About Lake Park

Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, the 138-acre Lake Park features rustic bridges, winding roads, waterfalls, lake bluffs and natural ravines.  Lake Park was first designed in 1891 under the direction of Olmsted, Olmsted & Eliot. Frederick Law Olmsted and Warren H. Manning led the plans, focusing on creating areas for recreation and public gathering.  

The general plan from 1895 included a concert grove and pavilion, open meadows surrounded by dense tree plantings and curvilinear pedestrian paths. Olmsted designed the park around the North Point Lighthouse, a steel-and-iron edifice that helped guide ships on Lake Michigan. The lighthouse has since been refurbished and opened as a museum. Additions of a tennis court, playground, and bowling course were introduced at a later date. 

Lake Park is one of three Olmsted-designed parks in the city of Milwaukee, joining Riverside Park and Washington Park. Of the three parks, Lake Park most closely retains its original form and intent. 

In 1993, Lake Park was placed on the National Register of Historic Places for its connection to Olmsted and its culturally significant Indian mounds. This recognition, along with the park’s centennial celebration, spurred the creation of Lake Park Friends, which continues to promote the preservation, enjoyment and enhancement of Lake Park in the spirit of Olmsted. 

Today, recognized park features— such as the pavilion (1903), Ravine Road Footbridge (1905) and grand staircase (1907)— have been added to Olmsted’s original design.