10 Walkable Cities in Wisconsin

City	Most Walkable Neighborhood	Top Pedestrian-Friendly Street	Best Scenic Walking Trail	Historic District to Explore	Walk Score
Milwaukee	Juneau Town	Brady Street	Oak Leaf Trail	East Side	94
Madison	State-Langdon	State Street	Lake Monona Loop	Capitol Square	50
Green Bay	Astor Park	Washington Street	Fox River Trail	Astor Historic District	42
La Crosse	Downtown	Main Street	La Crosse River Marsh	Washburn	54
Appleton	Downtown	College Avenue	Fox Trot Trail	Lawrence University	44
Eau Claire	Water Street	Barstow Street	Phoenix Park	North River Fronts	36
Kenosha	HarborPark	6th avenue	Kenosha Lakefront	Uptown	49
Racine	Southside Historic District	Main Street	Root River Pathway	West Racine	56
Sheboygan	South Pier District	8th Street	Sheboygan Riverwalk	North Point	53
Waukesha	Downtown	Main Street	Fox River Trail	Carroll University	35

10 Walkable Cities In Wisconsin

1. Milwaukee

Best walkable neighborhoods for young professionals

Milwaukee offers several neighborhoods that are ideal for young professionals due to their walkability and vibrant atmosphere.

The Historic Third Ward is a prime example, featuring a mix of historic warehouses converted into modern apartments, shops, and restaurants.

Walker’s Point is another popular area, known for its diverse community and active nightlife scene.

Top pedestrian-friendly streets for shopping and dining

Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward is renowned for its pedestrian-friendly streets lined with art galleries, trendy boutiques, and a variety of dining options.

Brady Street is another hotspot, offering a mix of cafes, bars, and unique shops, making it a perfect destination for a stroll.

Most scenic walking trails along the lakefront

The Oak Leaf Trail is a must-visit for those who enjoy scenic walks. This trail runs along Milwaukee’s lakefront, providing stunning views of Lake Michigan.

The Lake Park Loop, part of the Oak Leaf Trail, offers a picturesque route through Veterans Park and McKinley Park, ending at the Northpoint Lighthouse.

Historic districts to explore on foot

Milwaukee’s East Side is home to several historic districts, including the North Point Historic District.

This area features beautifully preserved homes and buildings, offering a glimpse into the city’s architectural past. A self-guided walking tour is available to explore these historic treasures.

Walkable neighborhoods with easy access to public transit

East Town and the Lower East Side are highly walkable neighborhoods with excellent access to public transit.

These areas are well-connected by bus routes and are close to the Milwaukee Streetcar, making it easy to navigate the city without a car.

2. Madison

Most pedestrian-friendly areas near the University of Wisconsin campus

The University of Wisconsin-Madison campus and its surrounding areas are highly pedestrian-friendly.

The neighborhoods of State-Langdon and Capitol are particularly walkable, offering easy access to campus facilities, shops, and dining options.

Best neighborhoods for walking to local farmers’ markets

The Capitol Square area is ideal for those who enjoy walking to local farmers markets. The Dane County Farmers Market, held around the Capitol building, is one of the largest producers-only farmers markets in the country.

Top streets for window shopping and boutique hopping

State Street is Madison’s premier pedestrian-friendly street, lined with a variety of shops, boutiques, and cafes.

This vibrant street connects the University of Wisconsin campus to Capitol Square, making it a popular destination for both students and visitors.

Scenic walking paths around the lakes

Madison is known for its beautiful lakes, and the Lake Monona Loop offers a scenic walking path around Lake Monona.

This trail provides stunning views of the lake and the city skyline, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Walkable neighborhoods with a strong sense of community

The neighborhoods of Tenney-Lapham and Marquette are known for their strong sense of community and walkability.

These areas feature tree-lined streets, local parks, and a variety of community events throughout the year.

3. Green Bay

Most walkable neighborhoods for families

Astor Park is one of Green Bay’s most walkable neighborhoods, ideal for families. This area features wide sidewalks, local parks, and easy access to schools and community centers.

Top pedestrian-friendly streets for bar hopping and nightlife

Downtown Green Bay offers several pedestrian-friendly streets perfect for bar hopping and enjoying the nightlife. Washington Street and Broadway are lined with bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Best walking trails for nature lovers

The Fox River Trail is a popular choice for nature lovers. This trail runs along the Fox River, providing beautiful views and a peaceful setting for walking, running, or biking.

Walkable neighborhoods with easy access to parks and recreation

The Allouez neighborhood is highly walkable and offers easy access to several parks and recreational facilities, including the East River Trail and Green Isle Park.

Historic districts to explore on foot

The Astor Historic District is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. This area features well-preserved historic homes and buildings, offering a glimpse into Green Bay’s past.

4. La Crosse

Most walkable neighborhoods along the Mississippi River

The downtown area of La Crosse, located along the Mississippi River, is highly walkable. This area features a mix of shops, restaurants, and historic sites, all within walking distance.

Top pedestrian-friendly streets for antique shopping

Main Street in downtown La Crosse is known for its antique shops and boutiques. This pedestrian-friendly street is perfect for a leisurely day of shopping and exploring.

Best walking trails for birdwatching and wildlife spotting

The La Crosse River Marsh Trail offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. This trail winds through wetlands and provides a peaceful setting for nature enthusiasts.

Walkable neighborhoods with a small-town charm

The Washburn neighborhood is known for its small-town charm and walkability. This area features tree-lined streets, local parks, and a variety of community events.

Scenic walking paths in the bluffs overlooking the city

The Hixon Forest offers scenic walking paths in the bluffs overlooking La Crosse. These trails provide stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River, making them a favorite among hikers and nature lovers.

5. Appleton

Most walkable neighborhoods for retirees

The downtown area of Appleton is highly walkable and ideal for retirees. This area offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, all within walking distance.

Top pedestrian-friendly streets for art galleries and museums

College Avenue is Appleton’s main pedestrian-friendly street, lined with art galleries, museums, and cultural institutions.

The Trout Museum of Art and the History Museum at the Castle are popular destinations along this street.

Best walking trails for fitness enthusiasts

The Fox Trot Trail is a great option for fitness enthusiasts. This trail runs along the Fox River and offers a scenic route for walking, running, or biking.

Walkable neighborhoods with a vibrant cultural scene

The Lawrence University neighborhood is known for its vibrant cultural scene and walkability. This area features a mix of historic homes, local shops, and cultural events.

Scenic walking paths along the Fox River

The Fox River Trail offers scenic walking paths along the Fox River. This trail provides beautiful views of the river and the surrounding landscape, making it a popular destination for walkers and nature lovers.

6. Eau Claire

Most walkable neighborhoods for college students

The Water Street area is highly walkable and popular among college students. This neighborhood offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within walking distance of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire campus.

Top pedestrian-friendly streets for live music and entertainment

Downtown Eau Claire is known for its pedestrian-friendly streets and vibrant live music scene. Barstow Street and Graham Avenue are lined with music venues, bars, and restaurants.

Best walking trails for picnics and outdoor gatherings

Phoenix Park offers several walking trails that are perfect for picnics and outdoor gatherings. This park is located along the Chippewa River and features beautiful green spaces and scenic views.

Walkable neighborhoods with a hip, artsy vibe

The North Riverfront neighborhood is known for its hip, artsy vibe and walkability. This area features a mix of art galleries, studios, and unique shops.

Scenic walking paths in the Chippewa River Valley

The Chippewa River State Trail offers scenic walking paths in the Chippewa River Valley. This trail provides stunning views of the river and the surrounding landscape, making it a favorite among nature enthusiasts.

7. Kenosha

Most walkable neighborhoods for beach lovers

The Harbor Park neighborhood is highly walkable and ideal for beach lovers. This area offers easy access to the Lake Michigan shoreline, parks, and recreational facilities.

Top pedestrian-friendly streets for international cuisine

Downtown Kenosha features several pedestrian-friendly streets with a variety of international cuisine options. 6th Avenue and 56th Street are lined with restaurants offering diverse culinary experiences.

Best walking trails for history buffs

The Kenosha History Center and the Southport Light Station Museum are located along the Lake Michigan shoreline and offer walking trails that are perfect for history buffs.

Walkable neighborhoods with a diverse population

The Uptown neighborhood is known for its diverse population and walkability. This area features a mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions.

Scenic walking paths along Lake Michigan

The Kenosha Lakefront offers scenic walking paths along Lake Michigan. These paths provide beautiful views of the lake and the city skyline, making them a popular destination for walkers and nature lovers.

8. Racine

Most walkable neighborhoods for architecture enthusiasts

The Southside Historic District is highly walkable and ideal for architecture enthusiasts. This area features well-preserved historic homes and buildings, offering a glimpse into Racine’s architectural past.

Top pedestrian-friendly streets for thrift shopping and vintage finds

Downtown Racine offers several pedestrian-friendly streets perfect for thrift shopping and finding vintage treasures. Main Street and 6th Street are lined with thrift shops, antique stores, and boutiques.

Best walking trails for birdwatching and wildlife spotting

The Root River Pathway offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. This trail runs along the Root River and provides a peaceful setting for nature enthusiasts.

Walkable neighborhoods with a strong sense of community

The West Racine neighborhood is known for its strong sense of community and walkability. This area features local parks, community events, and a variety of shops and restaurants.

Scenic walking paths in the Root River Valley

The Root River Pathway offers scenic walking paths in the Root River Valley. This trail provides beautiful views of the river and the surrounding landscape, making it a favorite among walkers and nature lovers.

9. Sheboygan

Most walkable neighborhoods for water sports enthusiasts

The South Pier District is highly walkable and ideal for water sports enthusiasts.

This area offers easy access to the Sheboygan River and Lake Michigan, making it a popular destination for kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water activities.

Top pedestrian-friendly streets for farm-to-table dining

Downtown Sheboygan features several pedestrian-friendly streets with a variety of farm-to-table dining options. 8th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue are lined with restaurants offering locally sourced cuisine.

Best walking trails for wildflower spotting

The Maywood Environmental Park offers several walking trails that are perfect for wildflower spotting. This park features diverse habitats and beautiful natural scenery.

Walkable neighborhoods with a laid-back, coastal vibe

The North Point neighborhood is known for its laid-back, coastal vibe and walkability. This area features tree-lined streets, local parks, and easy access to the lakefront.

Scenic walking paths along the Sheboygan River

The Sheboygan Riverwalk offers scenic walking paths along the Sheboygan River.

This trail provides beautiful views of the river and the surrounding landscape, making it a popular destination for walkers and nature lovers.

10. Waukesha

Most walkable neighborhoods for dog owners

The downtown area of Waukesha is highly walkable and ideal for dog owners. This area features several parks, pet-friendly shops, and walking trails.

Top pedestrian-friendly streets for independent bookstores and coffee shops

Main Street in downtown Waukesha is known for its pedestrian-friendly streets lined with independent bookstores, coffee shops, and boutiques. This area is perfect for a leisurely day of shopping and exploring.

Best walking trails for fall foliage viewing

The Fox River Trail offers excellent opportunities for fall foliage viewing. This trail runs along the Fox River and provides stunning views of the changing leaves in the autumn.

Walkable neighborhoods with a mix of urban and suburban amenities

The Carroll University neighborhood is known for its mix of urban and suburban amenities and walkability. This area features local parks, shops, and restaurants, making it a great place to live and explore.

Scenic walking paths along the Fox River

The Fox River Trail offers scenic walking paths along the Fox River. This trail provides beautiful views of the river and the surrounding landscape, making it a popular destination for walkers and nature lovers.