Floating on a Lagoon in Glowing Swan Boats Is a Dreamy Way to Spend a Summer Night in Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is home to several truly lovely parks. The crown jewel of them all, I think, is Veterans Park. It's a sprawling county park on the Milwaukee waterfront that spans nearly a mile of Lake Michigan shoreline between Juneau Park and McKinley Park, creating a contiguous public green space along the water. McKinley Park is known, of course, for its beautiful beach and marina, but Veterans Park has something that no other Milwaukee Park can offer: swan boats. These charming watercraft are fun to pedal around in at any time of day, but they take on a romantic, almost ethereal, quality when the sun begins to set. For my money, this Wisconsin swan boat ride on the Veterans Park lagoon is just about the dreamiest way to spend a summer evening in Wisconsin.

What Are the Glowing Swan Boats in Milwaukee?

Look for these whimsical vessels in the lagoon at the north end of Veteran Park on Milwaukee's Waterfront. A concessionaire, Wheel Fun Rentals, manages the swan boats and rents them out in half-hour increments. The watercraft are outfitted with colorful LED lights, and you can drift across the park's peaceful 14-acre lagoon in these pedal boats, with the city skyline glowing in the background.

Whether you’re planning a family outing, a casual night out with your friends, or simply looking for a unique way to experience the waterfront, the illuminated rides offer a memorable change of pace. That said, it’s a great way to spend a romantic evening with your special someone, where you can slow down and enjoy the views under the evening sky. We'll go as far as to say that it's one of the best things to do in Wisconsin at night.

What to Expect on the Milwaukee Swan Boats

Taking a spin on a swan boat is an excellent way to get out on the water—much tamer than neighboring Lake Michigan, which is visible from the lagoon—and while away an afternoon. Fresh air, lovely views, a fairytale conveyance: What could be better?

As charming as this all is, the real enchantment happens when the sun starts to dip behind the Milwaukee skyline. This is when the swans, which are limned with strands of LED lights, are illuminated. Swan riders become mere shadows, floating on glowing waterfowl beneath star-dotted skies, gliding over reflections of city lights on the dark lagoon, and breathing in the cool night air.

Illuminated swan boat rides are available from sunset to 9:30 p.m. daily during the summer and on weekends in mid-September. For the best scenes, I'd suggest arriving about 7 p.m., so that you'll have time to park and walk to the rental stand. Plus, the weather will be pleasant then to spend an evening on the water. Since this is a seasonal rental and best enjoyed when the weather is warm, no boats are available between late September and April. Check the Wheel Fun Rentals website for exact dates and rental pricing.

While you're in the area, you may as well make an evening—or even a weekend—of it. Grab dinner before your swan boat ride at Milwaukee's beloved Harbor House. It's right on Lake Michigan, just a few minutes south of the Veterans Park lagoon, and it's the perfect place to enjoy a drink and some incredible seafood before strolling up to the park. In fact, we think Harbor House is one of the best seafood restaurants in Wisconsin.

If you book a nearby stay, you won't have far to go after you get off the water. Several lodging options are available in the neighborhood, including an affordable and charming one-bedroom, one-bath Airbnb that's essentially right across the street from the lagoon. Book a stay here, and you can practically step off your swan and into your rental. Check out the property's Airbnb listing for photos, more information, and to book your stay.

Have you gone for a nighttime float on the swan boats at Veterans Park in Milwaukee? What are some other ways to spend a dreamy summer night on the water in Wisconsin? Read on for more ways to enjoy Wisconsin on the water.