HomeWisconsinWhitefish Bay › Big Bay Park

Big Bay Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 374 Google reviews · Running trail in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Big Bay 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.

PavedScenicFlat & fastRestroomsTrailhead parkingQuiet

Lakefront beach with hiking paths and picnic areas, known for its tranquil atmosphere.

What runners say about Big Bay Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (374 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“Beautiful, serene, peaceful, and relaxing place in a great location near many things.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 8 mentions

“Great and slightly secluded spot if you want a quiet and calm spot near the lake to meditate.”

No restrooms to speak of and street parking only (sign says one hour). Walk to the beach is a gradual descend and depending on your experience level there are several trails that I saw ranging from difficult to easy. Nice views!!

★★★★★ — Jorge , Sep 2022

Excellent spot to walk the dog! A woodsy trail down to the small beach and a paved path that goes down as well. Nice benches up top to look out on the water. Nice place especially early AM or PM for sunset and sundown.

★★★★★ — Sara , Jul 2021

Unbelievable location to enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan. Walking trails. Peaceful area to just sit and reflect.

★★★★★ — Rusty , Sep 2022

A small ocean in Wisconsin overlooking the Michigan Great lake. It's a beautiful sight with lots of places to walk and tour

★★★★★ — Tz , Oct 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 374 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 17 mentions

“Small beach spot with a fantastic view of the Michigan Lake, good for a nice swimming and also just to enjoy the view and breeze, love it!”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 7 mentions

“Great and slightly secluded spot if you want a quiet and calm spot near the lake to meditate.”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

“No restrooms to speak of and street parking only (sign says one hour).”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“No restrooms to speak of and street parking only (sign says one hour).”

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🛣️ Paved surface 2 mentions

“A woodsy trail down to the small beach and a paved path that goes down as well.”

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Flat & fast 2 mentions

“Walk to the beach is a gradual descend and depending on your experience level there are several trails that I saw ranging from difficult to easy.”

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Plan your run at Big Bay Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
  • 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.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • Websitecounty.milwaukee.gov
  • Phone(414) 964-0064

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

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Big Bay Park

5000 N Lake Dr, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217

Get directions

Running trails near Whitefish Bay

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Silver Spring Park

5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews

Whitefish Bay, WI

under a mile away

Estabrook Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,153 reviews

Shorewood, WI

PavedScenicDog-friendly

Urban oasis on the Milwaukee River with a hiking trail, skate park, dog area & sport courts.

1.1 miles away

Milwaukee River Greenway

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,112 reviews

Shorewood, WI

Natural surfaceShadedScenic

Restored riverfront area featuring multiuse trails, kayaking, fishing piers & lots of green space.

1.1 miles away

Klode Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,062 reviews

Whitefish Bay, WI

Scenic

This recreation area on Whitefish Bay features a sandy shoreline, plus a playground & tennis courts.

1.2 miles away

Hubbard Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 401 reviews

Shorewood, WI

Scenic

Public park with trails, picnic tables, and a beer garden, plus a summer fish fry.

1.7 miles away

Kern Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 302 reviews

Milwaukee, WI

ShadedScenic

This riverside park features basketball & tennis courts, a softball diamond & picnic areas.

1.8 miles away

All running trails in Whitefish Bay, WI →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.