The Crystal Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area is a very unique ski hill in Milwaukee County.

Crystal Ridge is located in Franklin, WI.

While definitely not a large ski hill, Crystal Ridge may be the only ski hill located in Milwaukee County. Just a minute or two south of the Southridge Mall in Greendale, it makes downhill skiing and snowboarding just a few minutes away from much of the southern part of Milwaukee County. It’s location right at the intersection of Hwy. 36 (also known as Loomis Rd) and 76th Street makes it easy to find.

Why is Crystal Ridge Ski Hill the area’s best kept secret?

The Crystal Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area

Maybe if you’re like me, you have driven past the ski hill on 76th St. many times. From that point of view, only the top of the hill is really visible. It does not look like too much. Even if you drive over to the ski hill itself and to the front of the lodge, you may not realize how that the hill extends much farther down the hill into the valley from the lodge. One of the unique things about Crystal Ridge is the lodge is nearly at the top of the hill.

The Crystal Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area is privately owned.

"I Can Fly"

The land is leased from Milwaukee County. The ski hill operation is owned by the man who owned the Hales Corners Speedway (gone for many years now). He created the ski hill to give something to the community. You will find a real community and family spirit at Crystal Ridge. Much of the operation is managed by family members and a few close employees.

It was fun to see people who really enjoyed their work. It’s something that becomes very obvious even if you just call. They are always eager to help and have an excitement about what they do.

Terry is one of those close employees I mentioned.

Skiing at Crystal Ridge is a family sport

Warm up inside the Crystal Ridge Lodge

She sat down and told me about Crystal Ridge (I noticed that she was actually on her out but that she still took the time to answer my questions). Terry has worked at Crystal Ridge for a long time. She shared with my how she has met kids she saw grow up skiing later in their lives. She is proud that many parents feel good enough about the ski hill they drop the kids off and pick them up later. Something I actually noticed while I was there taking photos. I also noticed a mother leaving with the remains of a birthday cake.

I enjoyed watching as another worker help another child look for a hat:

“It’s blue! It’s got stripes?” as he held out one hat.

As it was not the right blue hat with stripes they moved on through the lodge looking for the hat.

What if there has not been much snow, can you still ski?

Snowboarding is very popular at Crystal Ridge

Terry told me that snow can be a problem because Crystal Ridge is so close to Lake Michigan. Of course, they make snow if there is not enough natural snow. Ideally, they need low humidity and temperatures below 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Lake Michigan both increases the humidity and often keeps temperatures a bit warmer then at the ski hills farther away from the lake.

Even on warm winter days there is snow for skiing

Still they create piles of snow and then move it to the right spot on the slopes and groom it. Each day about 4:30pm the hill is closed briefly while they groom the hill for the evening. As I write this on an abnormally warm January evening, the temperature is 48 degrees and they still have plenty of snow to ski on the slopes. You can always check their snow report online or call the snow report phone number.

You can take skiing or snowboarding lessons at Crystal Ridge too.

Two members of the ski patrol watch skiers from the top

Private and semi-private lessons are offered for both skiing and snowboarding. They suggest making a reservation for lessons. There is also a special starter ski program just for kids 4-7 that includes the lesson, equipment, lift ticket, and even lunch and hot chocolate.

Lift Tickets and Ski and Snowboard Rentals.

If you have your own ski or snowboarding equipment, all you’ll need is a lift ticket. Weekday tickets are good for the whole evening of skiing. On weekends, the lift tickets are divided into daytime and evening sessions. They have ski rentals and snowboard rental too. There are group discounts available to for large groups.

The ski hill.

Looking up Crystal Ridge ski hill from part way down

The top of Crystal Ridge has a great view of the Milwaukee skyline

Crystal Ridge has several different runs. It has a vertical drop of  245 feet. The beginner’s slope starts just out the door of the lodge and has a two rope to get back up to the lodge. There are two chair lifts for the more advanced slopes. There is a small jump where you’ll find the snowboarders doing their jumps and tricks.

Crystal Ridge doesn’t just close at the end of the winter ski season.

When there is no snow a golf driving range is offered. It’s a little deceptive as you can hit a ball very far as it goes downhill. Crystal Ridge is also know for some mountain bike trails. The lodge is also available for wedding and receptions.

Imagine leaving work at 5:oo and finding yourself on the slope skiing 25 minutes later.

Step out of the Crystal Ridge lodge and you are on the ski hill

This is possible for many people in Milwaukee at Crystal Ridge. It’s just a few minutes from I-94 on 76th St which makes it just minutes away from much of Milwaukee. You can strap your boots on, step out of the lodge, and you are going downhill. Not too many ski hills can say that. If you’re visiting Milwaukee, it’s about 20 minutes from the Mitchell International Airport area and you can rent skis or snowboards if you didn’t bring your own.

Phone for Crystal Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area:

Address for Crystal Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area:

Website for Crystal Ridge in Franklin, WI:

www.skicrystalridge.com

Google Map to Crystal Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area:

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The top five Christmas light displays in Milwaukee, WI.

Let’s face it, we all like to drive around and look at Christmas lights.

I’ve gone around looking for the best Christmas lights in the Milwaukee area and taken some photos to help guide you. This list also takes into account that “Christmas feeling” each has. To me, one of the leading spots didn’t actually have the most impressive lights. It did have a wonderful feeling and if I were taking my kids out on a Christmas celebration, I think it has a whole lot more going for it than some that had more impressive lights. I think that’s important. Looking at lights is fun but if some places can create a lasting memory that has more than just lights, I think that might be just as important.

So here is my list of the top 5 Christmas light displays to visit in Milwaukee.

In First Place

Red Arrow Park Milwaukee, WI

Red Arrow Park is one of the places that has that “Christmas feeling.”  There are lots of lights in the trees all around the block the park is on although they might not be as densely packed as other locations. Also, the City of Milwaukee Christmas tree is here next to the skating rink.

It’s the combination of the lights and the skating rink that make this such a wonderfully Christmas place. I can’t think of a better place to spend an hour or so with the family before Christmas or during the Holidays. There is Christmas music to skate to and many people were singing along as they skated. You could have been filming a Christmas movie it was so perfect.

The skating is free and is even open Christmas Day. If you don’t have skates (or your skates don’t fit anymore) you can rent skates there. There is a warming house to warm up in and take a rest. Also, there is a Starbuck’s for hot coffee and bakery. Skate for a bit, warm up and take a walk around the area to look at the lights.

I wouldn’t mind just hanging around Red Arrow Park watching the skaters and soaking in some Christmas Spirit.

Red Arrow Park is between East State Avenue and East Kilbourn Avenue on North Water Street.

Number Two

Candy Cane Lane Milwaukee, WI

Everyone in Milwaukee has heard of Candy Cane Lane. Every year, this neighborhood joins together and decorate their homes and give up their time to encourage people to come and donate to the MACC fund. I think giving is definitely in the Christmas spirit.

For something a bit special, I suggest parking a few blocks away and walking around the neighborhood. Walking may even be faster as there is a lot of traffic to see the lights. Also, it is a bit more fun out of the car. I saw a group of teenagers all trying to stay warm using blankets and laughing and having a good time.

Even with the traffic, I still recommend Candy Cane Lane. You see all sorts of displays. From tasteful to gawdy, from minimalist to sheer wattage, there is a range of lights to see. You’ll even see some decorations more than once, yet many are still unique. There may be homes in your neighborhood that will put most of them to shame but Candy Cane Lane is worth a trip in my book.

Candy Cane Lane can be found just north of Oklahoma Avenue between 9th Street and 92nd Street. You will know your there when you see the cars lined up.

Third Place

Pere Marquette Park Milwaukee, WI

I had never heard of Pere Marquette Park till this year. I’m still not sure I know how to pronounce it. I’m glad I took the time to check it out and find it. It may be the most beautiful Christmas light display even though I don’t list it at the top. It location on the Riverwalk affords a fantastic view of the Christmas lights and the river (going across the bridge on East State Street). None of the other park and Christmas displays have as nice a view of the City’s light too.

The most impressive display to me is the Gazebo or Pagoda lit with blue and white lights. There are several other light sculptures too. There is Christmas music playing and it all adds up to something very beautiful. To add to the effect, there are some nice street decorations down Old World Third Street that might be worth a short walk. The Christmas light display at Pere Marquette might be a great place to just sit down with someone special and enjoy the view around you.

Pere Marquette Park is hidden behind the Milwaukee County Historical Society building on Old World Third Street between East State Street and Kilbourn Avenue.

Fourth Place

Village Square of Greendale Wisconsin

This was a surprise. The Village of Greendale resembles one of those little model Christmas villages. Except with more Christmas lights.

Everyone who has been to the Southridge Mall during Christmas season has seen the colored lights on the trees on 76th Street. It’s not bad, but it is on a busy boulevard and you can’t just stop and enjoy it. On a whim, I decided to look at the Greendale village square. My wife instantly said I made a good choice once it came into view.

Where 76th Street is colored lights, the Village of Greendale has lots of trees lit with white lights. There are also lights on the Village Hall. With the shops, restaurants and other businesses decorated and right there together it is very traditional looking. There is also a gazebo with lights in the nearby park.

The Greendale Village Square is, well, in Greendale. The Greendale Village Hall is 6500 Northway Greendale, WI.

Fifth but not final

Cathedral Park Milwaukee, WI

The theme for the Cathedral Square Christmas light display seems to be Christmas trees. Lots and lots of Christmas trees. 65 (there are more) of the trees have been decorated by local schools. The park has a giant 50 tree of lights that flashes different colors and patterns.

With the Christmas music playing, Cathedral Square is a wonderful Christmas spot. There is lots of parking right by the park. It is easy to get the kids out of the car and take a short stroll around the park and look at all the trees.

Cathedral Square is between Kilbourn Avenue and Wells Street on North Jefferson Street.

What were the rules for this Top 5 Christmas Light Displays?

Well, except for Candy Cane Lane, these are all public or commercial displays. I know that there are many homes and even a few neighborhoods that can hold up more than a candle to these. However, it would be fair to the neighbors to send a huge crowd to a neighborhood not expecting it.j In the case of Candy Cane Lane, the entire neighborhood is taking part and expects the traffic. It was interesting to see a pizza deliverer have to park several blocks away and run to deliver it to a house.

Also, the display had to be accessible to photograph. If I can’t take a photo, I can’t show it to you here.

Finally, I had to know it exists and have time to see it myself. I don’t show anything on Eyes On Wisconsin unless I see it first hand. You get my thoughts (although mostly just the positive ones) on what I find in Wisconsin. I am sure there are some on the north half of Milwaukee I have missed. If you know of a public or commercial Christmas light display that is exceptional, please let me know in the comments below. If I can, I’d like to check them out and add them to the list.

This list may change. If I find better displays and can photograph them, I’ll need to reorder these. When I have time, I’ll be making individual posts for each display with more information and photos (I have several photos of each dispaly featured here but not enough room on one page for them all).

Here’s a few Christmas displays that didn’t make the Top 5 Christmas Light Displays.

Zeidler Park, Milwaukee Wisconsin

With all the traffic I’ve seen on Michigan Avenue in the morning, I was afraid of trying to get to Zeidler Park just after 5:00pm to check it out. I didn’t need to worry, there was lots of parking available off of Michigan Avenue.

The most memorable feature of Zeidler Park is the giant red teddy bear. There are some other Christmas light sculptures in the park. Nearly the entire time I was at the park, a little girl danced around the Christmas tree in the gazebo. She even had her parents join her part of the time. While I like the gazebo at Pere Marquette a bit more, they did a very nice job of decorating this one. With the Christmas lights on some of the buildings nearby, If there had been some Christmas music playing when I was there, I think I would have ranked this park a bit better. It just gets an honorable mention for now.

Zeidler Park (Actually Zeider Union Square) is on West Michigan Street at North 4th Street.

Merry Christmas from Eyes On Wisconsin!

Google Map to the Christmas Lights:

View Top 5 Christmas Light Displays Milwaukee WI in a larger map

Grant Park Beach in South Milwaukee, WI

Hidden deep along the along the shores of Lake Michigan, Grant Park Beach is a treasure that is nearly undiscovered.

Lake Michigan sunset at Grant Park Beach

Grant Park Beach in South Milwaukee is never crowded. Even if the parking lot were full, there is more than enough room for everyone. It is a large beach. You can walk north from Grant Park Beach and enjoy the shore nearly all the way to the Port of Milwaukee. It is easy to find a fairly secluded, yet sand spot to enjoy the lake.

The water temperature is usually too cold for much swimming.

While there is usually a few brave souls who will challenge the cold temperature and wade out a bit into Lake Michigan most come to enjoy the sun and sand. Swimming is best left for later in summer when Lake Michigan’s water temperature has had a chance to warm up a bit. Even then, it is usually very cold. An eastern wind can make the water much warmer and much more enjoyable to swim and play in.

Lifeguards are no longer on duty at Milwaukee County Beaches.

You swim at your own risk. Make sure you keep an eye on children playing near the water. At one time, there were lifeguards and Grant Park Beach resembled a scene from Baywatch on summer morning with Lifeguards practicing drills.

Grant Park in Spring

Sunrise on Lake Michigan at Grant Park Beach in South Milwaukee can be beautiful.

It is a great time to take a walk along the beach and enjoy the first light of day. Often, there is a fisherman on the jetty in the early morning. You may find yourself with the drive down to the beach closed if you come too early or during the winter months. You can still get access to the beach by parking at the South Milwaukee Yacht Club. There is a footbridge for pedestrian and bike traffic that will take you to the beach from there.

Occasionally, sunsets can be beautiful too.

While the sun setting in the west will be block by the high ridge that makes it a step hill down to the beach and shore along this section of Lake Michigan the Lake is still beautiful. After a storm near sunset cloud will often catch the orange glow of the sun and contrast with the blue of the water.

Grant Park Beach as several amenities.

There is a beach house for changing if you do not want to wear your swimsuit to the beach. There are usually concessions available during summer months. There is a full playground at the beach. There are some picnic tables available also. There is no longer boat ramp access at Grant Park Beach. The public boat launch was moved south to Bender Park in Oak Creek, leaving much more parking space for beach visitors.

Grant Park Beach is well hidden in Grant Park.

Grant Park itself can be hard to find as it is part of the Oak Creek Parkway and many signs refer to that instead of Grant Park. It is also surrounded by the City of South Milwaukee. Unlike much of the Lakefront to the north, no main roads are near the Lakefront at Grant Park Beach. Just park roads, although Lake Drive does boarder the northern part of Grant Park.

Grant Park Beach is a great place to take the kids on a hot afternoon.

No matter how hot, it is always more pleasant at the beach. The cool water usually provides just the right amount of cooling. If not a quick dip will rinse the sweat off for quite a while. You can enjoy the sun while the kids enjoy the water and sand.

Winter can also be an interesting time to visit.

A walk along Grant Park Beach in winter

The area is beautiful when there is a fresh snow. Ice along the lake can make it seem like a trip to the arctic.

Phone numbers for Grant Park Beach:

• For beach closings call the Pool Hotline 414-645-4806
• Milwaukee County Parks 414-257-7275

The address for Grant Park Beach is:

• 100 South Hawthorne Avenue
• South Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53172

Map to Grant Park Beach South Milwaukee, WI

View Grant park beach in a larger map

Grant Park Beach related Websites:

• Milwaukee County Parks
• Beach Health Website