Milwaukee River

The Milwaukee River winds through the heart of West Bend—in fact, the city was named after a bend in the river. It provides a beautiful backdrop to the city as well as numerous recreational opportunities.

A pedestrian trail called Riverfront Parkway traces the edge of the river for more than 3 miles, beginning at River Road and extending northwest to Roosevelt Drive. It’s a good place for walking, jogging and biking.

Paddlers on the Milwaukee River will find miles of smooth water—a good place to launch is south of the Washington Street dam in West Bend. Paddle downstream to Quaas Creek Park for a trip of about four miles.

Anglers will find panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike in the Milwaukee River—a good place to cast is Barton Pond. It’s a shallow 63-acre lake on the north side of West Bend that’s formed by a dam on the river.