Red Arrow Park Milwaukee: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
Red Arrow Park, located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, is a vibrant urban oasis that blends significant military history with year-round community activity. Established in the 1920s to honor the 32nd Infantry “Red Arrow” Division, this park has evolved from a solemn memorial into a bustling civic space. Today, Red Arrow Park is known for its iconic red granite monument, dynamic events programming, and the popular winter ice rink, “Slice of Ice.” This comprehensive guide details everything you need: visiting hours, accessibility, amenities, historical context, nearby attractions, and practical tips for planning your visit.
For a deeper dive into the park’s history, event details, and ongoing developments, consult official resources and local publications (Milwaukee Magazine, Milwaukee Independent, OnMilwaukee).
Table of Contents
- History and Significance
- Visiting Red Arrow Park
- Nearby Attractions
- Ice Skating at Slice of Ice
- Family-Friendly Features
- Cultural & Community Role
- Future Developments
- FAQ
- Plan Your Visit
- References
History and Significance
Origins
Red Arrow Park was originally dedicated to commemorate the 32nd Infantry Division, known for its service in both World War I and II. The division’s red arrow insignia, symbolizing their breakthrough of enemy lines, inspires the park’s name and iconic eight-foot granite arrow monument. The original park, established in the 1920s near West Wisconsin Avenue, was part of a citywide effort to honor local veterans (Milwaukee Magazine).
Evolution and Relocation
Urban development in the 1960s led to the park’s relocation to its current site at 920 N. Water Street, just north of City Hall and next to the Marcus Performing Arts Center (Milwaukee Independent). The new park, opened in 1970, retained its memorial focus while becoming a multifunctional civic space (Living New Deal).
Living Memorial and Community Hub
Red Arrow Park continues to serve as a gathering place for annual veterans’ events, public celebrations, and social activism. The park’s story reflects Milwaukee’s commitment to preserving heritage while fostering inclusive, accessible public spaces (Red Arrow Park History PDF).
Visiting Red Arrow Park
Visiting Hours
- General Park: Open daily, dawn to 11 p.m.
- Slice of Ice Skating Rink: Seasonal, early December through February or March (weather permitting). Typical hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; extended on weekends.
Accessibility & Amenities
- Wheelchair & stroller accessible: Paved paths, accessible restrooms, and ramps.
- Amenities: Warming house, lockers, benches, and Biggby Coffee café (open year-round).
- ADA Ice Sleds: Free for skaters with mobility impairments during rink season.
Getting There & Parking
- Address: 920 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI
- Public Transit: Multiple MCTS bus routes and streetcar stops nearby.
- Parking: Paid parking at Marcus Center structure across the street; metered street parking (limited during events).
Guided Tours & Events
- Guided Tours: Included in many Milwaukee historical and architectural tours.
- Events: Veterans Day and Armistice Day memorials, Heart(beats) of the City lunchtime concerts, food truck festivals, and more (OnMilwaukee).
Photographic Spots
- Highlights: The red granite arrow monument, ice rink, and city skyline offer memorable photo opportunities.
Nearby Attractions
- Marcus Performing Arts Center: Directly across the street.
- Milwaukee City Hall: A short walk south.
- Milwaukee Riverwalk: Adjacent to the park.
- Historic Third Ward: Shops, galleries, and dining nearby.
- Water Street Entertainment District: Restaurants and nightlife.
Ice Skating at Slice of Ice
Hours & Admission
- Season: Early December – late February/early March.
- Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (extended hours on weekends/holidays).
- Admission: Free with your own skates. Rentals: $8 (youth), $11 (adults), $5 (groups). Skate sharpening and helpers available for a small fee (Lake Country Family Fun).
Special Events
- Superhero Ice CAPE-ade: Kids skate with costumed characters (MKE With Kids).
- Group Outings: Rink available for school and nonprofit groups.
Family-Friendly Features
- “Polar Pal” Skate Aids: For children and beginners.
- Accessible restrooms and lockers.
- On-site café: Biggby Coffee offers drinks and snacks year-round.
Cultural & Community Role
Red Arrow Park is central to Milwaukee’s civic life, hosting protests, concerts, art installations, and public festivals. It serves as a platform for community dialogue and a symbol of the city’s diversity and resilience (Milwaukee Magazine). Ongoing partnerships ensure the park remains well-maintained and inclusive (Red Arrow Park History PDF).
Future Developments
A major redesign is planned as part of the Connecting MKE: Downtown Plan 2040, led by TKWA and OLIN, to enhance amenities, seating, and programming. The project will incorporate public input and focus on accessibility, connectivity, and art, with work beginning in 2025 (Milwaukee Downtown Blog, OnMilwaukee).
FAQ
Q: What are the Red Arrow Park visiting hours?
A: Open daily from dawn to 11 p.m.; skating rink hours are seasonal.
Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No, entry is free. Skate rentals have a fee.
Q: Is the park accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, paved paths, accessible restrooms, and ADA ice sleds during rink season.
Q: Are there special events at the park?
A: Yes, including skating events, concerts, food festivals, and more.
Q: Where can I park?
A: Paid parking is available at the Marcus Center structure and metered street parking nearby.
Plan Your Visit
Recommended items to bring:
- Winter: Skates (if possible), warm layered clothing, gloves, hat, and photo ID for skate helper rentals.
- Summer: Sunglasses, sunscreen, picnic blanket, and payment for food trucks/snacks.
- All seasons: Camera for photos, and check for scheduled events.
Travel tips:
- Use public transit or ride-share during busy times.
- Check official websites for weather-related rink closures and event updates.
- Download the Audiala app for real-time park info and additional Milwaukee guides.
References
- Milwaukee Independent, 2024, ‘Milwaukee Notebook: Red Arrow, the Park that Moved’ (https://www.milwaukeeindependent.com/syndicated/milwaukee-notebook-red-arrow-the-park-that-moved/)
- Milwaukee Magazine, 2024, ‘Did You Know the Sculpture at Red Arrow Park Is Actually a War Memorial?’ (https://www.milwaukeemag.com/did-you-know-the-sculpture-at-red-arrow-park-is-actually-a-war-memorial/)
- Shepherd Express, 2024, ‘Red Arrow Across the Pacific: The Thirty-Second Infantry Division’ (https://shepherdexpress.com/culture/books/red-arrow-across-the-pacific-the-thirty-second-infantry-divi/)
- Living New Deal, 2024, ‘Red Arrow Park, Milwaukee, WI’ (https://livingnewdeal.org/sites/red-arrow-park-milwaukee-wi/)
- Milwaukee Downtown, 2025, ‘Red Arrow Park History PDF’ (https://www.milwaukeedowntown.com/sites/default/files/2025-02/Red%20Arrow%20Park%20History%20V2.pdf)
- OnMilwaukee, 2025, ‘Red Arrow Park Redesign’ (https://onmilwaukee.com/articles/red-arrow-park-redesign-frq)
- Milwaukee Downtown Blog, 2025, ‘Design Team Selected to Lead Recommendations for Red Arrow Park’ (https://www.milwaukeedowntown.com/experience/blog/design-team-selected-lead-recommendations-red-arrow-park)
- Milwaukee Parks Foundation, 2025, ‘A Walk in the Park Series’ (https://mkeparksfoundation.org/etn/a-walk-in-the-park-2025-first-friday-of-the-month/a-walk-in-the-park-2025-first-friday-of-the-month-12/)
- MKE With Kids, 2024, ‘Family-Friendly Milwaukee Bucket List’ (https://www.mkewithkids.com/post/family-friendly-milwaukee-bucket-list-2014/)
- Lake Country Family Fun, 2024, ‘Slice of Ice Red Arrow Park Milwaukee’ (https://lakecountryfamilyfun.com/slice-of-ice-red-arrow-park-milwaukee/)
- Milwaukee Record, 2024, ‘City Would Like Someone to Redesign Red Arrow Park, Please’ (https://milwaukeerecord.com/city-life/the-city-would-like-someone-to-redesign-red-arrow-park-please/)
- MKE With Kids, 2024, ‘Biggby Coffee at Red Arrow Park’ (https://www.mkewithkids.com/post/biggby-coffee-red-arrow-park-slice-of-ice-skating/)
- Milwaukee Downtown, 2025, ‘Slice of Ice and Red Arrow Park Redesign RFQ’ (https://www.milwaukeedowntown.com/do-business/red-arrow-park-redesign-rfq)
- Milwaukee County Parks, 2024, ‘What to Expect at Slice of Ice in Red Arrow Park’ (https://www.mkewithkids.com/post/2019-01-06-what-to-expect-at-slice-of-ice-in-red-arrow-park/)
Red Arrow Park Milwaukee encapsulates a unique blend of history, community, and recreation. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a family seeking fun, or a visitor eager to experience Milwaukee’s urban culture, Red Arrow Park welcomes all. For up-to-date schedules, event listings, and travel tips, follow Milwaukee Downtown and Milwaukee County Parks online, and consider downloading the Audiala app for enhanced experiences.
