It is no secret that outside of Marquette’s campus there are endless things to do and something for everyone around Milwaukee. While the winter months and the cold begin to fade away, the city starts to become livelier at night with anything from music festivals, outdoor activities, sporting events and more.
Beating the Heat
Marquette’s campus lies a bus ride or a walk away from the lakefront, specifically Bradford beach. Students often gather here on the warmer days to sit on the beach, have a picnic, swim and more.
Although going to Bradford has become its own Marquette tradition towards the end of the semester, I think many beaches in Milwaukee remain overlooked. Atwater Beach, only a few minutes past Bradford is another option for people looking to soak up the sun. Atwater is one of my favorite places to swim because it is a little bit more secluded than Bradford and has pier structures to venture out on.
Outside of Milwaukee, Quarry Lake Park in Racine is a swimmable quarry with trees wrapping around the beach area. There is also Grant Park Beach on in South Milwaukee, South Shore Park beach in Bay View and Klode Park Beach in Whitefish Bay.
Festivals Around the City
When it starts to get warmer, the city’s festival scene comes alive again with festivals dedicated to anything from music, film, art, food and more. Some of my personal favorites are the food festivals around the city, and the music scene that is the most lively during the summer months. Here are some upcoming festivals:
Summerfest – June 20 – July 6
Milwaukee Dragon Boat Festival – Aug. 8
Summer Soulstice Festival – June 15
Lakefront Festival of Art – June 14-15
Black Arts Festival – Aug. 3
Hiking Trails
During the summer, the city becomes a hub for bikers, runners/walkers and hikers. With the city’s extensive trails, choosing to walk or ride to your destination is another great way to take advantage of the warm weather. There are also spots with a more natural feel to them such as designated hiking trails within the city and its surrounding suburban areas. Here are some designated trails:
Oakleaf River Trail – Henry H. Maier Festival Grounds
Hank Aaron State Trail – Underwood Creek Parkway
Greenfield Park Trail – Greenfield Park
Havenwoods Trail – Havenwoods State Forest
Fox Point Loop – Doctors Park
Jacobus Park Loop – Jacobus Park
Watch and Play Sports
The summer can also be a great season to watch a Brewers’ game, or an Admiral’s game — whose season goes until mid-June. Growing up, I would always go see a Brewers game during June with my family and that tradition has long continued into my adult years.
If you wish to find somewhere to play sports, there are also multiple sports leagues around the city for those who want to get active. Milwaukee Sports Social has multiple different leagues for people of all skill levels. These are 7-week leagues, costing around $99.
For those who are missing winter activities like ice skating, the Pettit Center is open to the public year-round.
Milwaukee Brewers Official Schedule
Activities Near Campus
For students ending the semester or staying on campus this summer, there are many events and activities happening on and around campus this year. My personal favorites are always the vintage and secondhand clothing events throughout Milwaukee. These usually happen outdoors, so it’s a great opportunity to soak up the sun while shopping for affordable pieces for your wardrobe sustainably.
Milwaukee Night Market – This market features local artists and local food throughout the summer.
The Milwaukee Sailing Center – Learn how to Sail on Lake Michigan
414 Flea – This flea market hosts monthly events at Zocalo Food Truck Park with multiple vendors.
Riverwalk Boat Tours – Take a guided tour of the Milwaukee River.
Sip and Purr Cafe – Milwaukee’s first cat cafe, where you can order a coffee and pet one of the cafe’s many pet cats.
This story was written by Sofía Cortés. She can be reached at [email protected].
