Suggested Routes
Explore an area of the Trail you’ve never been to or head down a familiar path. Not sure where you want to go? Take this quiz for suggestions of fun routes along the Hank Aaron State Trail, or check the suggestions out below. Don’t forget to post your experience on social media with #HankDIY and invite others to join!
1.5 Mi Routes:
A Walk in the Prairie: 1.5 mi - This walk has it all: history, art, architecture, river views, and restored prairie! You will pass two of our most recent art installations along the Trail: People of the Road Art Monument that honors the workers that carried Milwaukee’s name across the country on rails as well as a new piece from Sculpture Milwaukee 2019. Continue on the enjoy the Valley Passage, sweeping prairie, and Miller Park views.
Lakefront Walking Route: 1.75 mi - Walk this beautiful lakefront route by starting at Discovery World, walking along the Hank Aaron State Trail through Lakeshore State Park, out to the lighthouse where the harbor meets Lake Michigan, and back. Both the lake views and Milwaukee skyline views on this route never fail to impress.
5k Routes:
Three Bridges and Miller Park Route: 3.2 mi - Emerge from the iconic Silver City neighborhood through the Valley Passage near the first of the three bridges in Three Bridges Park. Run along the south side of the Menomonee River, past the 2nd bridge, and then snag a quick glimpse of the Milwaukee Domes across the 3rd and final bridge. Admire the cool sculpture before turning around and crossing the 2nd bridge to the north side of the river, where you’ll see the People of the Road Art Monument honoring the workers that carried Milwaukee’s name across the country by rail. Return along Canal St and pass a feature newly installed in the Valley from Sculpture Milwaukee 2019. Finish your journey through the beautiful restored prairie and breathtaking views of Miller Park as you follow this trail out to the end and back to your starting point.
Lakefront Route: 3.2 mi - Get your fill of lake views on this beautiful route! Start at Discovery World running along the Hank Aaron State Trail through Lakeshore State Park, out past the harbor, and then circle back to complete the Lakeshore State Park loop. Then take in the awe-inspiring architecture while running a loop on the Trails around the Milwaukee Art Museum.
Highlights of the Valley: 3.1 mi - Follow this route to get a tour of the transformation of the Menomonee River Valley over the past 20 years. You’ll see The Bridge sculpture, People of the Road Art Monument honoring the workers that carried Milwaukee’s name across the country by rail, and a newly installed piece from the Sculpture Milwaukee 2019 exhibit. You’ll also pass the Valley Passage mural as you head west to visit the Historic Veteran’s Administration grounds where you can explore the storied Milwaukee Soldier’s Home, Theatre, Wadsworth Library, and more before heading back to your starting point.
Heading West: 3.1 mi - Start at 121st St for ease of parking and explore the recently finished section of the Trail at its western edge along this lush green corridor. Run west to see the restored copper shelter in the park at Bluemound Road and then loop back past the colorful mural at Kelmann Restoration and the newly completed access ramp at the Zoo/Hwy 100.
Beer and Ice Cream Route: 3.46 mi Indulge yourself at the beginning, middle, or end of your route! Start and finish at Third Space Brewing and then follow the river through restored prairie right past Twisted Fisherman. Loop through the campus of the Harley-Davidson Museum along the river, including views of downtown, across the iconic 6th Street Bridge through Reed Street Yards until you reach Purple Door Ice Cream. Then, it’s up to you—stop there for some delicious ice cream or race back the way you came for a finisher beer at Third Space Brewing!
10k Routes
Milwaukee Domes, Miller Park, Historic Veterans Grounds: 6.0 mi - Follow this route to see the complete transformation of the Menomonee River Valley over the past 20 years. You’ll travel along the Menomonee River for much of this route. You’ll see The Bridge sculpture, People of the Road Art Monument honoring the workers that carried Milwaukee’s name across the country by rail, and a newly installed piece from Sculpture Milwaukee 2019. You’ll see the Valley Passage mural and explore a one-way trail spur to Miller Park and back offering striking views of restored prairie and urban architecture. You’ll also head west to visit the Historic Veteran’s Administration grounds where you can explore the historic Milwaukee Soldier’s Home, Theatre, Wadsworth Library, and more before heading back to your starting point.
West End to 76th St: 6.2 mi - Start at 121st St for ease of parking and explore the recently finished section of the Trail at its western edge along this lush green corridor. Run west to see the restored copper shelter in the park at Bluemound Road and then loop back past the colorful mural at Kelmann Restoration and the newly completed access ramp at the Zoo/Hwy 100. Wooded peaceful route with public art.
Half Marathon Route
One Way Trip: 13.1 mi - From the Lakefront to the west end of the Trail (or do it in reverse), you will log 13.1 miles on this one-way trip taking in views of Lake Michigan, Historic Third Ward and Walker’s Point Neighborhoods, the Menomonee River Valley, beautiful prairie, public art, restored copper bus shelters, and multiple murals. You will pass by Miller Park, Harley-Davidson Museum, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, the Historic Veteran’s Administration grounds, and Wisconsin State Fairgrounds.
Full Marathon Route
Roundtrip Flight: 26.2 mi - Complete a 26.2 mi roundtrip of the Hank Aaron State Trail where you’ll absorb both urban vibes and serene nature. Complete loops and spurs on the 26.2 miles out and back route—take in views of Lake Michigan, Historic Third Ward, Walker’s Point, Harley-Davidson Museum, the Menomonee River Valley, restored prairie, multiple murals, and all the art installations and restored copper bus shelters along the Trail. And that’s not all! You’ll catch glimpses of Miller Park, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, the Historic Veteran’s Administration grounds, and the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds.
