Water is a staple of Milwaukee, and the Menomonee River Valley is no exception. With the Menomonee River running right through it, the Valley has served Indigenous tribes with fertile land for crops and later provided transportation for the industrial goods being built in the area. With the transition to industry, the waterways were prioritized for shipping rather than ecological health. Sadly, the Menomonee River became contaminated with post-production runoff and other unhealthy pollutants, including nonpoint pollution that flows from upstream. Nature in the area fled the habitat, as industry reigned supreme.
Today, the story is very different. Menomonee Valley Partners, the City of Milwaukee, and many other partners are working hard to clean up the river and create a healthy habitat for all living creatures. Join MVP as we take a walk around the Valley and learn about the many projects that have already happened to protect the river, in addition to the exciting projects yet to come!
We’ll visit the: Green Infrastructure project under I-794 which now connects two neighborhoods with its unique community conscious design; Emmber Lane Boat Launch which once collected trash and now provides public access to the river;, and the riverwalk at the Harley-Davidson Museum, part of a much grander vision.
Stick around at the end of the walk to enjoy riverfront dining at MOTOR Bar & Restaurant!
Accessibility: This walk has moderate accessibility. We will be crossing the pedestrian-friendly 6th street bridge and walking up slight inclines at points. We will also cross a railroad track during this tour. This walk will occur rain or shine.
Parking: The Harley-Davidson Museum has given us permission to park in their lot on the northwest corner of 6th and W Canal (approx 625 W Canal Street). If driving, please only park in this lot.
Your Walk Leaders: This walk is being led by Bri Dobiesz and Nia Smith of Menomonee Valley Partners. Bri is a Marquette University Trinity Fellow. Nia is a Public Allies AmeriCorps Member and is helping tell stories about the river and connecting people to their surroundings.
Jane's Walk MKE COVID-19 Policy
Pre-registration is required for all participants. All participants must wear a mask. Based on the leader's discretion in where your walk will take place, leaders have limited attendee numbers to ensure those from different households can socially distance. For tours between 10-25 attendees, the leader will either use an audio system or conference call so participants can socially distance at the recommended minimum 6 ft but still hear.
If you feel ill or suspect you may be experiencing symptoms of a COVID-19 infection, please do not enter attend any walks.
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Find more walks, bikes, paddles, and rolls at janeswalkmke.org/calendar or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pg/janeswalkmke/events/
Find out how to lead your OWN at janeswalkmke.org
Sign up to receive Jane’s Walk MKE newsletters at http://eepurl.com/giPDKL
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As a program of Milwaukee Turners at Turner Hall, Jane’s Walk MKE is part of a worldwide movement of over 200 cities hosting free, resident-led walking tours inspired by urbanist and writer Jane Jacobs. Milwaukee is unique by expanding Jane’s Walk from one weekend to the whole month. Jane Jacobs (1916-2006) was a writer, urbanist and activist who championed the voices of everyday people in neighborhood planning and city-building.
