We are brimming over with many fabulous activities you can experience this spring in Waukesha Pewaukee! Whether you’re hiking, biking, shopping at the farmer’s markets, or admiring the season’s beauty, it’ll be tricky to figure out where to start.
It’s Farmers' Market Time!
In Waukesha and Pewaukee, you’ll find two vibrant farmers’ markets to browse locally grown fruits and vegetables, artisan meats and cheeses, homemade baked goods, and unique arts and crafts. And at the same time, you get some fresh air and vitamin D.
The Waukesha Farmers’ Market, which has been happening for over 25 years, showcases 70 vendors and is one of the largest in Wisconsin. It offers visitors hundreds of local homegrown, raised, and handmade options. Starting in May and running through October, this market is every Saturday from 8:00 am to noon along the Fox River in the Waukesha State Bank parking lot. Get all the details here.
The Pewaukee Farmers’ Market takes place at the Galilee Lutheran Church, N24W26430 Crestview Drive. This year, it will run on Wednesdays from May 14 to October 15 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Visitors enjoy food trucks, children’s activities, live music, and other fun entertainment throughout the season. Check out their Facebook page.
Both markets offer everything you need to be healthy while supporting area farmers and businesses.
Springtime Hiking and Biking
After a long Wisconsin winter, Waukesha Pewaukee awakens with spring’s arrival. Getting outside is at the top of most people’s to-do lists, with hiking and biking being on the tippy-top of that list. Here are some trails and pointers to help you make the most of the season’s blooms and beauty.
HIKING
- Fox River Park. In Waukesha, Fox River Park has over six miles of trails, including 2.25 miles of paved paths and 4.3 miles of wooded trails that wind through the park and along the Fox River. These trails are ideal for walking, biking, hiking, and rollerblading. Feel like fishing? Grab a canoe and cast a few on the river. The park features mature woodlands, wetlands, and open meadows, making it a perfect spot to get outside and check out spring wildflowers.
- Lapham Peak Unit, Kettle Moraine State Forest. This area offers 17.2 miles of stunning hiking and biking trails. Find yourself winding through prairies and woodlands, which show off a variety of springtime blooms. Be sure to check out the incredible view from Lapham Peak Observation Tower.
- Retzer Nature Center. Dip into springtime at this 335-acre Waukesha County Park that offers guided and self-guided scenic hiking through beautiful prairies. Pack a lunch and make a day of it! With native plants and wildlife exhibits on display at the Retzer Environmental Learning Center and the onsite Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium, there’s plenty to see and do.
BIKING
- Glacial Drumlin State Trail. One of the best biking trails in the state, the Glacial Drumlin Trail guides bikers through a glorious 52-mile-long route chock-full of beautiful farmlands and glacial landscapes. The trail near Waukesha provides a tranquil ride and showcases budding spring scenery.
- Lake Country Trail. This paved trail in Pewaukee is 15 miles long and is perfect for all skill levels. With its rolling landscape and beautiful surroundings, it is an ideal setting for a bike ride while enjoying budding trees, colorful flowers, and scenic Pewaukee Lake views.
- The Ice Age Trail. Experience this National Scenic Trail that boasts some of the finest continental glaciations anywhere in the world (yes, the world!). There are many biking opportunities within the Waukesha Pewaukee area, where you can check out springtime in bloom along segments of the Ice Age Trail in the Kettle Moraine State Forest.
TIPS FOR ENJOYING SPRINGTIME BLOSSOMS
- Timing is Everything. Late April through May is the peak bloom time for early flowers like crocuses, daffodils, tulips, and magnolias. Keep an eye on local botanical gardens or nature centers for bloom reports or social updates.
- Check Trail Conditions. April showers bring May flowers… and lots of mud. Some trails may be messy. Check with local park websites for current trail conditions before heading out. And when you’re out there, be mindful to stay on designated paths to protect those beautiful springtime buds.
- Dress for Success. If we know anything about springtime in Wisconsin, it can be sunny one minute and snowy the next. Wear layers and waterproof shoes to stay comfy and make the most of your outings.
Join us as we welcome springtime to Waukesha Pewaukee. There’s so much outdoor fun to be had by strolling through farmers’ markets or hiking and biking in our beautiful, blossoming landscape. Enjoy all your options to celebrate the season!
