Mornings are simply glorious in Milwaukee. Wisconsin’s largest city is located on the shore of Lake Michigan, with a perfect east-facing sunrise view. There are a lot of good places to take in the show, but one of the best spots is Veteran’s Park.

This tranquil park on Milwaukee’s lower east side is perfect for a morning stroll along the lakefront. Its walking paths loop around a peaceful lagoon and skirt the water’s edge where there are plenty of inviting spots to linger as the sky changes color. Anchored sailboats and historic lighthouses help make the view unforgettable. Set your alarm and get your coffee ready: here’s what you need to know about Milwaukee’s Veterans Park.

Lake Michigan is the third-largest of the Great Lakes. It feels more like an inland sea than an inland lake.
Bethany Schoenick / Alltrails
McKinley Marina is tucked up against the park's north side. Hundreds of boats are based here. There are 655 slips and many more boats floating offshore on moorings.
David Shvartsman / Getty Images
A footbridge offers a nice vantage point of the marina and the sunrise.
James Mauch / Alltrails

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South of the park you'll find an iconic Milwaukee Lighthouse. The Milwaukee Pierhead Light is one of the most popular places to take a picture along the lakefront. The lighthouse was built in 1872 to help boats navigate Milwaukee's waters. It's located at the end of Erie Street.
AMCImages / Getty Images
The Milwaukee Breakwater Lighthouse is another pretty sight in the morning light. It was built in 1926 to mark the entrance of the harbor.
Joe Daniel Price / Moment Collection via Getty Images
The sunrises on cold mornings can be incredible. In the winter, large areas of ice line the lakefront.
Bob Israel / Getty Images

When the sun is up, you may want to spend some time in the park. The park’s Oak Leaf Trail is a pleasant place for a morning stroll and the 14-acre lagoon here has paddle-boat rentals. If it’s a windy day, be sure to stop by the kite store – the lakefront is the perfect place to catch a breeze. If you’re not a morning person, check out these 15 beautiful Wisconsin sunsets.

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Veterans Park, Milwaukee, WI, USA