Allow us to introduce you to Havenwoods State Forest – the only urban state forest in the state of Wisconsin. While the streets surrounding this green space are noisy and by the back boundary line you might see Wisconsin and Southern Railroad cars roll down the tracks, Havenwoods State Forest is a haven away from the hustle and bustle of Milwaukee, allowing urbanites the chance to experience a natural vista close to home. It is a great place to not only enjoy but to also see firsthand a Wisconsin forest that is “in progress”. Preserved by the Wisconsin state park system the 237-acres that make up Havenwoods State Forest is land that is healing after seeing years of urbanization. Restoration is mostly what this forest is all about and restoration takes time. We think this will be a place where visitors will be able to come for generations to marvel at nature’s resilience.
Landscapes at Havenswoods State Forest
At this green belt in Milwaukee, you will find yourself surrounded by more prairie grass than tree trunks. While Havenwoods is considered a city forest it is truly more of a prairie than forest, offering hikers the chance to drink in long looks across grasslands. This distinctive look and feel of Havenwoods Forest are intentional as this space was designed to encourage the widest range of plant and animal diversity to undo the past urbanization this site once endured. Beyond the prairie lands other landscapes, you will be also be able to enjoy woodland areas and some restored wetlands. Wildflowers are abundant in Wisconsin and the color changes one can enjoy when the earth here awakens in the spring are lovely. Depending on the season you visit, the prairie flowers may just be the real showstopper at this state forest.
Hiking Trails in Havenswoods
There are four different trail loops that you can hike. This Havenwoods State Forest Map shows the four hiking trails: Orange, Purple, Green and Blue. Collectively you will find just over 6 miles of trails in this forest. If you’re looking for more traditional forest views on the property, then you will want to hike the Purple Trail (2.0 miles). The Purple Trail will take you through a nice stand of hardwoods at various points throughout the hike especially at the back end of the trail.
The main trail – the Orange Trail – is an easy, 2.3-mile circuit that takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete. The Orange Trail is the only trail designated for leashed pets. Pick up the Orange Trail from the trail kiosk on the limestone path. On this hike you will get to explore the woodlands, cross the Lincoln Creek on a long footbridge and hike parallel to railroad tracks at one point. Be sure to take the optional spur trail that leads down a boardwalk to a platform overlooking one of the four ponds in the park. The boardwalk, accessible via the Blue Trail, is one of our favorite spots to take a moment to breathe in the fragrant air; letting it soak into our lungs and warm us from the inside out.
Quick Hike Overview: Orange Trail
- 2.3-mile circuit that takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to hike.
- Easy with little to no slope
- Crushed limestone, mowed grass and some asphalt
- No fees or permits are required to enter/access Havenwoods State Forest
Beyond the Trees
On the property you will find an Environmental Awareness Center which offers several printed resources including Wisconsin Explorer activity books for kids and accessible restrooms inside the building. The Center is very well done and offers visitors a chance to learn more about the plant and wildlife at the state forest while getting an in-depth glimpse into the land’s past. Towards the back of the Center – right past the restrooms – you will find large panels that chronologically walk you through the history of the property. We learned a lot from this display that also included old photos and newspaper clippings and highly recommend you check this out before exploring the forest. We had no idea that a prison or House of Corrections used to occupy the land here – that is why the city purchased this land in the early 1900s. During World War II the facility was designated as one of 38 Wisconsin “branch camps” that housed German prisoners of war (POWs). In 1950, after the war, the barracks were then vacated, and the facility was next used as a training facility for the United State Army Reserves. Eventually the U.S. Army built the Nike missile on site! The Nike missile was erected to protect the city of Milwaukee from long-range bombs.
Another of our favorite features of the Center is the giant painting of an earth that sits above the main door. This was painted by a local Milwaukee artist, Reynaldo Hernandez, who has painted over 100 murals across Wisconsin. Next to the earth painting it reads, “Good planets are hard to find.” This is a sentiment that we agree with and found ourselves discussing and contemplating while out on our most recent hike here.
Throughout the year, many family-oriented events and educations programs are offered at Havenwoods State Forest. When we recently visited (in March 2025) a deer butchering class was being offered and we saw animal feeding events on the calendar. Visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/ to see what events are upcoming at Havenwoods State Forest.
Before Setting Foot in the Forest
It’s always smart to the basics of first aid before setting out on any hike. We recommend bringing a little first aid kit on any hiking excursion. At the very least you’ll want to have mosquito repellant, tweezers and band aids on hand. At Havenwoods State Forest you will want to be on the lookout for wild parsnip. The oils in this plant can cause a chemical burn to the skin when it comes into contact with sunlight. You will come across several wild parsnip warning signs on the trails. Also, please do not drink water from ponds, rivers, or creeks. If you absolutely needed to drink from the water sources here, be sure you treat or filter the water first.
Trails around Milwaukee are heavily used. With that in mind, here are a few hiking etiquette reminders for you to keep in your back pocket:
- Stay on the trail. Do not step off it unless you are yielding or taking a break. Staying on the trail helps to protect the plant and animal species as well as the park’s entire ecosystem. It also helps protect you from ticks which are common across Wisconsin and may be found in this forest.
- Some trails at Havenwoods State Forest have been rerouted due to erosion so be sure to follow any trail signage you may come across. All four trail routes are very well marked.
- If you hike here during “Mud Season” do not walk around the mud by stepping off the trail. Walk through the mud.
- Leave rocks, vegetation and other artifacts alone. Do not take these with you.
- The standard right-of-way when hiking is that hikers coming uphill have the right-of-way, so if you are on the descent, please step aside and allow those ascending the right-of-way.
- When you approach another hiker from behind, announce yourself in a friendly and calm voice and let them know if you want to pass them.
- If hiking in a group, do not take up the entire width of the trail.
Getting to Havenwoods State Forest
Havenwoods State Forest is located on the north side of Milwaukee on Douglas Avenue.
The Milwaukee County Transit System offers bus service to Havenwoods State Forest. The route offers a stop directly in front of the forest. This map shows the three closest bus stops.
Note on Admission: Unlike nearly every other park and forest in Wisconsin, a vehicle admission sticker or state trail pass are not required to access and enjoy this property.
Final Thoughts
Time to lace up those hiking boots and experience one of Wisconsin’s state forests! Who’s in?
-Alyssa + Justin
Disclaimer: Parks and Planes is an informative resource for readers. Due to unforeseen conditions like State Park closures, policies, construction and other natural changes to a park and its trail, Parks and Planes, LLC does not assume liability for the accuracy of posts, trail conditions and directions. Parks and Planes strives to accurately describe and document details as experienced during the date and time of the visit. Please travel safely when hiking here and visiting recommended sites and places mentioned in this blog post. As always, all photos, opinions and content are our own.
