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Bethesda Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 189 Google reviews · Running trail in Waukesha, Wisconsin · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Bethesda Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park right on the river with tennis courts, a playground, picnic area, and paved trails.
What runners say about Bethesda Park
“It is a clean park and is dog friendly too!”
“Beautiful park, love the kid/dog drinking fountains!”
“Nice updated equipment, lots of shade, great trails by the River to walk.”
Whata great spot! Would never realize it’s so close to downtown because it’s quiet and wooded. Nice updated equipment, lots of shade, great trails by the River to walk. The rubber ground is of course great.
Nice park with lots of different structures to play on. It's also right on the Fox River with a bridge across and a walking path. There is a covered picnic area, so you could spend some decent time here.
Went on a bike ride out there. Lots of multimillion dollar houses to drive by and dream you could afford to live there. There is a great walk or bike trail and feel very safe in some of the Forrest areas . The park is very kept up and clean. You can walk your dog there.
Very good park. Not so much secluded as it's in the middle of downtown Waukesha. But overall a nice experience. You can walk around the whole. If you feel like getting some steps in. There are areas for the kids to play until their hearts content. Plenty seating for the adults.
Trail conditions & character
“the only city park that allows dogs,in fact it has a water fountain made just for dogs.”
“Nice playground there are bathrooms and a covered picnic area.”
“Would never realize it’s so close to downtown because it’s quiet and wooded.”
“the only city park that allows dogs,in fact it has a water fountain made just for dogs.”
Plan your run at Bethesda Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitewi-waukesha.civicplus.com
- Phone(262) 524-3737
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
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