Elm Grove WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Elm Grove, Wisconsin.
1. Elm Grove Village Park
COMMUNITY RECREATIONAL HAVEN
Elm Grove Village Park offers residents and visitors alike a peaceful green space in the heart of the community. Visitors can enjoy walking paths, recreational facilities, and open areas perfect for family gatherings or casual outdoor activities. The park serves as a central gathering spot for community events and provides a refreshing natural escape within the village.
2. Elm Grove Recreational Trail
SCENIC OUTDOOR PATHWAY
The Elm Grove Recreational Trail provides a picturesque route for walkers, joggers, and cyclists throughout the village. This well-maintained pathway winds through scenic areas, connecting various parts of the community and offering opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the seasonal beauty and accessibility of this local trail system.
3. Sunset Playhouse
COMMUNITY THEATER ARTS
Sunset Playhouse stands as a cultural cornerstone in Elm Grove, offering high-quality theatrical performances throughout the year. This beloved community theater presents a diverse range of productions from classic plays to modern performances, supporting local artistic talent. Theater enthusiasts can enjoy professional-caliber shows in an intimate and welcoming setting right in the village.
4. O'Donoghue's Irish Pub
AUTHENTIC IRISH EXPERIENCE
O'Donoghue's Irish Pub brings authentic Irish hospitality and cuisine to the heart of Elm Grove. Visitors can enjoy traditional Irish fare alongside American favorites in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that captures the spirit of the Emerald Isle. The pub frequently features live music and special events, making it both a dining destination and cultural experience in the village.
5. Bug & Goose Play Cafe
FAMILY-FRIENDLY PLAY SPACE
Bug & Goose Play Cafe offers a unique combination of play space and cafe designed for families with young children in Elm Grove. Parents can relax and enjoy refreshments while their children explore age-appropriate play areas in a safe, engaging environment. This innovative venue hosts special events and provides a welcome indoor activity option for families throughout the year.
6. Hoyt Park Footbridge
HISTORIC NEW DEAL ARCHITECTURE
The Hoyt Park Footbridge represents a beautiful piece of New Deal heritage dating back to 1939, located near Elm Grove. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps as part of recovery efforts during the Great Depression, this historic bridge combines functionality with architectural charm. Visitors can appreciate both the historical significance and the picturesque setting of this well-preserved structure.
7. Hank Aaron Trail
BASEBALL LEGEND'S PATHWAY
The Hank Aaron Trail offers 15.6 miles of shared-use paved pathway named after the baseball legend, connecting American Family Field to Lake Michigan. Cyclists, runners, and walkers can enjoy this continuous urban trail that passes through various Milwaukee neighborhoods and green spaces. The trail serves as both a recreational asset and a practical transportation corridor for the greater Milwaukee area near Elm Grove.
8. New Berlin Recreation Trail
SUBURBAN PAVED PATHWAY
The New Berlin Recreation Trail provides a 7-mile paved path running east-west from New Berlin to Waukesha in the Milwaukee suburbs near Elm Grove. Popular among local outdoor enthusiasts, this trail offers a pleasant route for cycling, walking, and running through suburban landscapes. Though lacking dramatic features like trestles or tunnels, the trail's accessibility and well-maintained surface make it a favorite for recreational users of all ages.
9. Lake Evinrude
ZOO'S SCENIC WATERWAY
Lake Evinrude is a picturesque man-made lake located within the Milwaukee County Zoo, accessible from Elm Grove. Surrounded by graceful willow trees, this serene water feature serves as home to hundreds of ducks, swans, and bass. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while observing the lake's wildlife as part of their zoo experience.
10. Mitchell Park Domes
BOTANICAL BIODOME CONSERVATORY
The Mitchell Park Domes offer visitors a chance to explore three distinct climate zones under massive glass biodomes near Elm Grove. These horticultural conservatories showcase tropical plants, desert species, and seasonal floral displays throughout the year. Guests can experience diverse global ecosystems regardless of Wisconsin's weather, making it a perfect year-round attraction.
11. Pabst Mansion
BEER BARON'S HISTORIC ESTATE
The Pabst Mansion stands as a testament to Milwaukee's brewing heritage and Gilded Age opulence, a short drive from Elm Grove. This meticulously preserved 1890s mansion was once home to beer baron Captain Frederick Pabst, featuring stunning architecture and period furnishings. Visitors can tour the ornate interiors to experience the grandeur of Milwaukee's industrial aristocracy while learning about the city's brewing history.
12. Bronze Fonz
TV ICON RIVERSIDE STATUE
The "Bronze Fonz" statue by Gerald P. Sawyer pays tribute to Arthur Fonzarelli from the TV show "Happy Days," which was set in Milwaukee. Located on the Milwaukee Riverwalk, this popular bronze sculpture stands as a beloved photo opportunity for tourists and locals alike. The character's signature thumbs-up pose captures the spirit of the classic sitcom that helped put Milwaukee on the cultural map.
13. Cedarburg Covered Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN CROSSING
The Cedarburg Covered Bridge stands as Wisconsin's last remaining covered bridge, located within a short drive from Elm Grove. Built in 1876, this historic wooden structure spans Cedar Creek and represents an important piece of the region's transportation heritage. The picturesque bridge and surrounding parkland create a charming destination for history enthusiasts and photographers throughout the seasons.
14. North Point Water Tower
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK
The North Point Water Tower rises as an elegant Victorian landmark on Milwaukee's east side, just a short drive from Elm Grove. Built in 1873, this ornate structure once served a practical purpose in the city's water system but now stands as a distinctive architectural treasure. The tower's detailed stonework and prominent position make it a noteworthy historic site that reflects Milwaukee's commitment to combining utility with beauty in its public works.
15. The Octagon House
UNIQUE HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE
The Octagon House in Watertown presents a fascinating example of unique 19th-century residential architecture within driving distance of Elm Grove. Built in 1854, this distinctive eight-sided home features innovative design elements including central heating, indoor plumbing, and a central spiral staircase. Visitors can tour this well-preserved historic house to learn about both architectural trends and everyday life in pre-Civil War Wisconsin.