Winter History Hike
This 2.2 mile loop, mostly on the scenic Hank Aaron State Trail, takes you to a hidden and quiet section of the Trail right near the Brewers stadium along the Menomonee River and through some of Three Bridges Park and the Menomonee Valley Community Park. There is so much history to be found here - take a walk back in time with us!
If there’s snow, be aware that many parts of the Trail are not plowed in the winter. Some people cross country ski or snowshoe on these areas of the Trail. A couple inches of snow makes this 2.2 mile route a challenge! Or grab your skis or snowshoes!
Note: Google Maps wouldn’t allow a route to be drawn through the stadium’s parking lot, so it is written below.
Route & What you’ll see
Start in the Menomonee Valley Community Park (212 S 36th Street) at the People of the Road historical monument. There are two informational signs near the sculpture that tell the history of this site.
Learn more about the sculpture from artist Richard Taylor in this short video.
Head down W Milwaukee Road (now you know why it’s called this!) toward the Brewers stadium. Cross over Selig Drive and continue through the parking lot, a little diagonally to the left, until you reach the second stop.
Your second stop is the informational sign “A Changing Landscape.” From its origins as a wild rice marsh to the home of heavy manufacturing to now being a model of economic and environmental restoration, the Valley has seen many changes in its history.
Turn to your right and walk straight until you reach your third stop - the Hank Aaron State Trail marker where you can read more about Hank Aaron and his impressive legacy as a Milwaukee Brave and Brewer.
Hank Aaron broke many racial and cultural barriers, and the Trail, which also connects the diverse neighborhoods of the greater Milwaukee community, exemplifies his legacy.
Head down the stairs to the left of the sign and take a right. As you walk along the beautiful Menomonee River, you’ll see stops four and five up the hill on your right. You can scramble up the hill to read them (they could be blocked if there are snow piles on the parking lot side!)
Stop 4 - Hank Aaron - Changing Times (1952-57)
Stop 5 - Hank Aaron - Changing Times (1958-68)
Your sixth stop is the end of this section of the Trail and features two informational signs - The Menomonee River Watershed and Trains in the Valley.
You might also enjoy this 8-minute clip by John Gurda on cleaning up Milwaukee’s waterways. The Army Corps of Engineers removed all of the concrete lining the river, now allowing steelhead and salmon runs upstream.
Turn around and head back along the river until you reach the Three Bridges Park sign and Valley Passage bridge on your right. This is the longest stretch - take some deep breaths of that cool crisp air!
Your seventh stop is the informational sign “Machine Shop of the World” opposite of the bridge’s entrance on the left side of the Trail.
Head across the bridge where you’ll find four items of interest. The first two are the informational signs on Native Americans in the Valley and immigrants in Silver City. Right next to them, you’ll see the bridge foundation from the original bridge that crossed the Menomonee River, carrying workers to the Milwaukee Road Shops which you read about at the first stop.
The fourth item of interest is the Valley Passage, the tunnel connecting the Menomonee River Valley and Silver City neighborhoods. It was closed from 1970 until 2010 when it was reopened and reunited the 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.
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.
Continue into Three Bridges Park which was opened in 2013. Learn more about Three Bridges Park and its story of hope and resilience.
Walk until you see another pedestrian bridge to your left. Cross it and your final stop is on the other side - once known as Falk and now as Rexnord. Head on over to the Wisconsin Historical Society ‘s website to see how this company has made its mark on Milwaukee’s history.
Enjoy your stroll as you head back to the first stop.
