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Waukesha is a city of about 70,000 people on the Fox River, about 20 miles west of Milwaukee in southeastern Wisconsin. In the late 1800s it was a famous resort called "Spring City," when visitors came by train to drink from its many mineral springs, and grand hotels lined the streets.
Several of those springs are now parks, including Bethesda Park and Horeb Springs Park. The historic downtown has restored brick buildings, local shops and restaurants along the river, and the Waukesha County Museum, in the old Romanesque courthouse, covers local history. The 1910 railroad depot has been beautifully restored.
Waukesha is known as the hometown of guitarist Les Paul, and a downtown exhibit and statue honor him. The Fox River Sanctuary and Riverwalk offer trails, Frame Park has gardens and a riverside path, and Lake Country's lakes and the Kettle Moraine State Forest are a short drive west.
Historic downtown along the Fox River with 19th-century buildings, independent shops, restaurants, bars and live music venues, plus public art celebrating native son Les Paul. It is lively during summer events. Park in a city ramp and walk the riverwalk nearby.
Paved walkway along the Fox River through downtown Waukesha, linking parks, plazas, bridges and restaurants with river views. It is pleasant for an easy stroll or bike ride. Follow it from the downtown plaza toward Frame Park, especially nice on summer evenings.
Saturday morning market held downtown by the Fox River from spring into fall, with local produce, cheese, meat, flowers, baked goods and crafts. It is one of the largest markets in the Milwaukee area. Arrive early for the best selection and bring reusable bags.
History museum in the 1893 former county courthouse downtown, with exhibits on local history and on Les Paul, the guitar and recording pioneer born in Waukesha. It is compact and well presented. Allow about an hour; check opening days, as hours are limited.
Community theater in downtown Waukesha staging plays, musicals and youth productions throughout the year in an intimate historic building. It is an affordable night out. Check the season schedule online and book seats in advance for popular musicals.
Riverside park along the Fox River near downtown, with lawns, gardens, a playground, a baseball stadium and paths connected to the Riverwalk. It hosts summer concerts and events. It is ideal for a picnic or family walk; parking is free near the fieldhouse.
Small park around the historic Bethesda Spring, whose mineral water made Waukesha a famous spa town in the late 1800s. A stone spring house still marks the site. It is a quick stop on a history walk near downtown; read the signs about the Spring City era.
Neighborhood park near one of Waukesha's historic mineral springs, with shade trees, open lawns and a playground. It recalls the days when visitors came by train to drink the spring waters. It is a quiet spot for a short break; street parking is free nearby.
Large Waukesha County park on the city's southeast side, with a swimming beach, wooded hiking and mountain bike trails, a dog exercise area and picnic shelters. It is popular for family days in summer and skiing in winter. A park entry fee applies per vehicle.
County nature center west of Waukesha with prairies, woods and wetlands crossed by easy trails, plus a visitor center and a planetarium with public shows. It is great for birdwatching and family nature programs. Trails are free; check the planetarium show schedule.
Natural area along the Fox River on the south side of Waukesha, with trails and boardwalks through wetlands, woods and meadows. It is a quiet place to spot herons, turtles and songbirds. Paths can be wet in spring; wear waterproof shoes and bring insect repellent.
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