Contact: DNR Office of Communications
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov
Upcoming Milwaukee-Area DNR Facility And Property Closures
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that several Milwaukee-area facilities and properties will have full or partial closures over the next two months due to the Republican National Convention (RNC) and the Wisconsin State Fair. These closures are to accommodate security and safety operations during the events.
Lakeshore State Park, a portion of the Hank Aaron State Trail and the DNR Southeast Regional Headquarters, which includes the Milwaukee Service Center, will close during the RNC in Milwaukee. The Hank Aaron State Trail will also once again close during the Wisconsin State Fair.
DNR Southeast Regional Headquarters And Milwaukee Service Center – July 6-21, 2024
The DNR Southeast Regional Headquarters and the Milwaukee Service Center will be closed to the public and staff July 6-21. Customers in need of assistance should visit GoWild.Wi.Gov, call 1-888-936-7463 or visit the Waukesha Service Center (141 NW Barstow Room 180, Waukesha, WI 53188) for assistance during this closure.
Lakeshore State Park Closure – July 13-14, 2024
Lakeshore State Park will be closed to the public July 13-14, 2024. The park will reopen for public use July 15, 2024.
For those looking to recreate in Milwaukee’s outdoors, Havenwoods State Forest is offering extended hours and additional events during this time.
Havenwoods Nature Center Extended Hours
Sunday, July 14: 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Monday, July 15 through Friday, July 19: 8:30 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday, July 20: 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday, July 21: 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Find additional events happening at Havenwoods State Forest on the DNR Events Calendar.
Hank Aaron State Trail Closure Between 76th And 89th Streets – July 15-20, 2024
The Hank Aaron State Trail will be closed between 76th and 89th streets in Milwaukee July 15-July 20, 2024 to accommodate security operations associated with the RNC.
Hank Aaron State Trail Closure Between 76th And 89th Streets – Aug. 1-11, 2024
Additionally, the Hank Aaron State Trail will again be closed between S. 76th St. and S. 89th St. during the 2024 Wisconsin State Fair to ensure that safety continues to be a top priority. The State Fair closure will be in place Aug. 1-11, 2024.
The Hank Aaron State Trail runs east/west and passes over State Fair Park north of W. Schlinger Ave. west of the Fair Park, Fifth Street within the Fair Park and W. Pierce St. east of the Fair Park. In recent years, State Fair Park Management and Police have worked diligently to secure the entire perimeter of the park by adding metal detectors at all admission entrances, installing more secure fencing, instituting bag size restrictions, and reconfiguring gates, entrances, and exits. Allowing an elevated trail that runs directly over visitors and vendors at State Fair Park to stay open during the State Fair severely compromises this secure perimeter.
Alternative routes are available in both directions. It is understood that various routes may be utilized based on preference and destination. In advance of the closure, which will begin on Aug. 1, State Fair Park staff will post signage on the trail about the closure dates and alternate routes. State Fair Park will also be adding additional striping for bike lanes in both directions on North St. (Adler), which runs between the State Fair Park North Parking Lot and the US Cellular Main Entrance. Additional information can be found online at WiStateFair.com and dnr.wi.gov.
Questions and concerns regarding the trail closure associated with the State Fair may be directed to State Fair Park Police at 414-519-7324.
