Park Curfew: Milwaukee vs Wauwatosa
How do park curfew rules compare between Milwaukee, WI and Wauwatosa, WI?
Milwaukee and Wauwatosa have similar restriction levels.
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee County
Milwaukee County parks are closed from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM under Milwaukee County Parks ordinances. City of Milwaukee parks follow similar hours. Persons found in parks during closed hours may be cited for trespassing. Exceptions apply for authorized events, fishing with a valid permit at designated locations, and travel through parks on designated pathways. The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department and Milwaukee Police Department enforce park curfew hours.
View full Milwaukee rules →Wauwatosa, WI
Milwaukee County
Milwaukee County Parks are closed daily between midnight and sunrise under General Ordinances Chapter 47.27, and no person may remain in a park during closed hours. Parks along Lake Michigan open at 4:30 a.m., and violations carry a forfeiture.
View full Wauwatosa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Milwaukee | Wauwatosa |
|---|---|---|
| Hours | Parks closed 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM | - |
| Enforcement | County Sheriff and Milwaukee PD | - |
| Violation | Trespass citation | - |
| Exceptions | Authorized events, fishing, through-travel | - |
| Closed hours | - | Midnight to sunrise daily |
| Lake Michigan parks | - | Open at 4:30 a.m. |
| Posted hours | - | May differ where posted |
| Penalty | - | $10-$200 forfeiture plus costs |
| Ordinance | - | Chapter 47.27; 47.29 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Milwaukee FAQ
What time do Milwaukee parks close?
Milwaukee County and City parks generally close at 10:00 PM and reopen at 6:00 AM. Being in a park during closed hours may result in a trespass citation from law enforcement.
Can I fish in a Milwaukee park at night?
Fishing may be permitted at certain designated locations with a valid Wisconsin fishing license outside of normal park hours. Check specific park rules as not all parks allow nighttime fishing access.
Wauwatosa FAQ
What are Milwaukee County park hours?
Under Section 47.27, county parks and parkways are closed daily between midnight and sunrise, and no person may remain during closed hours. Lake Michigan parks open at 4:30 a.m., and posted signs control where hours differ.
What is the penalty for being in a park after hours?
Under Section 47.29, a violation of Chapter 47 carries a forfeiture of not less than $10 and not more than $200 per offense plus costs, with possible jail time if the forfeiture is not paid.
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