Kids have been building and playing in forts for as long as they have been playing outside, but a play fort in southeast Wisconsin is bigger and better than anyone’s backyard dreams. The Fort Cushing Playground is a wooden fortress that delivers endless fun while offering a side of real-life military history. It’s one of the best playgrounds in Wisconsin – here’s why.

Cushing Memorial Park is a tranquil park that’s located in the Waukesha County community of Delafield. It’s on the west side of town, right on the Bark River.
Google / Kevin Meyer
Long before this was a city park, it played a small but important part in U.S. Civil War history. It was a gathering spot for Grand Army of the Republic Veterans (Civil War), and in 1915, at the urging of locals, it became a state park.
Google / Kevin Meyer
The state of Wisconsin turned the 8.8-acre park over to the City of Delafield in 1980, and it now has a fortress feature that’s a big hit with kids.
Google / Rick Sankey

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A sprawling fort lets kids safely wage war against knights and dragons while their parents relax on benches nearby.
Google / Joelle Kirkpatrick
The fort is a labyrinth of wood, complete with a stockade. It’s constructed to be very safe for kids, and there are tons of fun things to climb over, under, and through.
The park has more than an awesome playground.
Google / Kevin Meyer
Near the fortress, there’s an area filled with large trees that has a special monument honoring three Civil War heroes: William, Alonzo, and Howard Cushing.
There’s also a peace garden in the park, and there are plenty of scenic places to relax and reflect by the Bark River. After kids experience all the nooks and crannies of the fort, they may need to rest!
Google / Amy Davis

The park is an easy drive from anywhere in southeast Wisconsin, including Milwaukee. It also has connections to the Veteran’s Memorial Riverwalk, the Lake Country Bike trail, and the Cushing Park Road bike trail. Learn more about Cushing Memorial Park on the city of Delafield website. If you’re looking for more family fun, there’s a toy store in a barn that’s sure to put a smile on your face.

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Featured Addresses
Cushing Memorial Park, 600 N Cushing Park Rd, Delafield, WI 53018, USA