Cathedral Square Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cathedral Square Park is a popular public park located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.


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Summary

It is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, which gives the park its name. There are many good reasons to visit Cathedral Square Park, including its beautiful landscaping, open green space, and numerous events and festivals that take place there throughout the year.

One of the main points of interest at Cathedral Square Park is the statue of Solomon Juneau, the founder of Milwaukee. The statue was erected in 1887 and is located near the southwest corner of the park. Visitors can also enjoy the park's fountains, sculpture garden, and outdoor performance spaces.

In addition to its natural beauty and historic landmarks, Cathedral Square Park is known for its vibrant cultural scene. The park hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Milwaukee Irish Fest, Bastille Days, and Jazz in the Park. These events offer visitors the opportunity to experience live music, dance, food, and other cultural activities.

Overall, the best time to visit Cathedral Square Park depends on your interests. If you want to experience the park's many festivals and events, summer is the best time to visit. However, if you prefer a quieter, more peaceful visit, spring and fall are great times to enjoy the park's natural beauty. Regardless of when you visit, Cathedral Square Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Milwaukee.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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