15 Best Things to Do in West Allis, WI

West Allis, WI
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West Allis, Wisconsin, is a city in Milwaukee County.

As of the 2010 census, West Allis was home to 60,411 people, making it a major city in the greater Milwaukee area.

West Allis was named after Edward P. Allis, whose company was a major industrial player in the Milwaukee area in the late 19th century.

In the early 20th century, West Allis became Milwaukee's most populous suburb.

The Wisconsin State Fair, the foremost agricultural showcase in the state, is held in West Allis and provides unlimited fun for the whole family at a very reasonable price.

Here are the 15 Best Things to Do In West Allis, Wisconsin.

Enjoy Water Activities at Greenfield Park

Hiking trail at Greenfield Park
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Spend some quality time in the great outdoors at Greenfield Park. Greenfield Park in West Allis, Wisconsin, is a county park that spans 150 acres.

It has a heated pool, a waterslide park, an 18-hole golf course, and more, making it perfect for families.

In addition, Greenfield Park is home to the Cool Water Family Aquatic Park, equipped with a wave pool and slides.

Lake at Greenfield Park
Lightburst, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Playground equipment, sand volleyball courts, a baseball field, picnic tables, and green space are also available.

The best time to visit is when the trees turn a riot of yellows and oranges in the fall.

Greenfield Park is perfect for individual and group activities due to its ample shade and picnic spots.

Greenfield Park can be found at S. 124th St., West Allis, Wisconsin.

Kids play area at Greenfield Park
Lightburst, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Play Some Hoops at McCarty Park

McCarty Park, located at West Cleveland Avenue, is a 50-acre oasis where you may unwind and recharge.

Tree-lined walking trails, a lagoon for fishing, a tiny tot play area, a pavilion for rent, and fields for basketball, baseball, swimming, sledding, and volleyball make McCarty Park a top choice for locals.

The amenities include the McCarty Pavilion, a pool, ballfields, basketball courts, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, playground equipment, and a lagoon.

The park can be reached from the rest of the county park system via the Oak Leaf Trail.

The park's convenient location makes it a favorite gathering spot for the nearby McCarty Park neighborhood residents and a welcome stopover for cyclists traversing the city.

It's also a nice area to bring the kids for a picnic on a sunny afternoon.

It's a great place to watch Wisconsin birds like the flycatcher, great blue heron, and yellow-bellied sapsucker in their urban habitat.

Enjoy a Game With Friends at LaFollette Park

Enjoy the various features of LaFollette Park in complete safety and comfort.

The park has a pavilion, a wading pool, basketball courts, tennis courts, a playground, and softball grounds.

The swings, slides, and monkey bars are guaranteed to be a hit with the kids.

LaFollette Park is a wonderful location for a friendly game of softball, kickball, tennis, or hoops.

Enjoy a picnic at one of their three picnic spaces, all equipped with sufficient picnic tables to accommodate your group and in shady locations to provide relief from the scorching summer sun.

The pavilion is great for hosting a gathering or getting the whole family together.

There is ample seating, a fully equipped kitchen, a coffee maker, and easy wheelchair access at this pavilion.

The pavilion is great for hosting a gathering or getting the family together.

The pavilion is equipped with a kitchen, a coffeemaker, and plenty of seating.

LaFollete Park has a "Little Free Library" with a respectable selection of books for checkout. The Little Free Library was founded in 2013.

The park is located at W Washington St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Explore The Wisconsin State Fair Park

People enjoying their day at Wisconsin State Fair Park
The original uploader was Sulfur at English Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Wisconsin State Fair Park is a year-round destination in West Allis, Wisconsin that offers a fun environment, great activities, fairs, and plenty of live music.

Wisconsin State Fair Park hosts the state fair, the state's premier agricultural display, and provides limitless family fun at a fantastic bargain.

The almost 200-acre Wisconsin State Fair Park also serves as an entertainment destination, holding activities, festivals, meetings, and more throughout the four seasons.

RV Park at Wisconsin State Fair Park
Corey Coyle, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Every year, hundreds of activities take place at Fair Park in addition to the Wisconsin State Fair.

In addition, thousands of people visit the fairgrounds to enjoy the many activities in the Exposition Center, the Tommy G. Thompson Youth Center, the Milwaukee Mile Speedway, the Products Pavilion, and other venues within the park.

There is always something for everyone in the park at S. 84th Street, West Allis, Wisconsin.

Ferris Wheel at Wisconsin State Fair Park
Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Go Back in Time at West Allis Historical Society

The West Allis Historical Society is the place to go if you want to learn about the history of West Allis and its surrounding areas.

The Historical Society grounds are located within Honey Creek Park, a picturesque park that spans 3.7 acres and includes walking paths and a gazebo.

The museum's building, constructed in 1887 of Cream City brick, is a fine example of Richardson Romanesque architecture.

The museum highlights exhibits and memorabilia from West Allis' residential, agricultural, and industrial past.

There are also replicas of businesses and residences from West Allis's past, spread across two floors.

Factory machinery, farm equipment, and tools are also part of the immaculately preserved collection of antiques, vintage clothing, toys, quilts and crafts, furniture, and household items.

The Memorial Garden also features architectural remains from West Allis.

The West Allis Historical Society is accessible from W. National Ave., West Allis, Wisconsin.

Take a Historical Walk Around Honey Creek Park

Honey Creek Park is a historic park that spans 3.7 acres and features a gazebo and walking trails.

Relax on one of the many trails that wind through forests of oak, spruce, Norway maple, oak, cedar, and other tree species.

The Civilian Conservation Corps built the Honey Creek Bridge in the 1930s, and its ruins can be found in this park along with other historical structures and interpretive signs about the area's past.

The park is also renowned for housing Honey Creek Cemetery, which was established in April of 1849. If you're interested in learning more about the history of West Allis' first residents, visiting the historic Honey Creek Cemetery is a must.

The cemetery contains around 500 graves, many of which still have their original grave markers and headstones attached to them despite their wear and tear.

The park is located at W National Ave, West Allis, Wisconsin.

Go Hiking at Oak Leaf Trail

Signage of Oak Leaf Trail
The original uploader was Sulfur at English Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you're looking for the best trail in Milwaukee County, go no farther than the Oak Leaf Trail.

The Oak Leaf Trail is a multi-use trail that encircles Milwaukee County and clocks in at approximately 135 miles of trail.

The trail is primarily asphalt, and it connects to hundreds of other routes that can take you anywhere in the greater Milwaukee area.

The trail winds for about 125 miles over varying landscapes, from flat agricultural plains to uphill city streets.

The trail passes nearly a quarter of its distance following the scenic shoreline of Lake Michigan.

If you venture out to the wilderness at night, you might see a coyote or two.

Coyotes may be frequent, but they are still wild animals, so keep your distance and your dogs close by.

Milwaukee County Parks have maps to help you spot various birds along the trail.

Trailheads throughout the city, including at the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Milwaukee County Sports Complex, and Dretzka Park Golf Course, provide access to the area.

Skate at Joyce Ann Radtke Park

The 0.91-acre Joyce Ann Radtke Skate Park is the place to go if you want to unwind and have a good time on your skates.

Radtke has become one of West Allis' most prominent cultural destinations for locals and visitors.

This urban skate park is one of a kind in the Milwaukee metropolitan area, offering people a state-of-the-art venue for recreational opportunities.

Joyce Ann Radtke Park now features a skate park thanks to the collaboration between the city of West Allis and Spohn Ranch Skateparks.

Located near the northeast intersection of South 84th Street and West National Avenue, this park opened to the public in the fall of 2014.

Feel free to bring your skateboard and test out the various skate elements, or you can watch the locals try them out.

Watch High Octane Action at Milwaukee Mile Speedway

View of the Milwaukee Mile Speedway
Royalbroil, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit the Milwaukee Mile Speedway for some high-octane racing action. Spend a fun-filled weekend watching racing at the Milwaukee Mile with your loved ones.

Since its opening in 1903, the Milwaukee Mile has hosted at least one car race annually, making it the world's oldest continuously running motor speedway.

In addition to the asphalt-paved oval, the infield also features a 0.8-mile asphalt-paved road circuit.

A racer enjoying his victory at Milwaukee Mile Speedway
Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock.com

This oval race track is about one mile in length and can accommodate up to 35,000 spectators in its grandstand and bleacher areas at Wisconsin State Fair Park.

The Green Bay Packers played home games in Milwaukee at the stadium's infield from 1934 through 1953.

They are located at S 84th St, West Allis, Wisconsin.

Visit West Allis Library

Visit the West Allis Library for some quiet reading time.

It is one of the busiest and most popular libraries in all of Milwaukee County.

Around 800,000 items are checked out annually from the West Allis Public Library, which is located at 75th Street and National Avenue

The library hosts events throughout the year that are designed to enrich the lives of adults, children, and community members of all ages.

The public library provides books, printed materials, and information for locals and visitors.

The library staff runs a fantastic program for children encouraging imaginative and creative play.

The library is a wonderful place to gain unrestricted access to a seemingly endless source of knowledge and culture.

Other Places Nearby

Milwaukee County Zoo

Leopard at Milwaukee County Zoo
DreamSerenePhotography / Shutterstock.com

Have a fantastic day at the Milwaukee County Zoo with your family and friends.

The Milwaukee County Zoo has been open for business for almost 130 years.

It all began in 1892 with a small aviary and mammal show in Milwaukee's Washington Park.

The Milwaukee County Zoo's primary mission is to increase public awareness and appreciation for all animals and to encourage the protection of their natural habitats.

Giraffe at Milwaukee County Zoo
Ian Dikhtiar / Shutterstock.com

The Milwaukee County Zoo grew steadily throughout the next century, eventually occupying its present location of 190 acres and housing 2,100 animals of 330 species.

Several activities are available to guests of all ages, including the Sky Adventure Zip Line &

Ropes Courses, Safari Train rides, Giraffe Encounter, Kohl's Wild Theater, carousel, and more.

In addition, concession booths and popcorn carts scattered all over the Zoo are stocked with tasty treats to satisfy your food cravings.

Elephant at Milwaukee County Zoo
zferd98 / Shutterstock.com

Have Fun With Friends at WhirlyBall Brookfield

Spend some quality time with your loved ones at Whirlyball Brookfield.

Whirlyball Brookfield is a multi-level amusement center located at S Moorland Rd, Brookfield, Wisconsin.

It is the most fun you can have while traveling at 4 miles per hour.

WhirlyBall is a skill-based game that blends lacrosse, hockey, basketball, and bumper cars.

You can also unwind and relax at the Pivot Room, where you can order some of the restaurant's famous dinners, appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, salads, specialty cocktails, and non-alcoholic.

They serve dinner and provide deals throughout the evening's happy hour.

View Flowers in Bloom at Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory

Exterior view of the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
Joe Ferrer / Shutterstock.com

Visit the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory to see flower gardens, a tropical rainforest, and a desert oasis.

This living museum, popularly known as "The Domes," is regarded as one of Milwaukee's top tourist attractions.

There are three distinct buildings at Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, each housing a diverse collection of plants and animals from across the world.

Flora at Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
Carrie A Hanrahan / Shutterstock.com

Visit our tropical, desert, and floral domes to see hundreds of exotic, beautiful plants in bloom.

Learn about desert plants in the Desert Dome, including cacti, succulents, shrubs, and palms.

The floral show dome hosts five seasonal shows every year, while the Tropical Dome is home to 1,200 types of rainforest plants.

The domes are open 365 days a year and feature various events and educational programming.

Scenic view of the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
Kelly Ermis / Shutterstock.com

Visit Kids In Motion

Kids in Motion is a wonderful place to have fun and learn.

Kids in Motion strives to provide a safe and fun environment for children to develop and learn all year round.

There's a variety of activities for kids of all ages and interests, plus a fun tube structure for games.

They support healthy families by providing opportunities for members to spend quality time together.

Their priority is providing excellent service in a spotless, secure setting.

They promote games where kids can move around, interact with others, and use their imaginations.

They also have a great party space, perfect for birthdays or other special occasions.

They are located at W Greenfield Ave., New Berlin, Wisconsin.

Explore the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame & Museum

Exhibits at National Bobblehead Hall of Fame & Museum
Adam Moss from East Amherst, New York, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame & Museum houses the most extensive collection of bobbleheads ever assembled, spanning numerous categories and periods.

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame & Museum features dozens of displays relating to bobblehead creation and development.

The museum has about 6,500 individual exhibits and offers tours that detail the exhibits' creation and history.

The mission of the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum is to preserve and display the most extensive collection of bobbleheads in the world and educate visitors about the significance of bobbleheads in developing popular culture in the United States.

There are dozens of displays here that tell the story of bobbleheads and their creation.

Explore the museum's gift shop, stocked with 500 unique bobbleheads.

They are located at S 1st St 2nd floor, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Final Thoughts

West Allis is Wisconsin's eleventh-largest city.

It has approximately twenty parks, so there are many places to go fishing, hiking, or playing outdoor games.

It also has a rich history, which can be seen in museums spread across the city.

It's home to a vibrant restaurant scene and various annual community events.

Enjoy the 15 best things to do in West Allis, Wisconsin.

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