Park Alerts

Each year, Waukesha County Parks undertakes a variety of improvement and development projects across the park system. These annual initiatives are designed to enhance the quality, accessibility, and overall experience of our public spaces.

To learn more about current and upcoming projects, please click here.

Bridle trails open May 1 - November 1 (as conditions allow). Trails may close due to surface conditions. 
Note: Bridle Trails are "shared use paths." Your consideration of fellow users is appreciated.

Trail Section Closure:

• A section of the Bugline Trail between Custer Lane and Menomonee Avenue will be closed starting May 14, 2025.
• The trail may reopen or close intermittently throughout the project, which is expected to continue through December 2026.
• Due to the nature of the construction and surrounding infrastructure, no safe detour is available at this time.
• This closure is necessary to allow for the safe and efficient construction of the ANR Heartland Project, a critical energy infrastructure upgrade. Learn more.
• We are actively working with project partners to monitor the site and explore ways to improve access, provide detour options, or minimize impacts where possible. 

*Water services will be restored by May 1st, 2026

Seasonal Closure:

• Picnic Area 1, 2, and 3 have been winterized and closed for the season. 
• Restrooms are available at Family Picnic Area located at the front of the park.
• The drinking fountain at the Nature Play area has been turned off for the winter.

Moor Downs Seasonal Update:

• The course is now open for the 2025 season.

Naga-Waukee War Memorial Seasonal Update:

• The course is now open for the 2025 season

       Clubhouse Updates:

• Drilling of the new clubhouse well is set to begin Monday, October 13, adjacent to the clubhouse.
• The parking lot road nearest the clubhouse will be closed during the project which is scheduled to last three weeks.
• Access to the clubhouse and the course will not be restricted.
• Patrons should avoid the project site and be aware of contractors in the area.

Seasonal Closure:

• The Wayside restroom, located on the west side, will be closed for the season starting November 15, 2025.

Trail Detour:

• Please follow detour at the Hwy 83 and Golf Road section of Lake Country Trail
• Detour will be in place until construction is complete 

Seasonal Closure:

• Outside season water sources will be shut down on Friday, November 7, 2025. 
  • This includes the all breed dog exercise area water fountain, foot wash at the beach house and the water source at the campground.
• Service will resume in the spring of 2026.

Picnic Area 3: 

• Restrooms, parking lot, and Picnic Area are open.
• The Multi Purpose Field will remain closed until further notice.

Mountain Bike Trails:

• Status: Trails are currently Open.

State Scientific Woods:

• The culvert was washed out on the Blue Trail in the State Scientific Woods due to heavy rains.
• The Yellow and Orange trail on the east loop is closed due to trail and culvert wash out.
• These areas will be closed until further notice.
• Please refer to this map of the closure area.

Ski Trail Information:

• In 2026, ski trail grooming will cease at Nashotah Park, following weather trends and rising operational costs. 

• Skiers are welcome to use the trails in their natural state or visit groomed trails at Menomonee or Minooka Parks.

• Nashotah-area skiers looking for another local groomed trail may wish to explore nearby Lapham Peak State Park (State Park entry fees apply).

Seasonal Closure:

• Picnic Areas 3,4, and 5 have been winterized and closed for the season. 
• Flush toilets area are available at Picnic Area 1 and 2. 

Road Construction:

• Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) construction on WIS 83 is planned from April 7 through the end of October 2025, spanning from Golf Road to Vettelson Road.
• Despite the ongoing work, access to the park will remain open. To ensure safe and efficient access, please follow the posted signage and detours.
• For comprehensive details and maps, visit the DOT project website at: https://projects.511wi.gov/83waukesha/

Trail Alert:

• As of October 2025, a section of trail across from Buena Park has developed a sink hole S. Calhoun Rd and S. Moorland Road.
• The area has been barricaded off, please do not cross the barricades for your safety. 
• The County is working with WeEnergies to address the situation.

Trail Section Closure:

• Construction is expected to start in May of 2025 and continue through late 2026. Please visit the Wisconsin DOT website for more details.
• A repaving project involving HWY 59 will close a section of the New Berlin Trail, approximately 960 feet west of WIS-59 through Springdale Road.

Seasonal Closure:

• The restroom building will be closed for the season starting November 15, 2025. 

Prescribed Burn November 13, 2025:

• Sections of Yellow, Blue, Orange, and Purple Trails will be closed throughout the day from 10am until dusk. 

Construction & Trail Closures:

• Construction for Retzer Gardens Phase 1 began in October 2025.
• The project site is located directly northwest of the Retzer Nature Center building facility. 
• This area, along with nearby section of the Blue Trail and Connector Trail, will be closed until further notice. 
• Please refer to this trail closure map.

Cross Country Ski Trails

Trails marked as Cross Country (X-C) Ski Trails are designated for X-C Skiing only through March 30. They are not open to hikers, walkers, or other activities, regardless of snow conditions.

Snowshoe Rentals at Retzer Nature Center

Unavailable: Snowshoe rentals are available as conditions allow. Rentals are currently unavailable.

Note: Snowshoes and other traction devices are not permitted on boardwalks or on paved/concrete surfaces.

Snowmobile Trails

Snowmobile trail conditions info: Phone the Waukesha County Snowmobile Association hotline at 414-299-0330.

Information about snowmobile clubs in the Waukesha area: www.WaukeshaSnow.org.

Water Quality

• Visit the Beaches webpage and scroll down to Water Quality for information on water quality status.