Morning Hike with Lake Michigan Views at Bender Park in Oak Creek, Wisconsin

 

Bender Park in Oak Creek, Wisconsin offers visitors a number of hiking trails, lake views, and a beach not too far south of Milwaukee. On recent adventure up to Milwaukee, I wandered the trails of the preserve savoring a wonderful respite soaking in one of the last mornings of summer.

Bender Park Beach 

Pulling into Bender Park's parking lot, I noted the beach area alive with families enjoying the day. There is a short pier that juts out in to the lake with a United States flag marking the end. I did walk out along the pier to soak in the view!

A sandy trail skirted the bottom edge of the bluff at Bender Park leading me through
tall grasses with a rocky coastal Lake Michigan view.

I discovered trails on both sides of the lot and quickly embarked on a natural one tracing the bottom edge of the bluff. The trail would prove pretty magical weaving its way through late summer wildflowers including blazing goldenrods and joyful purple asters. The trail was a bit overgrown but manageable. A plus -- I was the only person on this trail.

Happy in the sun light purple asters in a sprinkle in front of
 brilliant goldenrod on the trail at Bender Park.

After meandering along this trail for a while, I headed back to the parking lot to find some of the other trails. Soon, I found myself ambling up the bluff. The trails I discovered on top of the bluff were unexpectedly peaceful considering the boisterousness of the beach below! 

Following a wooden bridge in Bender Park, I soon found myself
wandering through woodlands up on a bluff.

At one point, I crossed a wooden bridge into lovely woodlands. I spotted one of my favorite flowers -- orange jewelweed! I soon found myself under the shade of trees wrapped in nature. A number of trails spindled off. I believe some of these led to lake views. Alas, I was hiking on one of the hottest days of the summer so it was time to turn around.

Wandering back, I did pause at a sign about the nearby location of the shipwreck of the Schooner Lumberman which hauled lumber from more remote areas to Chicago. The ship sank on April 7, 1893. Pretty interesting little bit of history right at the park!

The Shipwreck Lumberman is near the shore at Bender Park.

The trail system includes more than I was able to experience on this visit. However, I appreciated my nature adventure at Bender Park. The wildflowers added that special summer brightness to my hike especially knowing that summer was waning. Spectacular views of Lake Michigan views delighted as well. Overall, I can't get enough of the hiking trails along the lake!

The United States flag heralds the shore along Lake Michigan at Bender Park.

The trail system at Bender Park actually is one of the Milwaukee areas Forked Aster Hiking Trails highlighting the natural beauty of the region. I have previous explored the trails at Cudahy Nature Preserve and Grant Park. But, it looks like I have more Milwaukee County Parks hiking trails to explore including more Forked Aster Hiking Trails!