Silver Lake Park | Milwaukee

Silver Lake Park, located in Salem Lakes in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, spans over 260 acres of wooded hills, prairie meadows, and lakeside shoreline. Nestled along the western edge of Silver Lake itself, the park is one of southeastern Wisconsin’s most versatile and multi-seasonal recreation destinations. Known for its sandy beach, mountain bike trails, disc golf course, and all-season accessibility, Silver Lake Park caters to a wide range of outdoor interests and family-friendly activities.

Landscape and Setting

The park lies in a glaciated landscape typical of southern Wisconsin, where rolling hills are dotted with oak and maple woodlands and open prairie habitats. The spring-fed Silver Lake, which borders the park, offers clear water and scenic shorelines backed by tree-covered bluffs and grassy recreational areas. The mix of elevation, terrain, and vegetation provides an ideal backdrop for trail hiking, water sports, and nature observation throughout the year.

Beaches and Water Recreation

The heart of Silver Lake Park is its wide sandy beach, one of the most popular public freshwater beaches in the region. The beach features:

Designated swimming areas with lifeguards on duty daily during the summer season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day)

Shallow entry, ideal for children and families

On-site concessions (Flip Flops Beach Bar & Grill) serving snacks, drinks, and light meals

Changing rooms, restrooms, and shaded seating

Though motorized boats are prohibited at the public beach, non-motorized watercraft such as kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and pedal boats are welcome and available for rent seasonally. The lake is also suitable for recreational fishing, supporting species such as bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, and panfish. Anglers can fish from designated shoreline spots or small personal boats launched from nearby access points.

Hiking and Multi-Use Trails

Silver Lake Park offers a rich network of multi-use trails, winding through forests, ravines, and open glades. The trail system includes:

10+ miles of trails, open year-round for hiking, running, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and fat biking

Loops and out-and-back paths offering scenic overlooks, shaded wooded stretches, and prairie corridors

Moderate elevation changes, making it engaging for casual and athletic users alike

In the winter months, trails are used for cross-country skiing, fat tire biking, and snowshoeing. Some segments are groomed depending on snowfall and weather conditions.

Mountain Biking

Silver Lake Park is a destination for intermediate-level mountain biking, offering:

A dedicated 8-mile single-track trail system with features such as berms, switchbacks, natural obstacles, and elevation variation

Groomed winter trails for fat tire biking

Design and maintenance supported by local biking associations to ensure year-round quality

These trails are accessible via separate trailheads and are well-marked to distinguish hiking from biking use.

Disc Golf

The park houses the well-known Silver Fox Disc Golf Course, a full 18-hole course woven into the wooded and open terrain. It is:

Considered challenging due to elevation shifts, tree density, and water hazards

Used for both recreational play and regional disc golf tournaments

Free to use with bring-your-own-equipment access

Picnicking and Facilities

Silver Lake Park is outfitted with numerous picnic shelters, grills, and open lawn spaces for gatherings and group events. Key amenities include:

Multiple covered shelters available for reservation

Playgrounds and sand volleyball courts

Clean, seasonal restroom buildings and water stations

Ample parking lots near beach and trail access points

Free Wi-Fi access in some zones near the beach

During the summer season, the park holds small local events, recreational programming, and family movie nights.

Winter Activities

The park is open during winter months and becomes a quieter destination for cold-weather recreation, including:

Snowshoeing along wooded and prairie trails

Fat biking on specially groomed single-track

Cross-country skiing, though not all trails are groomed

Small sledding hills for families with young children

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own equipment as rentals are not available in winter.

Access, Fees, and Hours

Address: 27000 85th Street, Salem Lakes, WI 53168

Open year-round from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Beach hours: typically 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. when lifeguards are present

Entrance fee (seasonal):

Day pass: ~$5 for Kenosha County residents / ~$25 for non-residents

Annual passes available at reduced rates for residents

Parking is free outside of beach season, and trail use remains open during all daylight hours.

Nearby City and Travel Information

Silver Lake Park is located approximately:

45 miles south of Milwaukee

65 miles north of Chicago

20 miles west of Kenosha

This makes it easily accessible by car via Highway 50 or Highway 83. The nearby communities of Salem Lakes, Paddock Lake, and Silver Lake offer local diners, groceries, and gas stations for day-trippers or campers.

Summary

Silver Lake Park delivers a well-balanced blend of outdoor recreation, lakeside relaxation, and family-friendly infrastructure. Whether you’re swimming on a summer afternoon, hiking beneath autumn-colored canopies, or fat-biking in freshly fallen snow, the park offers rich seasonal experiences in a natural yet easily reachable setting. Its combination of beach, trails, and diverse facilities make it a favorite destination for residents of southeastern Wisconsin and beyond.