READ MORE FROM OUR 2025 SUMMER GUIDE HERE.
The best way to go hammocking is on a whim: Head to a park with a friend and the simple intention to “hang around” (yes, pun intended) for a bit. I typically bring a couple of iced coffees, some books, two nylon hammocks and my pal Nat.
Our preferred way of lounging is to sort of cocoon inside, occasionally peeking our heads out the tops to chat. Passersby look quizzically at our suspended pods, laughter emanating from inside. It’s kind of goofy, hanging around, having a private experience in a public space, but that’s the fun of it. Sometimes I read or even fall asleep. But most of all, I relax.
In a hammock, the chaos of the world outside gives way to the simplicity of swaying in the breeze, floating among the trees.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Humboldt Park
If you want a quieter spot – somewhere with lots of shade and not too many people – Bay View’s Humboldt Park is a great choice. Or, if you’d like some live musical entertainment, head over on Tuesday evenings. Hang your hammock near the amphitheater and enjoy Chill on the Hill from the best seat in the house.
Atwater Park
Hammocking with a Lake Michigan view? Yes, please! While there aren’t a ton of trees in Atwater Park, if you can snag a couple together, you can hammock with the best view in the city, swaying in serenity without dealing with the crowd on the beach below.
Washington Park
There’s an abundance of hammocking spots in spacious Washington Park. Spend an hour or two swinging and swaying, then walk over to the Urban Ecology Center afterward to check out the nature center’s freshly renovated and rebuilt space – and learn something new!
- Look for two trees, about 10 or 12 feet apart, equally sturdy. You’ll want to be far enough away from the path but not too far away, because it’s fun to people-watch a bit.
- Finding two perfect trees together is hard. Finding three or four together is nearly impossible in the city. That’s why, when I’m with a friend, I usually hang the hammocks up bunk bed style so you’re close enough to chat.
- Wrap the straps around the trees and clip the hammock in. You might have to wrestle the tree a bit to get the strap around it. Wondering what to buy?
- Any camping-style hammock will do, but the packable hammocks made by ENO are great options. Note that in many cases, you’ll need to buy the hammock straps separately!
