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Imagine a Milwaukee where people enjoy all 4 seasons, not just summer. We need something to look forward to after the holidays have ended, but the grey skies have not. People deserve an opportunity to find joy in being in nature, and moving their bodies safely in the cold.
Winter Break is a free outdoor event for all ages, experience levels, bodies, and genders. It promotes gentle outdoor recreation in an approachable way. This event goes on no matter the weather. All activities can be done with or without snow and ice.
Activities
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Sauna (paid activity)
For those 18+, heat yourself through in a wood-fired mobile sauna from Hot Spell Sauna. They’re offering 6 sessions total, each lasting 45 minutes, and at a discounted rate for Winter Break attendees. Reserve your seat here. Walk-ups are welcome, as long as spots are still available.
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Cold Plunge
If you opt not to sauna, then I guess we’d just call this ‘Polar Bear’ing. With the sauna component, it’s called Contrast Therapy. Either way, the rush of endorphins is great for beating the winter blahs. Bring a change of clothes + shoes.
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Slow Roll Group Bike Ride
A slow roll bike ride on plowed streets and the bike path. All kinds of bikes are welcome. Bike decorations or costumes are welcome too! Experienced bike ride leaders at MKE REC will be leading the rides.
The Beginner Ride – 1-2:30pm Ride leaders will take the bike path south on the Oak Leaf Trail. Fantastic for anyone who's getting comfortable on a bike again (or for the first time!).Continuous Loop – 12-3pm Ride leaders will loop the park, using street riding and bike paths. People can get comfy on the group ride, then peel off and do a little free riding on their own if they want.
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Sittin and Knittin Mittens
Knitting and Crocheting communities have always had a strong identity, and they’re now experiencing exponential growth. Why? Stop by and ask them. Crafty peeps: BYO folding chair, a blanket to wrap up in, and a project to work on. Maybe some gloves and hand warmers too. Learn techniques from each other and get inspired. All levels welcome. Self-led.
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Nordic Walking
It’s like walking but with force applied via the walking poles, giving a whole-body workout. We’ll have 15 sets of poles to borrow or BYO. Don’t have your own poles yet? Stop by MKE Indoor Outdoor Exchange. Mention Winter Break and get a 20% discount.
Classes at 12:30 pm and 2 pm
with the MKE REC group leader, Alisa.
Group walk at 1 pm and 2:30 pm -
Meet the Mutts & Mushers
The Milwaukee Mushers are a group that dog sleds (and scooters) for fun with their family pets. Meet and give belly rubs to their rescue pups. Learn how to train a family pet to run with a pack. Get up close and hands-on with the sleds, scooters, skate-skis, bikes, and other tools they use to keep their pups happy and active the whole winter through.
Little Extras…
Pup Playground
Mac’s Bark Park is recreating their indoor playspace for you outdoors. Featuring agility activities like cones and jumps, and sniffing games for your best bud.
Beach Bonfires
5 Solo Stoves will be on the beach for warming up. BYO roasting foods or s’mores supplies and sticks. We’ll try to have some extras too. BYO blanket and chair.
Food & Drink for Warming Back Up
Tacos La Fiera will be selling their signature street food from León, Guanajuato. Tacos, Burritos, Asada Fries and more. Ay Chihuahua Coffee will be selling hot drinks, like coffee and hot cocoa.
Sponsors
FAQs
Will the Pavilion be open for warming up inside?
Unfortunately, no. The upper floor restrooms inside the Pavilion will be open, but the Pavilion upstairs and downstairs gathering spaces will be undergoing maintenance this weekend.
Will there be additional restrooms?
In addition to the Pavilion restrooms, we’ll have a few spacious, ADA-compliant portapotties scattered so you don’t have to walk back to the Pavilion. You can also use them for changing out of wet swimsuits if you’re planning to cold dip in the lake.
What’s the best way to get there?
By bus, you’ll probably want the 53 - Lincoln Avenue or 15 - (HF) Holton - Kinnickinnic. Or by walking/biking if you’re local.
If you’re coming by car, parking is limited to angle and street parking. You can also park in the south end of the parking lot at the end of Nock Street (near the boat launch, but not near the Yacht Club). There is handicapped parking in front of the Pavilion and on some angle parking spots along Shore Drive. If you’re driving in and looking for parking, go slowly. Be overly deferential to people walking and biking. People trying out new activities will feel more confident in a safe and no-pressure environment.
Can I bring my dog?
If your pup is well-behaved in crowds, and calm and friendly around other dogs, they’re welcome. Please keep them leashed, and be vigilant about cleaning up after them. Dogs are welcome everywhere in the event except for inside the Mutts and Mushers area. We don’t want to start a howl. (It’s so easy to start a howl). We’ll have volunteers standing by to hold your leash and keep your dog company while you meander.
Still have questions?
Use the contact form below.
About the location
South Shore Park is a jewel in Bay View, Milwaukee, on the shores of Lake Michigan. This area is the ancestral home of the Potawatomi People. Thank you to the efforts of the stewards of these lands and waters that came before us.
The state of Wisconsin was also the ancestral home of the Ho-Chunk, Ojibwe, Dakota, and Menomonee People. Wisconsin is the current home to the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Brothertown Nation, Forest County Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk Nation, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Menomonee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Oneida Nation, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Sokaogon Chippewa Community (Mole Lake Band), St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians. We have donated to Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center, which offers medical, dental, and mental health and wellness services for Milwaukee’s Native American community. We invite you to do likewise and donate to their work or any native cause.
The Organizer
Kate Pociask (she/her)
Kate is working on redesigning Milwaukee Culture, and a redemptive arc for the Midwest as a whole. Her day job is User Experience Designer. Kate struggles with the winter blues, and needs something to get her through the month of February. She likes to give away joy for free.
