State trail · Wisconsin
Hank Aaron State Trail
A 12-mile urban trail connecting American Family Field, home of the Milwaukee Brewers, to the Lake Michigan lakefront through the heart of Milwaukee, named in honor of baseball legend Hank Aaron.
Length
12 miles
Surface
Paved, Crushed stone
Route
Point to point
Endpoints
American Family Field (Milwaukee) to the Lake Michigan lakefront
Season
Open year-round; most active during Brewers home games and summer months. The trail can be busy on game days near American Family Field.
Plan your ride or walk
The Hank Aaron State Trail offers 12 miles of paved and crushed-stone path through the heart of Milwaukee, honoring the baseball Hall of Famer who spent much of his career with the Milwaukee Braves and later the Brewers. The trail creates a continuous connection from American Family Field, home of the Milwaukee Brewers, east through the Menomonee River valley to the Lake Michigan lakefront. Along the way it links major Milwaukee landmarks including the Wisconsin State Fair Park, the Pettit National Ice Center, and the Ward Theatre on the grounds of the Historic Soldiers Home. An optional river loop trail branches off at 25th Street and 13th Street, offering a quieter, more natural segment behind Canal Street buildings along the Menomonee River. No Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required, making this one of the most accessible and cost-free urban trails in the state system.
Getting there
The western trailhead is near American Family Field; take I-94 to exit 308B and follow signs. Parking is available at the stadium area lot and at a Park and Ride at 76th Street just south of I-94. Several road crossings connect to the trail along Canal Street east toward downtown and the lakefront. The trail runs entirely within Milwaukee and West Allis.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
Wisconsin DNR: Hank Aaron State TrailWhat to bring
Gear keyed to a long, flat trail day: footwear, hydration, sun protection, and a pack sized for the distance.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Hank Aaron and why is the trail named for him?
Henry Louis 'Hank' Aaron was a Baseball Hall of Famer who played for the Milwaukee Braves from 1954 to 1965 before the team moved to Atlanta. He holds numerous career hitting records and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in baseball history. The trail was named in his honor to celebrate his connection to Milwaukee.
Do you need a trail pass for the Hank Aaron State Trail?
No. The Hank Aaron State Trail does not require a Wisconsin State Trail Pass, making it free to use for all visitors. It is open year-round with no fee.
What landmarks does the Hank Aaron State Trail pass?
The trail links American Family Field, the Wisconsin State Fair Park, the Pettit National Ice Center, the Historic Soldiers Home and its Ward Theatre, and runs to the Lake Michigan lakefront. The optional Menomonee River loop adds a quieter natural segment to the urban route.
What is the surface of the Hank Aaron State Trail?
The trail has 10 miles of asphalt and 2 miles of crushed limestone, with some on-street segments connecting the rail corridor sections. It is mostly flat along the Menomonee River valley and is partially a rail corridor.
More Wisconsin trails
Looking for parks instead? Browse state parks by state.