10 Fun Things To Do Near Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin (Waukesha County)
If you live in or are visiting
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, you might be wondering, “What is there to do around here?” The good news: a lot more than you might think.
Menomonee Falls sits just northwest of Milwaukee in
Waukesha County, and it’s a great base for day trips, outdoor adventures, family fun, and local food. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for something new to do on a Saturday, this guide will help you explore the best of the area.
Below are
10 things to do in and around Menomonee Falls that locals love and visitors shouldn’t miss.
1. Stroll the Historic Downtown & Mill Pond Park
One of the easiest ways to get a feel for Menomonee Falls is to head straight to its
historic downtown and the scenic
Mill Pond.
You’ll find charming brick buildings, small shops, and the peaceful sound of the falls themselves. The area is compact, so you can park once and wander on foot.
- Walk along the trails by the Mill Pond and watch the water spill over the dam.
- Check out local boutiques for gifts, home decor, and Wisconsin-made items.
- Grab a coffee or ice cream and sit on a bench near the water.
On a calm summer evening, the reflections on the pond make it feel almost like a movie set. If you enjoy photography, this is one of the best spots in Menomonee Falls for sunset shots.
2. Explore Rotary Park and Its Nature Trails
Just a short drive from downtown,
Rotary Park offers a nice dose of nature without having to go far.
The park has:
If you like to get your steps in, it’s easy to create a loop walk that takes 30–60 minutes. In fall, the trees along the river explode with color, and the crisp air makes it a perfect place for a lazy weekend walk.
3. Visit Menomonee Park (And Swim in Bugline Lake)
A little farther out but still very close is
Menomonee Park, a Waukesha County park that feels like a mini outdoor resort.
This park is popular for:
- Swimming beach on Bugline Lake (great on hot July days)
- Fishing from shore or small boats
- Hiking, biking, and winter cross-country skiing trails
- Playgrounds and picnic areas with grills
You’ll pay a small county park fee to enter, but most locals consider it worth it. Pack a cooler, some camp chairs, and you’ve got an easy full day trip close to Menomonee Falls.
4. Bike or Walk the Bugline Trail
If you enjoy biking, jogging, or just long, peaceful walks, the
Bugline Trail is a must.
This paved trail stretches about
16 miles through Menomonee Falls, Sussex, and other nearby communities. It’s mostly flat and family-friendly, so you don’t need to be a serious cyclist to enjoy it.
A few tips:
- Start at one of the trailheads in Menomonee Falls and go as far as you feel like.
- Bring water, especially on warm days—shade comes and goes.
- Watch for deer early in the morning or near dusk.
If you’ve ever wanted a peaceful place to think, this is it. Put on a podcast or some music and just go.
5. Step Back in Time at Old Falls Village
Love history or old buildings?
Old Falls Village Park is a small but interesting historic site right in Menomonee Falls.
This historic park features:
- Restored 19th-century buildings, including houses and a train depot
- Guided tours during special events
- Seasonal festivals and car shows
Events like Civil War re-enactments or vintage markets sometimes pop up here, and they’re a fun way to learn a little local history without feeling like you’re back in school.
If you’re traveling with kids, it’s a nice way to show them what life looked like before smartphones and streaming.
6. Shop, Dine, and Play at The Corners of Brookfield
While not in Menomonee Falls itself,
The Corners of Brookfield is an easy drive away and offers that “mini city within a city” feel.
Here you’ll find:
- National and local shops and boutiques
- Restaurants with outdoor seating in warmer months
- Seasonal events and outdoor movie nights
- Public art and a central plaza great for people-watching
It’s a good option if you’re looking for a date night spot or a rainy-day activity near Menomonee Falls. You can grab dinner, do some shopping, and still get back “home” before it’s too late.
7. Take a Day Trip to Downtown Milwaukee
One big perk of staying in Menomonee Falls is how close you are to
Milwaukee. In about 20–30 minutes by car, you can be right downtown.
What’s worth doing in Milwaukee on a day trip?
- Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum with its famous wing-like design.
- Walk along the Lake Michigan lakefront and take in the skyline.
- Explore the Historic Third Ward for restaurants, breweries, and boutiques.
- Catch a Brewers game at American Family Field if you visit in baseball season.
Then, when you’re done with the city buzz, you can head back to quiet Menomonee Falls for the night. It really is the best of both worlds.
8. Get Outside at Minooka Park in Waukesha
Another Waukesha County gem that’s easy to reach from Menomonee Falls is
Minooka Park, just outside the city of Waukesha.
Minooka Park offers:
- A sand swimming beach and a small lake
- Hiking and mountain biking trails
- Dog exercise areas
- Cross-country skiing and sledding hills in winter
If you’re visiting Menomonee Falls in winter, this is one of the better spots in the county for sledding after a fresh snowfall. In summer, the park feels like a classic Midwestern picnic spot—grills smoking, kids running around, and plenty of shade trees.
9. Sample Local Flavors: Supper Clubs, Custard, and Breweries
You can’t talk about things to do in Menomonee Falls and Waukesha County without mentioning the food and drink scene.
Some ideas to add to your list:
- Try a traditional Wisconsin supper club for Friday fish fry and an Old Fashioned.
- Stop for frozen custard—creamier than ice cream and a local favorite.
- Visit nearby craft breweries for tasting flights and casual taproom vibes.
If you’re used to big-city dining, the style here is a little more laid-back and friendly. Don’t be surprised if the bartender starts up a conversation or gives you tips on other things to do near Menomonee Falls.
10. Catch Local Events and Festivals
Throughout the year, Menomonee Falls and nearby towns host
festivals, markets, and community events that are worth planning around.
Depending on the season, you may find:
- Summer street festivals with live music downtown
- Farmers markets with local produce and baked goods
- Holiday parades and tree-lighting events
- Car shows or craft fairs at places like Old Falls Village
If you want to feel like a local, this is the way to do it. Check the village or county event calendars before your trip—you might be in town right when something fun is happening.
Planning Your Visit to Menomonee Falls
Before you go, here are a few quick tips to make your trip easier:
- Best time to visit: Late spring through fall is ideal for biking, hiking, and lake days. Fall brings beautiful colors. Winter can be cold and snowy but great for sledding and skiing.
- Getting around: You’ll want a car. Public transit is limited, and most of the best things to do near Menomonee Falls are spread out.
- What to pack: Comfortable walking shoes, layers (Wisconsin weather changes fast), and maybe a light jacket even in summer evenings.
Menomonee Falls may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of Wisconsin travel, but that’s part of the charm. It offers a mix of small-town comfort, outdoor fun, and easy access to bigger-city attractions in Waukesha and Milwaukee.
What Did We Miss? Share Your Favorite Things To Do!
If you’ve spent time in
Menomonee Falls or around
Waukesha County, you probably have your own favorite spots—maybe a quiet fishing hole, a hidden bakery, or a local bar with the best Friday fish fry.
Have a place you think should be on this list?
Drop a comment below and share your favorite things to do near Menomonee Falls. Your tip might help someone plan their next weekend adventure.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a trip to southeastern Wisconsin. The more people exploring these local gems, the better!
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