EVENTS
Walk the Hank - Along Harley Segment and Reed Street Yards
Beautifully landscaped, The Hank Aaron Trail segment explored on this tour loops around the Harley-Davidson Museum between the Menomonee River and Menomonee Canal, connecting to the Sixth Street Bridge, and to Reed Street Yards. Judy Springer, Hank Aaron State Trail Board Member, will guide the walk along the Harley Segment while highlighting the innovative stormwater management bioswales, the creative features of Freshwater Way and more. Event will take place rain or shine.
Harley-Davidson Homecoming™
An annual celebration of music, moto-culture, and Milwaukee, the Harley-Davidson Homecoming festival spans four days and nights filled with entertainment, events, and live performances by some of country music’s biggest stars, including Chris Stapleton, Hank Williams Jr., and more!
Walk the Hank - Footsteps of a Civil War Soldier
You've probably passed this area dozens of times, but didn't realize what is not seen and certainly didn't realize what was here before. Let's take a closer look at the ponds, their function, and their artistic embellishments. We'll also talk about the history of the Milwaukee Road, one of the largest rail yards of its time, its thousands of dedicated workers, and the project to honor them. We'll end by enjoying the walking paths, riverside trails, and abundance of native plants on this section of the trail.
25th Annual Hank Aaron State Trail 5k Run/Walk
One of Milwaukee’s favorite, family-friendly events returns this August!
Walk the Hank - Through the Central Valley
You've probably passed this area dozens of times, but didn't realize what is not seen and certainly didn't realize what was here before. Let's take a closer look at the ponds, their function, and their artistic embellishments. We'll also talk about the history of the Milwaukee Road, one of the largest rail yards of its time, its thousands of dedicated workers, and the project to honor them. We'll end by enjoying the walking paths, riverside trails, and abundance of native plants on this section of the trail.
Urban Candlelight Hike in Three Bridges Park - hosted by UEC
Hiking by candlelight and warm refreshments await at Three Bridges Park’s annual Urban Candlelight Hike! The Hank Aaron State Trail will be lit with candles to welcome and guide explorers through this beautiful urban oasis. This event will take place with or without snow. Hosted by the Urban Ecology Center.
Kids Story Hike
Enjoy a morning story hike for kids in the Menomonee Valley Community Park and Three Bridges Park. Three storytellers will be stationed along the route ready to engage young minds with tales amidst nature in the heart of the city.
Cost: Free
Valley Trivia Night
Join us for Valley Trivia Night! Show off your knowledge and learn some new facts. Bring friends and co-workers to have fun at the Valley’s only MOTOR Bar & Restaurant while also exercising those mental muscles!
Happy Hour Cruises (4 PM, 5 PM, 6 PM, 7 PM)
The 45-minute Happy Hour Cruise will tour you around the Menomonee River. Bring some friends, grab a drink, and enjoy the views and stories of the Valley. Cruises depart at 4pm, 5pm, and 6pm. $15/person gets you a cruise, drink from Twisted Fisherman, and tour - and $5 is donated back to MVP!
With the seasons changing, this is likely your last chance to get out on the river this year!
Cost: $15, $5 of your ticket is donated to Menomonee Valley Partners
Electronics Recycling & Breakfast
Let’s get together - and charged up! Whether you’re heading to or from work, or commuting on the Hank Aaron State Trail, stop by to grab a coffee, and breakfast bites before heading on your way.
Cost: Free
Sunset Kayak Tour
Join us on a relaxed paddle into the sunset on the Menomonee River. We'll learn about the history of the Menomonee River Valley and see the city from a different perspective. On the way back, we'll switch on our headlamps and enjoy a moonlit trip back past the Harley-Davidson Museum® and other sights.
Space is limited, pre-registration is required. Don’t delay. We will paddle upriver as far as time allows before turning around and paddling back to our dock.
Cost: $45 per person; $15 will be donated back to Menomonee Valley Partners
Job Fair
The Job Fair offers onsite interviews and a virtual listing for those unable to attend in person, along with the opportunity to meet with Valley companies that are hiring right now.
Valley Business Bags Tournament
Get your tossing arm ready for bags, brews, and bragging rights at the annual Valley Week Bags Tournament as you toss your way to the top! Will you have the chance to gaze upon the traveling trophy for the next year?!
Cost: $75 team, all proceeds support Menomonee Valley Partners
Pedal & Picnic
Join Menomonee Valley Partners and Near West Side Partners for a family friendly two or five mile roll between the Menomonee River Valley and The Near West Side!
August Sunset Kayak Tour
Join us on a relaxed paddle into the sunset on the Menomonee River. We'll learn about the history of the Menomonee River Valley and see the city from a different perspective. On the way back, we'll switch on our headlamps and enjoy a moonlit trip back past the Harley-Davidson Museum® and other sights.
Space is limited, pre-registration is required. Don’t delay. We will paddle upriver as far as time allows before turning around and paddling back to our dock.
Cost: $45 per person; $15 will be donated back to Menomonee Valley Partners
Walk the Hank - Through the Central Valley
You've probably passed this area dozens of times, but didn't realize what is not seen and certainly didn't realize what was here before. Let's take a closer look at the ponds, their function, and their artistic embellishments. We'll also talk about the history of the Milwaukee Road, one of the largest rail yards of its time, its thousands of dedicated workers, and the project to honor them. We'll end by enjoying the walking paths, riverside trails, and abundance of native plants on this section of the trail.
Walk the Hank - Along Harley Segment and Reed Street Yards
The Harley-Davidson Museum® is located in one of Milwaukee’s most interesting locations, jutting out between the Menomonee River and Menomonee Canal. Beautifully landscaped, this segment loops around the Museum, connecting to the Sixth Street Bridge, and to Reed Street Yards, an area with innovative stormwater management techniques that keep pollutants out of our waterways. Judy Springer, Hank Aaron State Trail Board Member will guide the walk along the waterway highlighting the innovative stormwater manager bioswales, the creative features of Freshwater Way, Reed Street Yards, and more. Event will take place rain or shine.
Location: Meet at the northwest parking lot at the intersection of Sixth Street and Canal Street in Milwaukee. The North Parking Garden is part of the Harley-Davidson Museum and is located on the west side of Sixth Street.
COST: $2 Residents or Non-Residents. Register at www.MilwaukeeRecreation.net
Under ‘On-line Registration’ search, ‘Walk the Hank’ Registration code: TBD QUESTIONS: Please contact info@hankaaronstatetrail.org.
June Sunset Kayak & Canoe Tour
Join us on a relaxed paddle into the sunset on the Menomonee River. We'll learn about the history of the Menomonee River Valley and see the city from a different perspective. On the way back, we'll switch on our headlamps and enjoy a moonlit trip back past the Harley-Davidson Museum® and other sights.
Space is limited, pre-registration is required. Don’t delay. We will paddle upriver as far as time allows before turning around and paddling back to our dock.
Cost: $45 per single kayak, $85 per tandem kayak/.canoe; half will be donated to Menomonee Valley Partners
Brushstrokes on Bridges Volunteer Painting Day 2
We are seeking volunteers for painting the concrete walls of the 11th Street Bridge overlooking the Burnham Canal. This is part of our Brushstrokes on Bridges 3-day neighborhood beautification event.
Brushstrokes on Bridges Volunteer Painting Day 1
We are seeking volunteers for painting the concrete walls of the 11th Street Bridge overlooking the Burnham Canal. This is part of our Brushstrokes on Bridges 3-day neighborhood beautification event.
11th St. Bridge Cleanup over the Burnham Canal
We are seeking volunteers for 1-hour of trash cleanup around the 11th Street Bridge overlooking the Burnham Canal. This is part of our Brushstrokes on Bridges 3-day neighborhood beautification event.
2024 MVP All-Inclusive Brewers Game
One of the Valley’s best treasures is the Brewers stadium. Instead of trying to beat game day traffic, stick around the Valley and catch a game with friends and co-workers!
Cost: $75/ticket
Milwaukee Riverkeeper® Spring Cleanup 2024
Let's get outside and clean up the Menomonee Valley Community Park!
Community Walk for Transit Advocacy
Join us for a 1.2-mile walk from the future BRT hub at 27th & Wisconsin down into the Valley. Participants will experience the current conditions for commuters along the route, and will provide input on the types of pedestrian enhancements they’d like to see in the corridor. Your discussion feedback will contribute to the MobiliSE Advocacy Action Plan to help improve pedestrian safety.
Brushstrokes on Barriers Volunteer Event
This is a beautification volunteer event to paint the jersey barriers near the S. 6th Street roundabout. This community-building project is a joint effort between MVP and Walker’s Point Association, and will serve to brighten up the gateway between two of Milwaukee’s unique neighborhoods.
Celebrate at UEDA's Carnival Milwaukee 2024
This year, Menomonee Valley Partners will receive the 2024 Bill Johnson Bridge Builder Award! Every year, the Bridge Builder Award recognizes a community member or partner for their efforts to honor diversity and connect people and places through the expression of culture in food, art, music, and space.
Menomonee Valley Partners has been recognized for our commitment to connecting people and place through projects that feature the cultural identity, natural heritage, vibrant local businesses, and unique spaces in Milwaukee’s Menomonee River Valley.
Sunset Kayak Tour
Join us on a relaxed paddle into the sunset on the Menomonee River. Great for beginners or those with paddling experience! We'll learn about the history of the Menomonee River Valley and see the city from a different perspective. On the way back, we'll switch on our headlamps and enjoy a moonlit trip back past the Harley-Davidson Museum® and other sights.
Cost: $45 per single kayak, $85 for tandem kayak/canoe; and half will be donated back to Menomonee Valley Partners
Kids Story Hike
Enjoy a morning story hike for kids in the Menomonee Valley Community Park and Three Bridges Park. Three storytellers will be stationed along the route ready to engage young minds with tales amidst nature in the heart of the city.
Cost: Free
Breakfast Pizza & Electronics Recycling
Let’s get together - and charged up! Whether you’re heading to or from work, or commuting on the Hank Aaron State Trail, stop by to grab a coffee, Rishi Sparkling Botanicals, and Palermo’s Rising Crust Breakfast Pizza before heading on your way.
Cost: Free
MVP All-Inclusive Brewers Game
One of the Valley’s best treasures is the Brewers stadium. Instead of trying to beat game day traffic, stick around the Valley and catch a game with friends and co-workers!
Cost: $70/ticket
Happy Hour Cruise
The 45-minute Happy Hour Cruise will tour you around the Menomonee River. Bring some friends, grab a drink, and enjoy the views and stories of the Valley. Cruises depart at 4pm, 5pm, and 6pm. $15/person gets you a cruise, drink from Twisted Fisherman, and tour - and $5 is donated back to MVP!
With the seasons changing, this is likely your last chance to get out on the river this year!
Cost: $15, $5 of your ticket is donated to Menomonee Valley Partners
Job Fair
The Job Fair offers onsite interviews and a virtual listing for those unable to attend in person, along with the opportunity to meet with Valley companies that are hiring right now.
Valley Business Bags Tournament
Get your tossing arm ready for bags, brews, and bragging rights at the annual Valley Week Bags Tournament as you toss your way to the top! Will you have the chance to gaze upon the traveling trophy for the next year?!
Cost: $75 team, all proceeds support Menomonee Valley Partners
Public Art Walking Tour
Join us for the Menomonee Valley Public Art Walking tour on Sunday, September 24th 2023 from 11:00am - 12:30pm. This is one-way walking tour will take you from “Tending the Fire” in front of Potawatomi Casino | Hotel to a new mural going up on the bridge across from Brew City CrossFit.
Cost: Free
Salmon Run
The salmon run in the Menomonee River from September to October. Join the anglers in the river or view the salmon run from Three Bridges Park west to Miller Park. View the salmon from the riverbank or from the 33rd Court Bridge or Valley Passage Bridge in Three Bridges Park.
View more at the DNR's fall fishing website.