Ultimate Guide to Mequon Parks

Mequon Nature Preserve

The observation tower at Mequon Nature Preserve

Mequon offers an impressive array of parks and nature preserves, providing residents and visitors with diverse recreational opportunities and natural experiences. From extensive nature preserves to specialized outdoor spaces, here's a detailed guide to Mequon's park system.

Major Parks and Preserves

Mequon Nature Preserve

Address: 8200 W. County Line Road
Features: The crown jewel of Mequon's park system, this 444-acre preserve offers:

  • Extensive hiking trails through restored prairies, wetlands, and forests

  • Educational programming and environmental research

  • The PieperPower Education Center with interactive exhibits

  • Wildlife observation areas and bird watching opportunities

  • Accessible trails and viewing platforms

  • Demonstration areas showcasing ecological restoration

Virmond Park

Address: 10606 N. Lake Shore Dr.
Features: A spectacular bluff-top park overlooking Lake Michigan:

  • Panoramic lake views and sunset watching spots

  • Tennis courts and multi-purpose athletic fields

  • Picnic areas with grills and shelters

  • Wheelchair-accessible bluff-top walking path

  • Access to Lake Michigan shoreline

  • Winter sledding hills and cross-country skiing trails

Mee-Kwon Park

Address: 6333 W. Bonniwell Road
Features: A recreational hub combining natural areas with athletic facilities:

  • 18-hole public golf course with clubhouse

  • Scenic hiking and cross-country skiing trails

  • Picnic areas and open green spaces

  • Baseball diamonds and sports fields

  • Natural wooded areas with native species

Rotary Park

Address: 4100 W. Highland Road
Features: A community-focused park offering:

  • Sports fields and baseball diamonds

  • Large playground equipment

  • Picnic shelters and gathering spaces

  • Accessible pathways

  • Connection to Pukaite Woods nature area

River Barn Park

Address: 9808 N. Cedarburg Road
Features: A historical site with river access:

  • Milwaukee River frontage with fishing spots

  • Historic barn structure

  • Natural areas and walking paths

  • Canoe/kayak launch site

  • Bird watching opportunities

Nature Preserves and Specialized Areas

Highland Woods

Address: 12701 N. Green Bay Road
Features: A pristine woodland area:

  • Old-growth forest with diverse native tree species

  • Quiet hiking trails through pristine habitat

  • Educational signage about local ecology

  • Bird and wildlife watching opportunities

Pukaite Woods at Rotary Park

Address: 4100 W. Highland Road
Features: A forested nature area:

  • Woodland hiking trails

  • Native plant communities

  • Environmental education opportunities

  • Bird and wildlife habitat

Lemke Park

Address: 10301 W. Donges Bay Road
Features: A neighborhood park with:

  • Playground equipment

  • Open play areas

  • Walking paths

  • Picnic facilities

Garrison's Glen

Address: 2231 Pioneer Road
Features: A natural area focused on conservation:

  • Protected wildlife habitat

  • Limited-access trails

  • Native plant restoration areas

  • Stream and wetland ecosystems

Grasslyn Nature Preserve

Address: 9949 N. Grasslyn Road
Features: A pristine natural area:

  • Protected prairie ecosystems

  • Native grassland species

  • Limited trails designed for minimal impact

  • Bird and pollinator habitat

Lilly Lane Nature Preserve

Address: 6300 W. Lilly Lane
Features: A small but ecologically important preserve:

  • Protected natural communities

  • Limited access trails

  • Native Wisconsin plant species

  • Quiet contemplation spaces

Little Menomonee Site

Address: 9101 W. Freistadt Road
Features: A river corridor preserve:

  • Little Menomonee River access

  • Floodplain and riparian habitat

  • Natural areas for wildlife

  • Limited access trails

Waterfront and Specialized Parks

Moonlight Landing

Address: 12499 N. Island Drive
Features: A river access point:

  • Milwaukee River boat launch

  • Fishing access

  • Natural shoreline areas

  • Parking for river users

Prinz Site

Address: 12401 N. River Road
Features: Riverside natural area:

  • River frontage and views

  • Natural habitat conservation

  • Limited development for habitat protection

  • Passive recreation opportunities

River Forest Nature Preserve

Address: 2122 W. Glen Oaks Lane
Features: A wooded natural area:

  • Forest ecosystem protection

  • Limited trail system

  • Native understory plants

  • Wildlife corridor functions

Riverview Park

Address: 4200 Grace Ave.
Features: A riverside recreational area:

  • Milwaukee River frontage

  • Fishing access points

  • Picnic areas with river views

  • Walking paths along the shoreline

  • Boat observation areas

Shoreland Nature Preserve

Address: 12500 N. Shoreland Parkway
Features: A lakefront natural area:

  • Lake Michigan shoreline protection

  • Bluff habitat conservation

  • Limited access trails

  • Ecological research opportunities

Willow Bay Nature Preserve

Address: 12621 River Forest Dr.
Features: A riverside conservation area:

  • River bay habitat protection

  • Wetland conservation

  • Bird watching opportunities

  • Limited trail access

Community Parks

Scout Park

Address: 11949 N. LaPorte Road
Features: A community gathering space:

  • Open play fields

  • Picnic facilities

  • Community event space

  • Walking paths

Settlers Park

Address: 11312 N. Cedarburg Road
Features: A historically-significant park:

  • Historic structures and information

  • Community gathering space

  • Picnic areas

  • Educational signage about early Mequon settlement

Swan Road Prairie

Address: 9625 N. Swan Road
Features: A restored prairie ecosystem:

  • Native prairie plant species

  • Pollinator habitat

  • Educational opportunities about prairie restoration

  • Limited access hiking

Trinity Creek Wetland Habitat

Address: 9855 N. Riebs Lane
Features: A protected wetland ecosystem:

  • Wetland boardwalks and observation areas

  • Water quality improvement functions

  • Habitat for wetland species

  • Educational signage about wetland ecology

Villa Grove Park

Address: 11900 N. Villa Grove Road
Features: A neighborhood park with:

  • Playground equipment

  • Open play areas

  • Picnic facilities

  • Walking paths

Accessibility and Visiting Information

Most Mequon parks are open from sunrise to sunset daily. Some nature preserves may have restricted hours or seasonal access limitations to protect sensitive habitats. For the most current information on park facilities, seasonal events, and accessibility features, visitors are encouraged to contact the Mequon Parks Department directly.

Many parks offer:

  • Free parking

  • Restroom facilities (seasonal)

  • ADA-accessible features at major parks

  • Dog-friendly areas (leash rules apply)

  • Year-round recreational opportunities

Conservation and Stewardship

Mequon's park system represents the city's commitment to preserving natural spaces while providing recreational opportunities. Many parks feature ongoing ecological restoration projects, volunteer opportunities, and educational programming about local ecosystems and wildlife. Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles when enjoying these natural spaces.

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