Estabrook Park (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)

Milwaukee runners know that our fair city has a lot to offer by way of beautiful trails, great city routes and parks.  Estabrook Park stands out as one of Milwaukee's more unique offerings.

Nestled along the Milwaukee River just south of the Bayshore Town Center, Estabrook Park has a lot to offer the casual park-goer, including clean playgrounds, paved walking paths, a disc golf course and a dog park.  But for the runner, two things about Estabrook stand out:  the gnarly river trails, and the Biergarten.

The Trails

Estabrook Park plays host to a segment of the paved Oak Leaf Trail, Milwaukee's award-winning multiuse trail.  While the Oak Leaf Trail provides a nice way to get to Estabrook Park, that's not the trail I'm raving about.  The trail runners will want to get a little closer to the river where they'll find some gorgeous riverside singletrack.  Hills, gnarly roots, challenging steps, and rocky paths are all part of the charm of this riverside gem.  The condition of the trail depends greatly on the weather, and a big rain can make a huge difference.  A few years ago, segments of the trail were more or less underwater for much of the spring (although some brave souls forged new paths on dryer ground so the general trail was relatively passable).  Mountain biking is technically prohibited in this area, but the telltale bike tracks will remind you to use caution.  Estabrook Park's official maps only claim about 1.5 miles of trail in this area, although by my measure they stretch at least four miles as you can begin the trail as far away as North Avenue.

The view is okay.  I love running by the river.

This was the home of one of my first trail-running faceplants.  Nothing like going back to work after a lunchtime trail run with a bloody forehead.  

The Biergarten

Estabrook Park is host to the first Biergarten (you know...German for Beer Garden) to open in the United States since the prohibition.  This little parkside beerhouse offers a selection of German and American beers and a small food menu.  For the runner, this little oasis is perfectly situated:  there's nothing like a nice trail run followed by an ice cold brew in a frosty mug.

My $8 beer.  Worth every penny on a hot day.

There are few things to know about the Biergarten before you make a trip:  first, bring some ID with you.  I occasionally get carded there when I purchase my adult beverages, and I am far from 21.  Second, they do require a $5 deposit for their glassware, and they don't accept debit or credit cards, so be prepared with some extra cash.  The Biergarten's hours are limited and it is only open seasonally, so plan ahead if you want to enjoy a beer after your run.