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When winter really settles in, the Lake Michigan shoreline transforms into one of the most magical spots in southeastern Wisconsin. Ice shelves, frozen waves, frosty trees, and even fully frozen waterfalls start to appear after several days of below-freezing temperatures.
Whether you’re looking for a quick winter walk, a scenic family photo spot, or a kid-friendly mini adventure, these are the most beautiful places near Milwaukee to see ice formations—plus a few “worth the drive” frozen waterfalls around Wisconsin.
Lake Michigan Ice Formations Near Milwaukee
These spots are close to home and stunning after cold snaps.
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center (Bayside)
1111 E. Brown Deer Rd., Bayside, WI 53217
Overview of Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Start at the Nature Center and walk to the lake for gorgeous shoreline ice and frozen wave formations.
Parent notes:
- Drive time: ~20 minutes from downtown
- Parking: Free for members; daily fee for nonmembers
- Restrooms: Inside the Nature Center
- Good for kids? Yes—several short trails and lots to explore
- Best time to visit: After multiple days below freezing
Doctors Park (Fox Point)
1870 E. Fox Ln., Fox Point, WI 53217
Follow the wooded downhill path to Tietjen Beach for icy rocks, driftwood, and dramatic shoreline frost.
Parent notes:
- Drive time: ~15 minutes from downtown
- Parking: Main lot by the playground
- Trail: Steep downhill; can be very icy
- Good for kids? Yes, with hand-holding on the hill
- Tip: It’s colder at the water—bundle up
Atwater Park (Shorewood)
4000 N. Lake Dr., Shorewood, WI 53211
A striking staircase leads down to the beach, where frozen waves and lake ice form wild shapes.
Parent notes:
- Parking: Street parking
- Trail: Long, steep stairs; caution in icy conditions
- Good for kids? Better for bigger kids, unless you’re baby-wearing
Bradford Beach (Milwaukee)
2400 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Milwaukee’s best-known beach is home to beautiful icicle-lined trees and ice-glazed rocks on cold days.
Parent notes:
- Parking: Lots and street parking
- Trail: Flat walk; easy with kids
- Restrooms: Seasonal
Seven Bridges (Grant Park, South Milwaukee)
Grant Park Dr., South Milwaukee, WI 53172
Boardwalks, beech trees, stone paths, and frozen brooks make this trail feel like an enchanted winter woodland.
Parent notes:
- Trail length: Main loop ~0.5 miles to the lake and back
- Parking: Near the Covered Bridge entrance
- Good for kids? Yes, but can be slippery
- Tip: Stairs on the way down
Frozen Waterfalls Near Milwaukee
These are beautiful, easy day trips and great for kids.
Wehr Nature Center (Franklin)
9701 W. College Ave., Franklin, WI 53132
Yes—a frozen waterfall right in Milwaukee County! Take the Lake Loop for views of the waterfall as it spills into the Root River.
Parent notes:
- Drive time: ~20 minutes
- Trail: Easy and mostly flat
- Parking: Paid lot
- Restrooms: Inside Nature Center
Sauk Creek Nature Preserve (Port Washington)
3236 Co Rd KK, Port Washington, WI 53070
Layered rock and creek flow create unique winter ice patterns, easy to admire from a small bridge.
Parent notes:
- Drive time: ~35 minutes
- Trail: Short walk
- Good for kids? Yes
Worth-the-Drive Frozen Waterfalls Around Wisconsin
These are your showstoppers—beautiful winter day trips.
Granite Falls (Montello)
Daggett Memorial Park
11–31 E. Montello St., Montello, WI 53949
Former granite quarry falls with frozen layers and running water underneath.
Parent notes:
- Drive time: ~1 hour 40 minutes
- Trail: Easy access
- Good for kids? Yes
Wequiock Falls (Green Bay)
3426 Bay Settlement Rd., Green Bay, WI 54311
A picturesque waterfall fed by Wequiock Creek, often frozen into a dramatic ice wall.
Parent notes:
- Drive time: ~1 hour 50 minutes
- Trail: Short path from parking
- Good for kids? Yes
Fonferek’s Glen (Green Bay)
2825 Dutchman Rd., Green Bay, WI 54311
Just a 100-yard walk from the parking lot, this waterfall builds impressive ice throughout winter.
Parent notes:
- Drive time: ~1 hour 50 minutes
- Trail: Very short
- Good for kids? Yes
Stephens Falls (Governor Dodge State Park – Dodgeville)
4175 WI-23, Dodgeville, WI 53533
Website
A beautiful 20-foot waterfall fed by a natural spring, with a 0.3-mile out-and-back trail.
Parent notes:
- Drive time: ~2 hours
- Trail: Short but uneven; use caution
- Good for kids? With supervision
Safety Tips for Viewing Ice Formations With Kids
- Avoid walking on lake ice unless local officials explicitly say it’s safe.
- Stay on marked trails and keep little ones back from edges.
- Dress for wind chill—waterfront areas are much colder.
- Check conditions before you go (park pages, DNR alerts, trail closures).
- Use traction cleats on hiking days; many paths get very slick.
FAQs About Frozen Lakes & Waterfalls Near Milwaukee
Are the lakes near Milwaukee usually frozen in winter?
It depends on temperature, wind, and wave conditions. Even when the shoreline looks frozen, ice can be thin farther out. Always treat lake ice as unsafe unless authorities say otherwise.
When is the best time to see ice formations?
Typically after several days of below-freezing temps—January and February offer the best chances.
Are these spots OK for toddlers?
Many have short walks and easy viewpoints. Winter gear (boots, hats, mittens) is essential, and some trails get icy, so hand-holding is key.
More Winter Adventures
Once you’ve explored frozen waterfalls, you may also like:
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
