A Milwaukee-Area Bed and Breakfast, The Port Washington Inn

We grew up in rural Iowa where we saw pheasants in abundance but rarely observed geese flying overhead. In truth, we are not worthy birdwatchers but we have friends in the area who are and they’ve opened our eyes to the rich bird watching opportunities that exist in our Milwaukee Wisconsin area.

We know we have taken for granted the birdsong we hear in our neighborhood and the geese that fly back and forth between Lake Michigan and inland areas. We are reminded when we see our friends’ telescopes and binoculars that there are so many birds we are not seeing!

For a free copy of the Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail: Lake Michigan Region, call 1-800-432-8747 or order on-line at www.travelwisconsin.com These guides are also available at our bed and breakfast inn!

Below is a short list of the areas recommended for birding in our vicinity:

Riveredge Nature Center (www.riveredge.us)

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center (www.schlitzauduboncenter.com)

Harrington Beach State Park (http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks/specific/)

Kohler-Andrae State Park (http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks/specific/)

Kettle Moraine State Forest, Northern Unit (http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks/specific/)

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge (http://midwest.fws.gov/horicon

Port’s harbor is very accessible to walkers , to serious fishermen, and to boaters! Charter fishing for trout plus coho and chinook salmon results in some very big catches as one can witness as the fishing charters return to Port Washington’s harbor.
Stroll the lakefront and marina area to view the yachts and sailboats in their slips; walk the pier to the art deco lighthouse; climb the stairs to the Historic 1860 Lighthouse Museum. Upper and Lower Lake Parks at the north end of the marina and Rotary Park at the south end are perfect destinations for picnicking (reserve your gourmet picnic when you reserve your room at the Port Washington Inn) and photo ops. From Upper Lake Park view Port Washington’s “hidden beach ” below and, if you’re a beachcomber, you likely won’t have to fight off crowds to enjoy this secluded beach. But most of all, you’ll enjoy the ever-changing temperament of Lake Michigan’s waters whose hues can range from azure to turquoise, from soft opalescent at dusk to endless shades of greys on an overcast day. The waters of the lake echo the sky and the
cloud formations traveling overhead are remarkable, resulting in spectacular sunrises and sunsets! Formations of geese fly in and out of the harbor, ducks paddle the breakwaters, and gulls wheel overhead.