the sun. The abundance of wildlife provides great opportunities for nature study and the exploration of the natural world. Many wildflowers and bird species can be viewed along the trails that wind through the park. The miles of paved trails draw hikers, bikers and rollerbladers throughout the summer to offer a variety of trail experiences.

Menomonee Park
W220 N7884 Townline Road
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
(262) 255-1310

Park Hours: Sunrise to 10 pm (Year-Round)
Beach: 11 am – 7 pm (Daily)

Located within the Villages of Menomonee Falls and Lannon, Menomonee Park is filled with a historical background from the stone quarrying period of 1880-1900. Historical remnants include an old stone crusher and the railroad spur from the quarry to the Bugline. The Park totals 464 acres of rolling field, high quality maple woods, cattail marsh, wetlands, and a 16 acre quarry lake. During your travels through the miles of trails, you may spot a warbler, thrushes or other songbirds. The rolling hills provide challenges to hikers, cross-country skiers and those on snowshoes. Enjoy a bike ride along the historical Bugline Recreational Trail that was once the railroad that served Stone City. The 12 mile crushed limestone trail is a treasure for hikers, bikers and runners. A separated portion of the trail is set aside for equestrian use.

Minooka Park
1927 E. Sunset Drive
Waukesha, WI 53186 
(262) 896-8006

Park Hours: Sunrise to 10 pm (Year-Round)
Beach: 11 am – 7 pm (Daily)

Minooka Park is the largest park in the Waukesha County Park System with a total of 579 acres. Minooka Park has a refreshingly tranquil atmosphere with trails that lead you farther from the city and further into nature. Most popular with the summer crowd is the swimming beach and pond. Enjoy a day at the beach or take a walk through the miles of wooded trails. Maybe you will catch a glimpse of the abundant spring ephemeral or variety of songbirds such as fly catchers or scarlet tanagers. See the scenic fall colors as stands of blazing deciduous hardwoods burst into their autumn reds, yellows and oranges. In winter, the park becomes an outdoor enthusiast’s frosty paradise with miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and a spacious sledding hill.

Mukwonago Park
S100W31900 County Hwy LO
Mukwonago, WI 53149 
(262) 363-7658

Mukwonago Park is nestled in the southwest quarter of Waukesha County approximately 3 miles west of the Village of Mukwonago. This 355-acre park site includes a high ridge, formed during the last glacial period, which stretches nearly the length of the park. Park visitors of all ages will be delighted to discover the park’s commanding view of the rolling terrain and farmlands typical of southeastern Wisconsin. The oak opening ridge is covered with presettlement vegetation including burr oak, shagbark hickory, and ground cover of prairie plants. While strolling through the oak savanna ridge, you may spot a red tailed hawk or turkey vulture, a known species to this park’s habitat.

Muskego Park
S83 W20370 Janesville Rd
Muskego, WI 53150 
(262) 679-0310

Park Hours: Sunrise to 10 pm (Year-Round)
Beach: 11 am – 7 pm (Daily)

Muskego Park spans 193 acres and was purchased in 1958 as the County’s first regional park. The State of Wisconsin Scientific Area Preservation Council named the 60 acres of Hardwoods that inhabit the park a State Scientific Area. This area is to preserve valuable plant communities, teach conservation practices and study the area’s natural history. Many trails wind through Muskego Park Hardwoods, offering a tranquil atmosphere and home to abundant wildlife. You will find woodpeckers and rose-breasted grosbeaks to name a few. Activities for all seasons await your arrival.

Naga-Waukee Park 
651 S.T.H. 83
Hartland, WI 53029
(262) 646-3555

Park Hours: Sunrise to 10 pm (Year-Round)
Beach: 11 am – 7 pm (Daily)

Naga-Waukee Park and Golf Course are located north of I-94 spanning the lands between the shores of Nagawicka Lake and Pewaukee Lake. This 414-acre parcel consists of a regional park, a championship 18-hole golf course, and 2 lake access sites. The diverse topographical features were created during the glacial age, which enhances the beauty of the site. Naga-Waukee Park spans 206 acres and offers a spectacular view of Nagawicka Lake as you meander down the boardwalk to the lake access or beach. Another boardwalk awaits you as it winds through the trees along the lakefront. It is a splendid view and a great photo opportunity. The oak hickory forest and thick undergrowth define the trails that wind throughout the park, which is home to many different species of wildlife. Many Baltimore Orioles make Naga-Waukee their home, as well as Great Horned Owls.

Nashotah Park 
W330 N5113 C.T.H.C
Nashotah, WI 53058 
(262) 679-0310

Park Hours: Sunrise to 10 pm (Year-Round)

Nashotah Park is a 444-acre park and is nestled among rolling hills, woodlands, wetlands and grasslands offering habitat for deer, waterfowl and a variety of songbirds. Nature trails lead through easily identifiable landscape types that were created by the last glacial advance over 10,000 years ago. These landscape types are: a natural lake system, an oak forest, an oak savanna (an area sparsely populated with trees), a cedar glade, a floating leaf marsh. Due to the variety of landscapes, Nashotah Park has an outstanding array of songbirds. The scenery comes alive with different colors for each season. The park continues to thrive in winter for cold-weather enthusiasts who treasure mornings and afternoons spent on miles of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails.

Retzer Nature Center 
S14 W28167 Madison St.
Waukesha, WI 53188

Nature Center Hours:
Grounds: Sunrise to 10:00 pm
Visitor Center: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (closed some holidays)

Come and discover The Unseen World! This exhibit features a touch and discover area, native fish, teaching animals, and a walk-through prairie underground.

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Waukesha County Park System Daily Fees & Annual Stickers

Source: Waukesha County