On Wednesday afternoons, the bustle of downtown Milwaukee is accompanied by the steady steps of the Marquette Walking Club.
The autumn chill on Oct. 8 did nothing to dampen the lively chit chat that bounced between four of the members making their way to the lakefront after a long day of classes and preparing for a busy midterm week.
To the left, Lime scooters whizzed past while the sound of a roudy group exiting a restaurant came from the right. Altogether, the scene summed up life in downtown Milwaukee.
As the conversation continued, one thing was clear: everyone in the group joined this club for the same reasons; to meet new people, get outside and explore the city.
“My friends and I made the club because we wanted to bring people together to go on walks and socialize and see the city,” Stella Blau, a sophomore in the College of Business Administration and president of the Marquette Walking Club, said.
Blau said being able to socialize with her friends every week and having a designated time away from school helps clear her head.
This is the first year the club has been up and running, yet it already boasts over 30 members. Despite only existing for about a month, the executive board already has ideas in mind of how to grow their club.
“Next year when we’re all juniors, [we will be] able to get freshmen under our wing and show them around the city, especially if they’re not from around here.” Blau said.
The walking club also plans to table at the university’s annual Organization Fest next fall to attract new members.
So far this year, the club has walked to Shake Shack and Ben & Jerry’s, both in the Third Ward, which proved to be fan favorites.
“The sun was setting and we were walking along the riverwalk,” Allie O’Brien, a sophomore in the College of Health Sciences, said. “There were a bunch of canoers in the river and a band on a pontoon boat that was playing, and it was echoing through the buildings and just a really cool moment to be able to experience.”
Although the weeks that include food excursions tend to pull higher numbers, there are other benefits to be gained from the brisk hour and a half walk.
According to the American Psychological Association, about 75 minutes of walking per week gives adults an 18% lower risk of depression than those who report no physical activity.
A 2024 Healthy Minds report found that nearly 40% of the college students surveyed reported moderate or severe symptoms of depression.
“Walking is very good for my mental health,” O’Brien said. “It really gets me going, gets me active and I get to focus on nature [instead] of things that are stressing me out in life.”
Members agree that the mix of light exercise, group bonding and being somewhat forced to leave their dorm rooms or apartments contributed positively to their mental health.
The club has yet to make plans for when the weather gets colder, but they hope to host different events to continue their club bonding and positive initiative. They say the possibilities are endless.
More information about the Marquette Walking Club can be found on their Instagram page @marquette_walking_club.
This story was written by Mina Marsolek-Bonnet. She can be reached at [email protected].
