This beautiful park is located about 15 minutes east of the I-94 freeway. There is a driveway that…read moreleads to a large parking lot far enough away that one cannot hear automobiles from the adjacent road. The park hosts a large pavilion (it can be rented out) with a lot of picnic tables that are like brand new, grills, nice indoor bathrooms, a softball diamond, a large playground, a basketball goal, a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and plentiful areas for picnics. During the time of my first visit, I was unable to explore the hiking trails that lead through the natural areas of prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. However, I was able to enjoy the tranquility of the surround landscape while discussing upcoming plans with friends. There were a couple family with kids playing at the playground and a man walking his dog along the edge of the manicured lawn and prairie plants. The lights are on a timer at the Pavilion and turned on at dusk. The women's restroom was clean and I did not see any spiders (this is extremely important to me.... I hope it continues to remain spider free!). After a Google search, I discovered this park was created recently to serve as a "pollinator paradise" that also slows runoff from the surrounding landscape into the Pike River. *my heart* It's everything I went to graduate school for and then some. This is an ideal place for a nature hike, meeting, taking your kids to play, picnic, family reunion, bridal/baby shower, etc. I was really impressed with the up-keep. Although it is a 35 minute drive, I plan on returning to explore the hiking trails with my pup and meeting up with friends. This is definitely a successful project that was completed by Mount Pleasant and Root-Pike WIN (with assistance from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, Fund for Lake Michigan, and other partnerships). 5 stars!!!

Beautiful little spot in a slightly busy area. Driving in and walking through the park you wouldn't…read morerealize you're next to a busy thoroughfare. Little signs throughout the park noting flora and fauna. You can rent canoes and jump into the river for a little slow moving adventure. We walked through the different trails, past ponds with fronds (yes, that rhyme was on purpose, and just enjoyed ourselves. There is a great little gift shop that had really reasonable priced gifts. I got Wisconsin made maple syrup, a river bend t-shirt, and a little ceramic bowl I use to hold jewelry. Great little spot to get back to nature in Racine.

What a hidden gem! My friend and I wanted to go kayaking on a whim and everywhere else was booked…read more For $15 for the first hour and $5 for every additional hour, this was a bargain. They don't have a ton of kayaks and canoes, hence the 4 not 5 stars. The boat landing is easy to get the kayaks in and out of the river. They had a small selection of single and tandem kayaks. I would suggest bringing your own water, sunscreen and bug spray. The bugs weren't bad today, but I could see how they could be. You have to take the kayaks off the stand, launch the kayaks and return them to the stand by yourself (not difficult, but just so people know what to expect). I will definitely be back! (They also have snow shoes, skis and fishing poles)

This park is AMAZING!!! Although, it does get packed on the weekends. My daughter begs to go here…read moreevery single day. It's clean. Has clean bathrooms. Beautiful trail surrounding it. Lots of places for all ages to play.

This is the first time we've ever been to Kayla's playground, and we were an absolute awe!…read more Not only does it seem super well maintained, everyone there was so pleasant getting along great and it has so much diversity in terms of all the different playground equipment that's there. I was so happy to see that they also have very options for kids of all different spaces, sizes and needs including a specialized swing for those in wheelchairs. My twin toddlers absolutely loved the play place. They explored both sides even though one side is for a little bit younger and one side is for a little bit olderis older. They really like the slides and the more advanced side. But, they've never seen the old school spring riders before and the kiddie side had two! They got a kick out of that and it made me feel nostalgic. We will definitely return to this playground again and again and again. The kids loved it and other than ONE entryway, the entire playground is enclosed which also helps to give piece of mind while you're watching your littles.

I took a few of my nieces and nephews to River Bend this week end.. It was a wonderful time. They…read moreabsolutely enjoyed their selves. However,, there were woodcarvers showing young people how to carve.. You had to be 10 or older. So they said.. we seen children there that we no for fact were not 10 yet it seemed almost sad that it did not concern anyone.. And likewise I met with a supervisor there that was less than warm to us.. I don't usually get any negative feelings from protocol or rules.. But for some reason this time around here on this day I got a really sad feeling from these few individuals.. I dare not mention much else as I'm certain they will know who I am.. We did after this sad encounter .. meet up with a few awesome volunteers that didn't seem to care one way or another who we were or what we were..and they showed the kids how to build a fire and gave them some awesome knowledge.. but I think I'm gunna stick to Colonial No one to pass judgement .. thank you ...

I just discovered this park earlier this summer and love it. It's serene with beautiful vegetation…read moreand has a great trail that follows along the Root River. The trails are well maintained with either gravel or wood chips to prevent walking in mud. I have seen herons, bunnies, and deer up close and personal while hiking through the woods. It may just be my favorite park in town.

Franklin Woods' playground area has greatly improved since they put in Kayla's Playground- a…read morehandicap-friendly and large playground to suit many ages. This playground and nearby picnic area is much improved, and they've also doubled the size of the parking lot, which is nice, and the playground is really a popular attraction. I've been coming here to hike the woodland trail for years, and it's a nice secluded hike with one main trail and a short offshoot. It's dog friendly, and we like to hike it year-round. If hiking in the winter, wear boots, as the trail can get icy. It's a nice secluded trail that connects to the neighborhood nearby. The paved loop around the marsh is nice as well. I would like to see them bring back the interpretive nature sign by the woodland path that told you about the numbered trees in the trail. The signs that do remain look unused, and the one by the marsh is broken with a small beehive inside. Small improvements to the "nature center" part of this area would make it five stars.

This park has greatly improved from what it was just a few years ago. It started with a tiny…read moreparking lot and trails through the woods. Then a playground and walking track was added. Now there is a big parking area and a handicap accessible playground- but my favorite part is still the original woodsy trails. From spring through fall(not a fan of winter walking) I have walked these woods, watching the birth, life and death of so many cool plants and foliage. In spring there is an impressive Trillium bloom that can be seen from the road. The trails are good for walking dogs too, but please clean up after them! The walking trail is very flat so anyone of any age can enjoy it. I can't speak for the playground as I'm a bit too old to partake, but the swings were always fun ;)

Beautiful park that has a path that leads straight out to Lake Michigan. This trail made it feel…read morelike I was back home in Colorado and gives someone who's homesick a little sense of peace and comfort. Highly recommend in fall! PSA: Be aware of ticks!!

I absolutely love this park. Ive been coming here since i was a little girl and it hasn't lost its…read morecharm quite yet although slowly falling apart. I frequent this park often and it does seem like they are trying to keep up with damaged walkways and fallen trees as best as possible. This trail connects over to grant park as well as the neighboring golf course. Many picnic areas, walking trails, views, and two points of beach access. The stairs here are VERY steep, and the pathways are generally NOT smooth. If these are concerns for you be weary! Bathrooms are as clean as you can expect at a park, trash cans are never left filthy, and parks people as well as park enjoyers all do a pretty good job of picking up any litter or trash left behind. Passer by'ers are typically friendly, and can even offer tidbits of information about the native plant life growing around you! If you care to say hello. In the summers on the weekends this place gets pretty crazy, and becomes a park i no longer enjoy. Visitors from nearby locations blast loud music, graffiti trees, leave mounds of garbage, and totally wreck the place. Photographers and photoshoots engulf the area, making it impossible to actually just relax enjoy the park. But thats not the parks fault! It really is beautiful! Summer visitors do show a lack of respect for the wildlife, however. If you are a large group, summer enjoyer. There are different events that take place here such as the annual beer garden. Theres a pavilion available for reservations for parties and events. Fall time is also awesome here. Whether you prefer a short scenic drive to admire the trees, or prefer to be more immersed, this place has color!! Hands down one of my favorite places to spend me time. On the right day, in the right season that is.

Lake Vista Park: Located in Oak Creek and nestled along the shore of Lake Michigan, this park has…read moresomething for everyone. First, there is a modern playground for kids along with a spacious field for recreational activities. A pavilion that can be rented for social events (parties) is also available near the playground. For nature enthusiasts, a handicap accessible paved walkway leads down to the lake, but for more adventurous parkgoers, there are also trails through the dense forest. The views of the lake can be spectacular at the right time of day and when the weather cooperates. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. I can't wait to visit in the autumn when the peak color changes occur.

Lake Vista Park opened in summer 2020, and will in a few years be one of everyone's favorite MKE…read moreCounty Parks destinations, if it isn't their favorite already. With a big new public building, trails, playground, pathways and rest buildings, it's setting the bar high for new Parks! I came here for a launch party back in fall 2020, complete with a cover band, food trucks, a beer truck, and recently returned to do some hiking! True to its name, it has an incredible view of the Lake, and great trails leading to the Lake viewing area, as well as trails that go down towards the Lake, and also to Bender Park. For cross-park hiking, you can park at Lake Vista, at Bender, or in-between both parks. The bird blinds and rest houses are really unique, and there are lots of accessible trails. Since I parked along the Lakefront at Bender Park, I took the Lake trail back to Bender; which does involve some stealth climbing. They should 100% officially connect the two parks at Lake level. Still, Lake Vista Park is incredible, and bound to become one of the crown jewels in the MKE County Parks system.

small but quaint! walk around the little park, walk down to…read morethe beach, pick up shells and take a look around the Lake and the lighthouse. A cute place to just come and unwind and maybe eat lunch while disconnecting from the world.

It's a super pretty place but also super tiny. You can't actually walk the shoreline. Ample…read moreparking. Come check it out only if in the area.

Bender Park: Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Oak Creek, this park offers some lovely…read moreviews of the lake and scenic trails. While it is a nice park, I prefer Lake Vista Park, which is located directly next door to the north. If I visit Bender Park in the evening, I've noted on multiple visits that certain drivers tend to speed recklessly through the parking lot. The other plus to Lake Vista is it does have a playground for kids, while Bender does not. Only other complaint is that the WE Energies plant to the south is a bit of an eyesore in an otherwise scenic location.

Great Park, there is cool beach, two brand new shelters and rocks with sparkles on them. Super cool…read moreplace with fantastic view of the Oak Creek Power plant.

On this amazingly beautiful May day, I took the grands to Grant Park beach. Love this spacious…read morepark, but the long road in is so full of potholes I nearly lose my fillings when I choose to go that way. "Jump into the hole," I said.

Grant Park is legendary history to me and my childhood. I just moved back home after six years in…read moreMadison. First place I went to. Picnic area 5 and 6. Where a boy became a man, if you will. Still pristine even 50 years later. Seven Bridges are always welcoming. The main road into the picnic areas is terrible until you get to the golf course. Needs a repave with CONCRETE. Otherwise, God has continued his blessing on Grant Park.