Franklin, Wisconsin, maybe imbued with small-town charm and community spirit, but it’s also packed with a whole lot of fun, learning opportunities, and things to do.
And, with its proximity to Milwaukee, there’s an endless array of food, entertainment, shopping, and recreation.
Here are some of the fun and educational things you can do in and around Franklin, Wisconsin.
Whitnall Park
Whitnall Park, opened in 1907, is the jewel of Franklin, Wisconsin.
The largest park in Milwaukee County’s parks and rec system; Whitnall Park is populated by a native plant community, tot lot, ice skating, concessions, reservable picnic areas, and a park building. But that’s just the tip of the Whitnall Park iceberg.
The park is also home to the Boerner Botanical Gardens, the Wehr Nature Center, and the Whitnall Park Golf Course.
And while you’re there, spend a few tranquil moments sitting by the waterfall, a favorite relaxation spot.
Boerner Botanical Gardens at Whitnall Park
Slip into a blossom-kissed wonderland of flowers and foliage at the Boerner Botanical Gardens in Franklin, Wisconsin.
The Boerner Botanical gardens is an aromatic and visually pleasing collection of a dozen formal gardens, as well as a trial garden.
The trial garden hosts 500 species of plants that are being tested for suitability for the Great Lakes Region.
Meander along the trails to take in the beauty of Mother Nature in full glory, year-round.
Managed by the Milwaukee Park Systems, he gardens are tended to and maintained by professional horticulturists.
The Wehr Nature Center at Whitnall Park
Submerse yourself in nature at the Wehr Nature Center, featuring a 20-acre lake, 6.5 miles of walking trails through five distinct habitats, and educational and special events for families and people of all ages.
Visitors experience oak savannas, prairies, wetlands, and woodlands that span 220 acres within Whitnall Park’s protected areas. And, there’s wildlife like reptiles, indoor beehives, and active aquapontics displays.
The area features a play area in a natural setting featuring a log cabin for kids. There’s also a quaint gift shop with books and toys.
The Whitnall Park Golf Club
Earning the reputation for being Milwaukee County’s most popular public golf course, The Whitnall Park Golf Course, designed by George Hansen, was founded in 1932.
The grounds are wrapped in the woods, dotted with trees, and offers challenging courses from novice to experienced.
The course also offers golf lessons, practice facilities, and Junior Golf.
The Marcus Showtime Value Cinema
When you’re in Franklin, Wisconsin and are ready to settle in with a bucket of popcorn, a fizzy drink, and a buddy for the latest blockbuster hit, head over to the Marcus Showtime Value Cinema.
Not your average movie theater, the Marcus Showtime Value Cinema offers concessions, but much more. The venue features the Five Star Lounge, Big Screen Bistro, Reel Sizzle, Take Five Lounge, Zaffiros, and a Mexican kitchen, which makes dinner and a movie delicious, entertaining, and conveniently nestled into one location.
Root River Center in Franklin, WI
When you’re ready to get your game on with bowling or volleyball, or you want to catch the latest sports game on big screen t.v.s in a family-friendly sports bar, your destination is Root River Center in Franklin, Wisconsin.
The bowling alley has been recently remodeled to include 16 lanes, lounge-like seating, large screen televisions, a never-empty bar, and a tasty selection of food.
Festivals, Parades, and Special Events in the Community of Franklin, WI
Each year, the community shows its close-knit spirit in an array of annual festivals, parades, and special events. Visitors and residents can look forward to:
- Arbor Day Celebration
- Citywide Cleanup
- Franklin Civic Celebration
- National Night Out
- The St. Martins Fair
- Trick or Teat Observance
- Summer Concert Series in the Park
- Holiday celebrations
The Saber Center for the Performing Arts
Franklin, Wisconsin celebrates the performing arts in a venue completed in 2014.
The center is used not only for students, but for other community programs as well.
The state-of-the art theatre is the perfect place to lose yourself in the acts of performing artists.
The Franklin Public Library
Libraries aren’t just for books anymore. Although the Franklin Public Library is a beautiful atmosphere to relax, read, and learn, the library’s community calendar is chock full of exciting events.
Events and groups at the Franklin Public Library include story time, kitting group, Thursday night movie night, teen board game cafe, family chess, family yoga, and more.
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Franklin’s Community Education and Recreation Center
In an active partnership with Franklin’s community, the Education and Recreation Center inspires wellness and life-long learning coupled with leisurely activities and classes.
The facility hosts aquatics classes, fitness lessons, and has sports for youth and adults.
Additionally, the Community Education and Recreation Center offers a kids kamp, kids club, programs and classes, and after school programs so the community’s young can participate in activities and recreation.
The Rock and Sports Complex
The Rock and Sports Complex in Franklin, Wisconsin is a fun, new way to enjoy baseball. In the all new Rock League baseball tournaments, family friendly for players ages 8 through 88.
The venue also features a rock snow park for playing in the snow and a lodge for warming up with a cup of hot cocoa.
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Dining in Franklin, WI
While you could easily pop over to Milwaukee to tempt your palette with diverse ethnic foods, you don’t have to leave Franklin to tickle your tummy with amazing comfort food, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Spas in Franklin, WI
It’s easy to pamper yourself in your hometown of Franklin, Wisconsin. The area is home to do dozens of salons for manicures, pedicures, facials, hair cut and color, and a myriad of other beauty services.
Shopping in Franklin, WI
There are plenty of places to shop for necessities, gifts, trinkets, and treasures in Franklin, Wisconsin.
Check out the Shoppes at Wyndham Village, Orchard View Shopping Center, Franklin Centre Shopping, and Riverwood Plaza. Or, venture to nearby Greendale to visit the Southridge Mall, one of the largest malls in Milwaukee County.
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Things to Do in Nearby Milwaukee
Less than 30 minutes from Franklin is Milwaukee, a hotbed of art and culture, fine and casual dining, spas, golf, escape games, museums, and more. Here are some of the top things to do in Milwaukee.
- Milwaukee County Zoo
- Milwaukee Art Museum
- Harley Davidson Museum
- Milwaukee Public Museum
- Discovery World
- Milwaukee Riverwalk District
- Marcus Performing Arts Center
- Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Conclusion
Franklin, Wisconsin is a quiet small town with big spirit. From an array of annual events, festivals, and parades to classic fun like movies, bowling, and theatre.
There are parks, trails, and gardens, and acres of open spaces to enjoy the great outdoors. No matter your age or interest, there’s always something to do in and around Franklin, Wisconsin
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