The Oak Leaf Trail
Milwaukee’s grandest trail, The Oak Leaf Trail, surrounds Glendale. The 120-Mile Trail travels through thirteen Metro-Milwaukee communities. It’s free to access and ideal for hiking, biking, or cross-country skiing. Hundreds of people travel the trail daily to reach landmark destinations such as the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Bavarian Bierhaus, The War Memorial, and more.
You can hop on the Oak Leaf Trail at the Richard E. Maslowski Park Trailhead (2200 W. Bender Road) You’ll find the trailhead at the very West end of Bender Road near the parking lot. It’s adjacent to the Richard E. Maslowski Community Park which includes: Indoor Restrooms, Free Parking Lot (Illuminated at night and police patrolled), the David Hobbs for the People Community Room, Sprecher Outdoor Oasis (Beer Garden and Snack Bar), MSOE & Nicolet Baseball Field, the Johnson Controls Outdoor Amphitheater, the Orthopedic Hospital of Wisconsin War Memorial, and a large, accessible playground.
The Oak Leaf Trail also parallels the Milwaukee River at Kletzsch Park. You’ll see signs indicating the trail on Milwaukee River Parkway.
NEW DEVELOPMENT ON 4/30/2020
A section of the Oak Leaf Trail’s Zip Line (purple line) between Silver Spring and Bender Road is now closed for the foreseeable future, due to a growing sink hole. Follow the on-street detour shown below.
This sink hole is caused by a collapsing stone culvert, built over 100 years ago, beneath the trail. This sink hole is dangerous and is now barricaded for the safety of all trail users, so please stay away.
Milwaukee County Parks is focusing on maintaining safety and actively seeking funding to repair the underlying problem. Parks has applied for grants to make the approximately $600,000 repair.
You can still use the Trailhead at Maslowski Park…but, you must go North on the Trail.
