The Hank Aaron State Trail

(View a larger map of the Hank Aaron State Trail and west extension here)

Milwaukee has a rich industrial heritage, and the Menomonee Valley was once (and in some ways, still is) the hub of much of that industrial activity. For a long time, the valley was something crossed by viaduct, not on foot or by bike. It was not a place to stop and gaze at wildflowers or a place to watch wildlife. The Menomonee Valley today would almost be unrecognizable to my grandparents. It has come alive with new industries and new attractions, anchored by Miller Park on the West and the Harley-Davidson Museum on the East.

Running through the midst of it is the Hank Aaron State Trail.

The original trail begins on 44th  and Bluemound Road on city streets. There are signs from the Oak Leaf trail at Doyne Park which will direct you to the Hank Aaron, taking you down into the valley to Miller Park, home of the Brewers. On non-game days, spend a little time touring around the stadium and take in the sights. On game days, enjoy the sounds and smells of the tailgaters as you enter the off-road portion of the Hank Aaron.

Ride along the river, enjoying native wildflowers, steelhead fishermen, and abundant wildlife. Stop to read the informational signs along the way concerning invasive species, the industrial past and present of the valley, and the storm water retention features of the valley restoration.

Under the 35th street viaduct you will begin to ride along Canal Street, being sure to stay on sidewalk as you cross the bridge over the railroad tracks. The Hank Aaron continues along Canal past the Marquette University athletic fields and numerous businesses before reaching the Harley Davidson Museum at 6th street. Unfortunately, the planners of this section of the trail turn the bicyclist into a pedestrian by putting the trail on what is best described as a sidewalk along the road. Every driveway and intersection becomes an additional hazard. However, there are a couple of loops along the way that take you closer to the river, and there is a loop around the Harley Museum.

Head south on 6th street, go ¾ of the way around the round-a-bout and continue east, following city streets until you connect with the Oak Leaf trail or the Lakeshore State Park trail.

New for 2011, the Hank Aaron has been extended to the west, which will be further extended to connect to the Oak Leaf  in a few years after the Zoo Interchange is completed. Back near Miller Park there is a new bridge over the Menomonee River. At the south end of the bridge, there is a new tunnel under the railroad tracks, and a winding path that connects the valley to the Silver City neighborhood.

If you take this route, head west from the bridge and follow the newly-acquired rail corridor extension of the trail. Be careful; there is still a gravel path at this point because there will be future construction to the east. The asphalt path leads you past industry, recreation (Miller Park), and history (the Old Soldiers’ Home – VA). Further west, you will go through State Fair Park and past the Pettit Ice Center before the trail ends at 94th street.

As always, enjoy the ride.