Pleasant Valley Park

Pleasant Valley Park is a secluded natural area located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Situated at the foot of East Concordia Avenue along the Milwaukee River, this park offers a peaceful retreat within the urban landscape. Once the site of a popular 19th-century beer garden and resort known as Blatz Park, Pleasant Valley Park has since reverted to a more natural state.

The park is part of the Milwaukee River Greenway, an 800-acre corridor of contiguous parklands along the city's eponymous river. It features a gravel path leading down to the river, where visitors can access muddy trails paralleling the riverbank. The area is characterized by dense foliage and a variety of plant life, creating an atmosphere more akin to a lush forest than a typical city park.

Pleasant Valley Park serves as a robust wildlife preserve in the heart of Milwaukee. Following the removal of the North Avenue dam in 1997, the park underwent a process of urban "rewilding," enhancing its ecological value. Today, it is popular among dog walkers, joggers, mountain bikers, birders, and other wildlife enthusiasts who appreciate its natural setting.

While the park lacks traditional amenities like picnic areas or playgrounds, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience nature within the city limits. The West Bank Trail, which passes through Pleasant Valley, is part of a larger trail network in the Milwaukee River Greenway. However, visitors should be aware that the trails can be rutted and may widen due to frequent use.

It's worth noting that Pleasant Valley Park is not prominently marked and may be challenging to locate for first-time visitors. There are no official signs identifying the park, and it does not have a designated parking area. This low-key approach to park management contributes to its secluded and natural character.