The temperatures are finally rising in Milwaukee, and it’s time to swap those snow boots for summer gear! As we all emerge from our winter hibernation and stash away our down outerwear, many of us are itching for some fresh air and adventure. Well, what better time do that than National Great Outdoors Month.

Since 1998, this June celebration has encouraged people across the country to explore the wonders of our public spaces — from hiking and biking to birdwatching and learning how to navigate the wild. Whether it’s a national park or your neighborhood green space, the great outdoors are open and waiting.

And lucky for us, Milwaukee is the perfect place to get outside. With hundreds of county parks, three scenic rivers winding through the city, the stunning shores of Lake Michigan, hidden trails and countless natural gems, it’s easier than ever to enjoy nature — even in the heart of our urban environment.

To keep the momentum going, Milwaukee County is bringing back its Healthy County Challenge this summer! This fun initiative invites everyone to get active and enjoy the outdoors with community walks, group bike rides, nature hikes and more. It’s a great way to stay healthy, connect with others, and soak up the sunshine. Check out the full event calendar for the 2025 Challenge.

Plus, the Wisconsin Center District’s Walking Challenge also returns in June. This time, we’re taking our talents to Daytona Beach. Teams will compete over two weeks to get from our lovely Milwaukee office to the sunny Florida shores. More information to be shared soon on how to sign up, get on a  team and win prizes.

And remember — getting outside doesn’t have to mean climbing a mountain (though we won’t stop you!). Fire up a grill in a local park, play a round of golf, shoot some hoops or just lie in a big grassy field and cloud-watch for a while. Whichever way you prefer to experience the outdoors, it’s all about enjoying the fresh air, moving your body and recharging your mind.

Studies show that: 

• Nature can help us improve our thinking, reasoning and other mental abilities. Our minds relax in a natural setting. This increases feelings of pleasure and can help us concentrate and focus more effectively, according to studies in the National Library of Medicine. 
• Nature can improve physical wellness. Nature has a positive effect on our bodies by reducing cortisol levels, muscle tension, and demands on our cardiovascular systems (lowers heart rate and blood pressure). Being out in nature often may lead to lower rates of heart disease. The great outdoors can also help you increase your vitamin D level, which is important for your bones, blood cells and immune system. 
• Being outside can improve your mental health. Nature helps decrease your anxiety levels and can help lessen stress and feelings of anger. Exercise can also help this, but it's even better when you're outside. Regular access to green spaces has been linked to lower risks of depression and improved concentration and attention. Additionally, you may find that you sleep better when you are regularly outside 

We all need to touch some grass — literally. So, this month, let’s step outside, soak up some sunshine, breath the fresh air and go on a little adventure under the sky!

Need some inspiration? Here are some places, organizations and groups that are open to any and all abilities and interests.

Places to go: 

- Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
- Kettle Moraine State Forest (recommended sections: Lapham Peak, Scuppernong, John Muir, Nordic and Emma Carlin trails)
- Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve
- Seven Bridges Trail in Grant Park
- Lakeshore State Park
- Havenwoods State Forest
- Milwaukee County Parks
- Milwaukee River Greenway
- Wehr Nature Center
- The new giant troll statue at Firefly Grove Park
- Retzer Nature Center
- Lake Geneva Shore Path
- Horicon Marsh

Groups and businesses worth checking out:

- Girls Who Walk MKE
- BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin
- Urban Ecology Center
- Milwaukee Kayak Co.
- Run Groups (Milwaukee Running Group OMG, Buena Tierra Run Club, F.E.A.R. MKE)
- Women’s Hiking Group for Southeastern Wisconsin
- Urban Wilderness Explorers
- Ice Age Trail Association Waukesha/Milwaukee chapter