Save This For Later
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Snowshoeing is one of the easiest ways to enjoy winter in Wisconsin—you don’t need lessons, special skills, or even your own gear. If you can walk, you can snowshoe.
Several nature centers around Milwaukee offer snowshoe rentals, beginner-friendly trails, and occasional guided hikes. Whether you’re exploring with kids or heading out on your own, here are the best places to rent snowshoes and go snowshoeing around the Milwaukee area.
💡Looking for more ways to get outside this winter? Check out our full guide to Winter Activities for Families in Milwaukee.
Best Places to Go Snowshoeing Near Milwaukee
These nature centers and parks offer scenic winter trails, open spaces to explore, and easy routes for beginners and families.
Havenwoods State Forest (Free Snowshoe Borrowing)
6141 N. Hopkins St., Milwaukee, WI 53209
dnr.wi.gov
Havenwoods is a great beginner-friendly spot with over six miles of peaceful trails. Visitors can borrow snowshoes for free whenever the nature center is open—no reservation needed. A kid-friendly favorite is the 1.3-mile “People and the Land” Trail, perfect for young snowshoers trying the activity for the first time.
Mequon Nature Preserve (Free Rentals)
8200 W County Line Rd, Mequon, WI 53097
Facebook Page
Snowshoe rentals here are completely free and available Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s first-come, first-served, and sizes are limited, so it’s smart to call or email at least three days in advance. Trails aren’t groomed, but heavy foot traffic keeps them packed down. No poles are provided.
💡Get to know the trails, programs, and visitor tips in our full Mequon Nature Preserve overview.
Whitnall Golf Course
Franklin, WI
Website
Whitnall Park’s gently rolling terrain is a great spot for winter exploration. Snowshoes are rented on a first-come, first-served basis, and the nearby Whitnall waterfall makes for a beautiful winter destination.
💡If you’re planning a visit, check out our full Wehr Nature Center overview for trails, tips, and what to expect.
Urban Ecology Center (Three Locations)
Riverside Park: 1500 E. Park Pl., Milwaukee, WI 53211
Washington Park: 1859 N. 40th St., Milwaukee, WI 53208
Menomonee Valley: 3700 W. Pierce St., Milwaukee, WI 53215
urbanecologycenter.org
A membership at the Urban Ecology Center gives you access to a huge equipment library—including snowshoes. It’s a great option if you plan to snowshoe more than once throughout the winter. Each location has nearby trails to explore.
💡Curious about their equipment rentals, family programs, and trails? Explore our complete guide to the Urban Ecology Center.
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
1111 E. Brown Deer Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53217
schlitzaudubon.org
Schlitz Audubon occasionally offers Family Snowshoe events, usually low-cost and led by naturalists who provide snowshoes. Trails wind through forests and along the lakefront, offering stunning winter scenery.
💡Want a closer look at what the center offers for families? Read our full overview of Schlitz Audubon Nature Center.
Hawthorn Glen
1130 N 60th St, Milwaukee, WI 53208
facebook.com/HawthornGlenOE/
Follow Hawthorn Glen on Facebook to stay in the loop on low-cost guided snowshoe hikes. Snowshoes are typically provided for participants, and some hikes are even candlelit, making for a memorable evening outing.
Where to Rent Snowshoes in Milwaukee
If you don’t own gear, these local spots offer snowshoe rentals (some even free) to help you get out on the trails.
- Havenwoods State Forest – free borrowing
- Mequon Nature Preserve – free weekday rentals
- Whitnall Golf Course – paid rentals, first come, first served
- Urban Ecology Center – rentals with membership
- Hawthorn Glen – rentals included with program events
Kid-Friendly Snowshoeing Trails Around Milwaukee
If you’re taking kids out for the first time, these shorter, flatter trails are a safe bet:
- Havenwoods: “People and the Land” Trail (1.3 miles)
- Whitnall Park: flat loops near the waterfall
- Schlitz Audubon: short forest loops
- Hawthorn Glen: nature trails close to the visitor center
Tips for First-Time Snowshoers
Before you head out, here are a few quick pointers to help you stay warm, comfortable, and confident on the trails.
- Dress in layers—you’ll warm up quickly.
- Waterproof boots work best, but any winter boot is fine.
- Snowshoeing is easiest on packed snow (4–6 inches).
- Kids as young as 4–5 often do great on short trails.
- Bring a small backpack for water, gloves, and hand warmers.
- Avoid steep, icy hills until you feel confident.
FAQ
Where can I rent snowshoes in Milwaukee?
You can rent or borrow snowshoes at Havenwoods State Forest, Mequon Nature Preserve, Whitnall Golf Course, the Urban Ecology Center (with membership), and through guided hikes at Hawthorn Glen.
Is snowshoeing good for beginners?
Yes—snowshoeing is beginner-friendly and works well for kids and adults because the motion is very similar to walking.
How much snow do you need to snowshoe?
Typically 4–6 inches of packed snow is enough. Groomed trails aren’t required.
Do you need special boots for snowshoeing?
No. Warm winter boots are usually perfect.
Are there guided snowshoe hikes near Milwaukee?
Yes. Schlitz Audubon and Hawthorn Glen often host family-friendly guided snowshoe hikes during the winter.
Related Posts
- Best Winter Activities for Families in Milwaukee
- Gorgeous Winter Hikes Around Milwaukee
- Best Sledding Hills in Milwaukee
- Candlelight Hikes Around Milwaukee
In 2013, Calie Herbst, a former teacher with three little ones, saw a need for a “One Stop Shop” for family fun in Milwaukee. So she founded Milwaukee With Kids. Her goal was to find the best this city has to offer families and share it with other parents. In one place.
In 2019, she published “Exploring Milwaukee WIth Kids”, a comprehensive Milwaukee travel guide for families and kids.
She appears regularly on WISN News, Fox 6’s ‘Real Milwaukee’, B93.3, and Wisconsin Morning News. She has been featured in Medium, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, NPR, the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, and on CBS 58 News.
Calie is available for hosting, moderating and media appearances.
