Start at 3711 W Canal St at the pedestrian bridge - one of three bridges of Three Bridges Park (link to exact location on Google Maps.) If you drive, there is plenty of parking on W Canal Street. If you are routing to the park, put in 3700 W Canal Street and look for the Three Bridges Park sign right next to a pedestrian bridge. Once you arrive, follow the parking signs and park on W Canal Street.

Head east (toward the lake and away from the Brewers stadium) on the gravel path. You’ll see a “Milwaukee Urban Water Trail” sign on your right. That path leads to the Menomonee River - you can put your canoe, kayak, or paddleboard in right here during the warmer months!

If you glance to your left, you’ll see the newest art in the Valley. Tilted Channel was installed by the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail in 2020 and was featured in Sculpture Milwaukee 2019. Hear from the artist, Arlene Shechet.

Walk straight about 1/3 of a mile until you reach the 33rd Court Bridge. You’ll see a set of stairs going down to the river. You can also use this area to put in a canoe or kayak. Take a right and cross the second bridge of Three Bridges Park to enter the park. When you reach a T, take a left and continue heading east.

Just shy of a 1/2 mile up, you’ll reach the Bridge Sculpture (hear from the artist here) and the third and final bridge of Three Bridges Park. The overlook provides a beautiful view toward downtown and Lake Michigan. You’ll see the railyards in the foreground.

When you cross the bridge, you’ll enter the grounds of the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory. To your left, you’ll see a parking lot you can use in the future if you want to visit Three Bridges Park. Visit the Domes to warm up and grab a snack!

When you are ready to head back, retrace your steps across the bridge and back through the park. Instead of crossing the second bridge, continue straight.

On your right, you’ll see a path heading down to the Menomonee River (Yes! Another spot to put in your canoe, kayak, or paddleboard.) You’ll also see the community gardens up on your right. We recommend taking a slight detour from the paved path and head up the hill for some great views!

As you continue west, you’ll pass the Three Bridges Park donor sculpture which was installed in 2017 to recognize the more than 200 foundations, corporations, and individuals who supported the Menomonee Valley – From the Ground Up project at the $1,000+ level.

Donors’ names are inscribed on the arch’s interior, a long-lasting symbol of what our community can accomplish when we come together.

Shortly up on your left, you’ll see the Valley Passage, the tunnel connecting the Menomonee River Valley and Silver City neighborhoods. The mural illustrates what can be experienced on the opposite side and depicts the Valley of yesterday and today. Hear from Wisconsin artist Chad Brady who completed the mural in 2011.

If you continue through the Valley Passage, you’ll arrive at the Urban Ecology Center - Menomonee Valley branch. Here you can find outdoor activities and events and borrow snowshoes, kayaks, camping gear, and more.

This path will also lead you up to Newline Cafe (3618 W Pierce St) where you can grab a hot drink. The cafe is run by Escuela Verde students. Every coffee you purchase not only helps students hone their barista skills, but trains a future accountant, designer, communications specialist, or independent business owner.

If you head across the bridge, you’ll arrive back on W Canal Street where you started.

We hope you enjoyed your winter hike through Three Bridges Park!