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!!!

I came here I came here for my sister's bachelorette, and it was perfect! There is beautiful…read morewildlife and very calm water for easy kayaking. This is a great area, and I would come again if I was close by!

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 an amazing playground to have nearby. There is something for little ones of all ages. So much…read moreattention to detail went into designing this space. There are multiple ares for kids to climb--a climbing wall, a climbing tree, ropes, monkey bars, etc. the swings are also inclusive for people of all abilities and there are 2 separate swingsets. I loved the slide structures as they provided shade on an exceptionally hot day. Things to make note of: no food or drinks are allowed in the playground. There are plenty of tables outside for you to eat, but they are not shaded so it could get particularly hot. Plan accordingly. There are bathrooms which is really nice.

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 ;)

We had never been to the park or really even in this area before and we needed some outdoor time…read more The trails are very will maintained and the beach is gorgeous. We could hear the surf crashing long before we found the stairs down the bluff. Next time we bring our chairs and do a picnic while watching the waves crash.

Such a quality local park (recommend to me by a local, after all)…read more Seven Bridges has nice, walkable trails and some stairs, great for easy hiking/walks in a pleasant part of South Milwaukee. Venture in maybe three minutes and you can pick up the path that hugs the waterfront from an elevation, offering stunning views of Lake Michigan. You can also venture down to the shore itself, there are a few steep dirt paths that will take you all the way down. Definitely a great spot for being in nature when the weather agrees!

First time visiting this park and it was for the 4th of July weekend…read more The organizers put on a really nice show, fitting for the scenery and location. This park, perfectly situated overlooking Lake Michigan is perched on a plot of that land gives great 360 degree views of the area. There is plenty of parking, a playground, an expansive green space perfect for picnics and a pavilion with restrooms.

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.

This is a beautiful lighthouse on beautiful grounds that are well maintained and easy to navigate…read moreon the paved walkways. The Foghorn Museum onsite is very interesting with local history and includes a display on a former Racine native who was an astronaut. It's very easy to get to this lighthouse and has ample parking spots for average days. You can book a tower climb on their website. Definitely a must see, if you're in the area.

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.

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 parks is so peaceful, nice relaxing hike throw the woods, next to a creek nice bridges along…read morethe way