McKinley Marina & Park
A vibrant lakeside oasis on Lake Michigan, offering stunning views, a bustling marina, and relaxing spots like the Roundhouse Beer Garden.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
McKinley Marina & Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant lakeside oasis on Lake Michigan, offering stunning views, a bustling marina, and relaxing spots like the Roundhouse Beer Garden.
"Lovely harbor, great scenery, and well-maintained facilities make this a top spot."
🚶♀️ Lakeside Strolls
Enjoy the beautiful lake walkway for stunning views and a relaxing experience. :athletic_shoe:
🍻 Beer Garden Vibes
Don't miss the Roundhouse Beer Garden for a refreshing drink with a view. :beer_mug:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lake Michigan Waterfront
Along Lake Michigan shoreline
Stroll the scenic lake walkway, enjoy breathtaking views, and watch boats glide by on the vast expanse of Lake Michigan.

Roundhouse Beer Garden
McKinley Marina
Relax with a drink at this unique round building beer garden, offering a perfect spot to unwind by the water.

Fishing Derby Fun
McKinley Park Lagoon
Witness or participate in the annual fishing derby, a lively event for all ages, especially kids.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Lakeside Vibe
Best Times for a Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Lakeside Strolls
Enjoy the beautiful lake walkway for stunning views and a relaxing experience. :athletic_shoe:
🍻 Beer Garden Vibes
Don't miss the Roundhouse Beer Garden for a refreshing drink with a view. :beer_mug:
🎣 Family Fishing Fun
The annual fishing derby is a hit with kids! Check dates for this fun event. :fishingpoleand_வத:
⚓ Boat Watching
Marvel at the variety of boats, from small vessels to houseboats, docked at the marina. :sailboat:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Lakeside Strolls
Enjoy the beautiful lake walkway for stunning views and a relaxing experience. :athletic_shoe:
🍻 Beer Garden Vibes
Don't miss the Roundhouse Beer Garden for a refreshing drink with a view. :beer_mug:
🎣 Family Fishing Fun
The annual fishing derby is a hit with kids! Check dates for this fun event. :fishingpoleand_வத:
⚓ Boat Watching
Marvel at the variety of boats, from small vessels to houseboats, docked at the marina. :sailboat:
☀️ Summer Beach Access
Close proximity to McKinley Beach for sunbathing and swimming. :sun:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
McKinley Marina & Park is praised for its beautiful Lake Michigan setting, well-maintained facilities, and friendly atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the scenic lake walkway, modern amenities like clean restrooms and showers, and the convenience of the Roundhouse Beer Garden. Some note it's a great spot for events and boat watching.
"McKinley Marina is beautifully set along Lake Michigan front and center! It’s very well kept and has over 600 boat slips for all sizes of boats. There were even a few houseboats docked there.
There’s a beautiful lake walkway and a bunch of nice places to sit, relax and watch the boats sail by! They also have nice public restrooms if you plan on spending the day there."
Michelle Foy
"Lovely harbor, great scenery. I do not have a boat docked there, but my friends do. They seem happy with the service. Area seemed well maintained, but I’m not a nautical expert"
Travis (Doughboy_Food_Reviews)
"Nice marina facilities that are modern and clean. Nice harbor staff."
Doug Koch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
McKinley Marina & Park is located at 1600 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It's easily accessible by car, with a newly remodeled parking area. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the lakefront area.
Yes, there is a newly remodeled parking area available at McKinley Marina. It's convenient for visitors, especially those planning to spend a good portion of their day enjoying the park and marina facilities.
Absolutely! McKinley Marina & Park is conveniently located near other popular spots like Veteran's Park and Bradford Beach, making it easy to combine with a day of exploring Milwaukee's lakefront.
While specific routes can vary, the Milwaukee County Transit System often serves areas along the lakefront. It's recommended to check the MCTS website or app for the most current bus routes and schedules that go near McKinley Marina & Park.
Walking is a great option for exploring between McKinley Marina, McKinley Beach, and Veteran's Park, as they are all in close proximity along the lakefront.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
McKinley Marina & Park is generally a public park and marina, so there is no general entrance fee to access the park grounds and lake walkway. However, specific activities or events held within the park might have associated costs.
The park grounds are typically open from dawn until dusk. The Roundhouse Beer Garden has specific operating hours, usually Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It's always a good idea to check their official hours before visiting.
For events like the annual fishing derby, it's best to check with the Milwaukee County Parks or event organizers for specific registration details and any associated fees.
Yes, boat slips at McKinley Marina are available for rent. Fees will vary based on the size of the boat and the duration of the rental. Contact the marina directly for current pricing and availability.
Absolutely! The Roundhouse Beer Garden is open to the public, whether you're a boater or just looking for a place to relax and enjoy the waterfront views.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy leisurely walks along the lakefront, watch boats, relax at the Roundhouse Beer Garden, and visit nearby beaches. The park also hosts events like the annual fishing derby.
Yes, McKinley Marina has nice public restrooms that are well-maintained, making it comfortable for visitors spending the day.
Definitely! The marina offers beautiful scenery with boats, the lake, and the Milwaukee skyline in the distance, making it a great spot for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Amenities include over 600 boat slips, a fish cleaning station, clean bathrooms and showers, a snack bar, and the popular Roundhouse Beer Garden.
While swimming is not permitted directly within the marina, McKinley Beach and Bradford Beach are located nearby and are popular spots for swimming and sunbathing during the summer months.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, McKinley Marina features a snack bar and the popular Roundhouse Beer Garden, offering a place to grab a bite and enjoy a drink with a view of the water.
The Roundhouse Beer Garden typically offers a selection of drinks and casual food options suitable for a beer garden setting. It's a great spot to relax after a walk or boat outing.
Picnicking is generally allowed in public parks. You can bring your own food and enjoy it at designated areas or on the lake walkway, though specific rules might apply. Veteran's Park nearby is also a popular picnic spot.
Yes, McKinley Marina is equipped with a fish cleaning station, which is a convenient amenity for anglers who have been fishing in the area.
While the marina has its own food options, the surrounding Milwaukee lakefront area and nearby neighborhoods offer a variety of restaurants and dining experiences to explore.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire lakefront offers fantastic photo opportunities. Capture the boats docked, the expansive Lake Michigan, and the Milwaukee skyline. The Roundhouse Beer Garden area also provides a unique perspective.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography at McKinley Marina, casting a warm glow over the water and boats. Midday can also be good for capturing the vibrant blue of Lake Michigan.
Yes, photographing the diverse range of boats docked at McKinley Marina is a popular activity. You can capture everything from sleek yachts to charming sailboats.
Generally, personal photography is welcome. However, for commercial photography or drone usage, it's advisable to check with the marina management or Milwaukee County Parks for any specific permits or regulations.
From McKinley Marina, you can capture panoramic views of the Milwaukee skyline across the water, especially beautiful during the day or when the city lights up at night.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
⚓ Boaters and Anglers
🚶♀️ Leisurely Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Boating Life at McKinley Marina
Beyond the slips, the marina has undergone beautification projects, enhancing its appeal. It serves as a docking point for various charter services, indicating its importance in the local recreational boating scene. The presence of a beer garden and snack bar adds to the convenience and enjoyment for those spending extended time at the marina, making it a complete destination for water enthusiasts.
Exploring the Lakefront and Park
The park is also known for hosting community events, such as the annual Fishing Derby, which draws many families and participants to the McKinley Park Lagoon. This event highlights the park's role as a community gathering space. With its well-maintained grounds, clean public restrooms, and scenic beauty, McKinley Marina & Park provides a refreshing blend of urban accessibility and natural lakeside tranquility.
Dining and Relaxation at Roundhouse Beer Garden
The beer garden is a perfect complement to the marina experience, whether you've just returned from a boat outing or are simply enjoying a day by Lake Michigan. It offers a casual dining option with views of the harbor, making it an attractive destination for both locals and tourists looking for a pleasant place to eat and drink.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit