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24th Annual Hank Aaron State Trail 5K Run/Walk
Aug
10
8:30 AM08:30

24th Annual Hank Aaron State Trail 5K Run/Walk

We invite you to come out for the 24th Annual Hank Aaron State Trail 5k Run/Walk! 

Saturday, August 10, 8:30am

The Hank Aaron State Trail 5K attracts more than 1,500 people of all abilities and ages.

Personal Record with Professional Timing
OR
Join in this lively community family-friendly stroll

Featuring: A Flat and Fast course, right in the heart of Milwaukee.

The course winds through the beautiful Three Bridges Park, through restored prairie. This route is steeped in history and located along Milwaukee's former rail and industrial corridor. The transformation continues!

Come out to support the Hank Aaron State Trail's largest fundraiser.

The after-party is one of the best around! 

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

  • All participants receive a commemorative t-shirt.

  • Family-friendly, community event! Strollers welcome. Sorry, no dogs.  

  • Prizes for teams and top 3 male and female runners in fifteen age categories.

  • Live DJ music 

  • Complimentary Coffee, Tea & Goodies before.

  • Ice Cream, Burgers & Treats after.  

  • Proceeds benefit the trail and send kids to Bike Adventure Camp each summer!

  • Race Results Ceremony! Race results are available immediately online on the day of the event 

  • Teams of 8 or more get a registration deal AND logo on their t-shirts! Also eligible for team prizes!

  • Check out all the great items on our online silent auction (coming in July)

  • Race proceeds support ALL major initiatives of the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail

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Walk the Hank- Through the Central Valley
Aug
6
5:30 PM17:30

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 use the trail to 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 view and learn more about the completed People of the Road sculptures and the spectacular Tilted Channel art installations. We’ll end by enjoying the walking paths, riverside trails, and abundance of native plants on this section of the trail. The walk will be guided by Michelle Kramer of the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail.

Location: Parking lot at 212 S 36th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215

COST: $2 Residents or Non-Residents. Register at www.MilwaukeeRecreation.net Under ‘On-line Registration’ search, ‘Walk the Hank’ Registration code: TBD

QUESTIONS: QUESTIONS: Please contact

info@hankaaronstatetrail.org

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Walk the Hank- Footsteps of a Civil War Solider
Jul
20
9:00 AM09:00

Walk the Hank- Footsteps of a Civil War Solider

Take a beautiful guided tour of the Hank Aaron State Trail and Milwaukee Soldiers Home Grounds with Melissa Cook, Trail Manager (retired). We will use the Trail to walk to and through the nationally recognized Historic Soldier’s Home Campus, established

at the end of the Civil War as a place of healing and respite for soldiers. You won’t want to miss this up close look at the great gothic tower now on the Historic Registry! Location: Meet in the 700 block of S 56th St (north of National Avenue) next to the Trail

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

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Planting Days on the Trail
Jun
21
10:00 AM10:00

Planting Days on the Trail

Join DNR staff to help beautify Hawley Rd to 70th St with new prairie plants! Bring your family or friends out to help install ~1,500 native prairie plugs as part of our ongoing efforts to support pollinators and improve aesthetics along the trail. Gloves and tools will be provided, but feel free to bring your own as well! We’ll meet at the trail entrance at 68th and Dickinson St.

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Walk the Hank- Along Harley Segment and Reed Street Yards
Jun
18
5:30 PM17:30

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

View Event →
2024 Melissa Cook Spring Ride on the Trail
May
5
2:00 PM14:00

2024 Melissa Cook Spring Ride on the Trail

The Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail invite you to kick off the spring trail season at the 2024 Melissa Cook Spring Ride. This is a fun, family-friendly, leisurely group ride that can be done at your own pace! It’s a great way to see where the Hank Aaron State Trail goes, how it connects, and just enjoy a spring day in this urban wilderness. More than 10 acres of green space run along the Hank Aaron State trail, a sight to behold.

We will meet as a group at 2pm in Menomonee Valley Community Park (212 S 36th Street where W Canal Street and W Milwaukee Road meet). From here, we’ll ride 6 miles to the west end of the trail where it ends at Underwood Creek and connects with Oak Leaf Trail and ultimately to the New Berlin Trail. A unique feature at this intersection is the refurbished copper shelter. Our return trip will feature awesome views of the Wisconsin State Fair Park, murals on Kelmann Restoration buildings, new sapling and revegetation from the Dickinson Volunteer Planting Day, and more. It’s 12 miles total round-trip.

Upon your return to the Menomonee River Valley, grab a drink and snacks at a number of local businesses open to bikers and trail enthusiasts.

Questions? Contact info@hankaaronstatetrail.org

View Event →
Milwaukee Riverkeeper® Spring Cleanup at HAST Sites
Apr
20
9:00 AM09:00

Milwaukee Riverkeeper® Spring Cleanup at HAST Sites

Get out and volunteer on the Trail with Milwaukee Riverkeeper® in honor of Earth Day for Spring Clean-Up

This spring, join us in the community-wide effort across Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties to remove over 100,000 pounds of trash from our trails and river system during the 27th Annual Milwaukee Riverkeeper Spring Cleanup! Milwaukee Riverkeeper provides gloves, trash bags, and FREE T-SHIRTS and YOU provide the hands and energy to pick up trash. Grab a garbage bag, and let's clean up! This program is a collaborative effort with Milwaukee Riverkeeper®, Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful, Menomonee Valley Partners, and Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail.

Pre-registration is required to attend these cleanups. Register in advance for one of the six Hank Aaron State Trail sites by clicking the links below. Alternatively, you can register directly through the Milwaukee Riverkeepers website. See a map of the sites on the Milwaukee Riverkeeper® website.

Bring Your Own (BYO) Hand Sanitizer and re-usable water bottle.

We look forward to coming together to get the Trail in ship shape order! Be prepared: check the forecast before coming out, dress for the weather and be sure to wear shoes that can get dirty.

View Event →
FOHAST Annual Meeting
Feb
12
5:00 PM17:00

FOHAST Annual Meeting

If you appreciate the Trail as an integral component of our community and the connections it creates physically and to nature, join us at the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail (FOHAST) 2023 Annual Meeting to learn about the Trail’s successes and where we are headed.

This FREE event will include a light healthy supper fare, quality conversation and meaningful connection, a brief presentation on all we accomplished along the Trail, and what to expect in the years to come. You will have the opportunity to meet other Trail Enthusiasts and hear about the various committees you can support if you are interested.

Please RSVP by replying to our Volunteer Planning Committee at Info@HankAaronStateTrail.org

View Event →
Walk the Hank- Through the Central Valley
Aug
7
5:30 PM17:30

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 use the trail to 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 view and learn more about the completed People of the Road sculptures and the spectacular Tilted Channel art installations. We’ll end by enjoying the walking paths, riverside trails, and abundance of native plants on this section of the trail. The walk will be guided by Michelle Kramer of Menomonee Valley Partners and FOHAST Board Member.

Location: 212 S 36th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215 

COST: $2 Residents or Non-Residents.  Register here

QUESTIONS: QUESTIONS: Info@HankAaronStateTrail.org

View Event →
Walk the Hank- Footsteps of a Civil War Soldier
Jul
22
9:00 AM09:00

Walk the Hank- Footsteps of a Civil War Soldier

Take a beautiful guided tour of the Hank Aaron State Trail and Milwaukee Soldiers Home Grounds with Melissa Cook, Trail Manager (retired).  We will use the Trail to walk to and through the nationally recognized Historic Soldier’s Home Campus, established at the end of the Civil War as a place of healing and respite for soldiers.  You won’t want to miss this up close look at the great gothic tower now on the Historic Registry! 

Location: Meet in the 700 block of S 56th St (north of National Avenue) next to the Trail


COST: $2 Residents or Non-Residents.  Register here

QUESTIONS: Please contact Info@HankAaronStateTrail.org

View Event →
Walk the Hank-Along Harley Segment and Reed Street Yard
Jun
22
5:30 PM17:30

Walk the Hank-Along Harley Segment and Reed Street Yard

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. Robert Peschel, Hank Aaron State Trail Board Member and retired environmental engineer 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 water feature on the corner of Freshwater Way and S 3rd Street across from the Global Water Center (247 W Freshwater Way.) There is street parking on Freshwater Way, S 2nd Street, and S 3rd Street. 

COST: $2 Residents or Non-Residents.  Register here

QUESTIONS: Please contact Info@HankAaronStateTrail.org

View Event →
Wisconsin Bike Week
Jun
5
to Jun 9

Wisconsin Bike Week

  • Behind thw Urban Ecology Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS


Celebrate Wisconsin Bike Week with us! Join the Urban Ecology Center and the Friends of the Hank Aaron State Trail for a morning coffee and snack on your commute to work. Learn about what these two organizations do and meet new people along the way!

See more here: https://wisconsinbikefed.org/bikeweekevent/urban-ecology-center-at-menomonee-valley-and-friends-of-the-hank-aaron-state-trail-commuter-station/

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Three Bridges "Party in the Park"
Jun
3
10:00 AM10:00

Three Bridges "Party in the Park"

Join us in celebrating the 10th anniversary of Three Bridges Park! This park was once a vacant railyard, but now it has become a thriving green space in the heart of the city. Come and enjoy guided hikes, music, games, dance performances, and animal stations throughout the park. You'll also have the opportunity to learn about how this incredible space came to be and explore 24 acres of vibrant nature with two miles of trails.

And what's a celebration without food, music, and community?

Join us for a party as we look back on all that's happened and all that's yet to come! This is a fun, family-friendly event you won't want to miss. FOHAST will be sponsoring SITE 5 on the map - by 33rd Court Bridge.

https://www.facebook.com/events/238499692051746/

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OutWiGo
May
13
10:00 AM10:00

OutWiGo

Join Wisconsin State Park staff and friends for a day of adventure, learning and celebrating in the outdoors. OutWiGo Green is a unique outdoor recreation and conservation event in Wisconsin's beautiful Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit. From group hikes, bike rides, paddling, rock climbing, nature crafts and more, this day of fun is fit for OutWiGo-Getters of all ages, experience levels and abilities. Bring friends and family, or fly solo.

View Event →
Melissa Cook Spring Ride
May
6
1:00 PM13:00

Melissa Cook Spring Ride

The Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail invite you to kick off the spring trail season at the 2023 Melissa Cook Spring Ride. This is a fun, family-friendly, leisurely group ride that can be done at your own pace! It’s a great way to see where the Hank Aaron State Trail goes, how it connects, and just enjoy a spring day in this urban wilderness. More than 10 acres of green space run along the Hank Aaron State trail, a sight to behold.

We will meet as a group at 1pm in Menomonee Valley Community Park (212 S 36th Street where W Canal Street and W Milwaukee Road meet). From here, we’ll ride 3 miles to the west end of the trail where it ends at Underwood Creek and connects with Oak Leaf Trail and ultimately to the New Berlin Trail. A unique feature at this intersection is the refurbished copper shelter. Our return trip will feature awesome views of the Wisconsin State Fair Park, murals on Kelmann Restoration buildings, new sapling and revegetation from the Dickinson Volunteer Planting Day, and more.

Upon your return to the menomonee River Valley, grab a drink and snacks at a number of local businesses open to bikers and trail enthusiasts.

Questions? Contact info@hankaaronstatetrail.org


View Event →
FOHAST Earth Day Cleanup
Apr
22
9:00 AM09:00

FOHAST Earth Day Cleanup

SITES UPDATED! CLICK ON EACH SITE LINK BELOW where you’d like to volunteer at, to register directly with Milwaukee Riverkeepers. We’re happy to once again partner with the Milwaukee Riverkeepers to come together as a community to care for our rivers. After last year’s successful event, we feel confident moving forward with this annual tradition.  It’s time to tackle pollution and restore our rivers once again.

This spring, join us in the community-wide effort across Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties to remove over 100,000 pounds of trash from our trails and river system during the 27th Annual Milwaukee Riverkeeper Spring Cleanup! Milwaukee Riverkeeper provides gloves, trash bags, and FREE T-SHIRTS and YOU provide the hands and energy to pick up trash. Grab a garbage bag, and let's clean up! This program is a collaborative effort with Milwaukee RiverkeeperKeep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful, Menomonee Valley Partners, and Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail.

Pre-registration is required to attend these cleanups. Register in advance for one of the six Hank Aaron State Trail sites by clicking the links below. Alternatively, you can register directly through the Milwaukee Riverkeepers website. See a map of the sites on the Milwaukee Riverkeepers website - all the Hank Aaron State Trail sites are along the Trail and start with HAST.

Bring Your Own (BYO) Hand Sanitizer and re-usable water bottle.

We look forward to coming together to get the Trail in ship shape order! Be prepared: check the forecast before coming out, dress for the weather and be sure to wear shoes that can get dirty.

Registration Here:MILWAUKEE RIVERKEEPER

View Event →
FOHAST Annual Meeting
Mar
7
5:30 PM17:30

FOHAST Annual Meeting

If you appreciate the Trail as an integral component of our community and the connections it creates physically and to nature, join us at the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail (FOHAST) 2022 Annual Meeting!

This FREE event will include a light healthy supper fare, quality conversation and meaningful connection, a brief presentation on all we accomplished along the Trail in 2022, and what to expect in 2023. You will have the opportunity to meet the FOHAST Board and hear about the various committees you can support if you are interested. There will be time to socialize with FOHAST board members and learn more about how you can get involved on the Trail.

View Event →
Urban Candlelight Hike in Three Bridges Park
Feb
25
5:30 PM17:30

Urban Candlelight Hike in Three Bridges Park

Bundle up and experience an exciting winter adventure!

Hiking by candlelight, s’mores and cookies, and warm refreshments await at Three Bridges Park’s sixth annual Urban Candlelight Hike! The Hank Aaron State Trail will be lit with over 200 candles to welcome and guide explorers through this beautiful urban oasis. This event will take place with or without snow. Co-hosted by the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail and Urban Ecology Center.

View Event →
Walk the Hank – Through the Central Valley
Aug
8
5:30 PM17:30

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 use the trail to 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 view and learn more about the completed People of the Road sculptures and the spectacular Tilted Channel art installations. We’ll end by enjoying the walking paths, riverside trails, and abundance of native plants on this section of the trail. The walk will be guided by Michelle Kramer of Menomonee Valley Partners and FOHAST Board Member.

View Event →
 Walk the Hank - Footsteps of a Civil War Soldier
Jul
23
9:00 AM09:00

Walk the Hank - Footsteps of a Civil War Soldier

Location: Meet in the 700 block of S 56th St (north of National Avenue)

Take a beautiful guided tour of the Hank Aaron State Trail and Milwaukee Soldiers Home Grounds with Melissa Cook, Trail Manager (retired). We will use the Trail to walk to and through the nationally recognized Historic Soldier’s Home Campus, established at the end of the Civil War as a place of healing and respite for soldiers. You won’t want to miss this up-close look at the great gothic tower now on the Historic Registry!

COST: $2 Residents or Non-Residents.  Register at www.MilwaukeeRecreation.net.

QUESTIONS: Please contact Jill at fohast@gmail.com

View Event →
Walk the Hank - Along the Harley Segment and Reed Street Yards
Jun
23
5:30 PM17:30

Walk the Hank - Along the 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. Robert Peschel, Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail (FOHAST) Board Member and retired environmental engineer 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 water feature on the corner of Freshwater Way and S 3rd Street across from the Global Water Center (247 W Freshwater Way.) There is street parking on Freshwater Way, S 2nd Street, and S 3rd Street. 

COST: $2 Residents.  Register at www.MilwaukeeRecreation.net.

QUESTIONS: Please contact Jill at fohast@gmail.com 

View Event →
Wisconsin Bike Week
Jun
4
to Jun 11

Wisconsin Bike Week

Each year the Wisconsin Bike Fed coordinates a weeklong celebration of all things cycling in communities around the state. This year’s weeklong event will take place June 4 - 11.

From bike-to-work events to bike-in movies, Bike Week represents the best of cycling in Wisconsin.

If you are a community, business, organization, or cycling supporter who would like to get involved, you are invited to start thinking about activities and events you would like to host. More info coming soon on their website. They hope to provide a roster of statewide activities in their May 7 newsletter.

Don’t miss the Valley Passage Commuter Station!

From Monday, June 6 to Friday, June 10, 7:30-10am, the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail and Urban Ecology Center will provide morning coffee and snacks. See you there!

View Event →
Community Bike Rides - Good Morning Hank
May
3
to May 31

Community Bike Rides - Good Morning Hank

Spring into riding shape as you explore Milwaukee’s iconic Hank Aaron State Trail. Enjoy a variety of environments ranging from urban, to river views to prairie and wooded surroundings. All rides will focus on bike trails with some street riding and will start/end at the same location. Rides are suitable for beginners to intermediate riders. Participants must provide their own bikes & helmets. Ages 16 and up. Contact Erica@mkerec.net with questions.

Activity Code: 4PL59018 (Section codes listed below)

Juneau Playfield (Ages 16 & up)...WN01 - REGISTER FOR THIS DATE HERE
(6500 W Mt Vernon Ave)
Tue, May 3, 8:00AM-11:00AM
FREE

Juneau Playfield (Ages 16 & up)...WN02 - REGISTER FOR THIS DATE HERE
(6500 W Mt Vernon Ave)
Tue, May 10, 8:00AM-11:00AM
FREE

Juneau Playfield (Ages 16 & up)...WN03 - REGISTER FOR THIS DATE HERE
(6500 W Mt Vernon Ave)
Tue, May 17, 8:00AM-11:00AM
FREE

Juneau Playfield (Ages 16 & up)...WN04 - REGISTER FOR THIS DATE HERE
(6500 W Mt Vernon Ave)
Tue, May 24, 8:00AM-11:00AM
FREE

Juneau Playfield (Ages 16 & up)...WN05 - REGISTER FOR THIS DATE HERE
(6500 W Mt Vernon Ave)
Tue, May 31, 8:00AM-11:00AM
FREE

View Event →
Dickinson Volunteer Planting Day
Apr
16
9:00 AM09:00

Dickinson Volunteer Planting Day

This one-day volunteer planting event for the Hank Aaron State Trail gives you the opportunity to work alongside Wisconsin DNR staff planting 90 trees and 108 shrubs on the State Trail! The planting will take place on the portion of the State Trail that sits between the streets of S 70th and S 60th, going along W. Dickinson St.

View Event →
Walk the Hank – Through the Central Valley
Aug
21
9:00 AM09:00

Walk the Hank – Through the Central Valley

  • Menomonee Valley Community Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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 use the trail to 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. The walk will be led by Michelle Kramer of Menomonee Valley Partners.

View Event →
 Walk the Hank - Footsteps of a Civil War Soldier (SOLD OUT)
Jul
24
9:00 AM09:00

Walk the Hank - Footsteps of a Civil War Soldier (SOLD OUT)

Location: Meet in the 700 block of S 56th St (north of National Avenue)

Take a beautiful guided tour of the Hank Aaron State Trail and Milwaukee Soldiers Home Grounds with Melissa Cook, Trail Manager (retired).  We will use the Trail to walk to and through the nationally recognized Historic Soldier’s Home Campus, established at the end of the Civil War as a place of healing and respite for soldiers.  You won’t want to miss this up close look at the great gothic tower now on the Historic Registry! 

COST: $2 Residents or Non-Residents.  Register at www.MilwaukeeRecreation.net.

QUESTIONS: Please contact Jill at fohast@gmail.com

View Event →