Walking along the winding paths of Milwaukee’s Lake Park, it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of the city.

Even without leaves, stands of hardwoods obscure views of the city skyline to the south, each bend in the path opening up new views of the park and Lake Michigan to the east. High-pitched bird song breaks through the sound of waves crashing against shoreline, which in turn drown out street traffic to the west.

This is how Frederick Law Olmsted intended it. An escape from urban life — for everyone.

The champion of “parks for all people” is being honored locally—and nationally—for his visionary contribution. A public exhibition devoted to his work in Milwaukee opens at Villa Terrace on April 14.

The champion of ‘parks for all people’ is being celebrated nationally—and locally—for his far-sighted contributions.

Presented by the Friends of Villa Terrace, April 14 – September 25, 2022

A Brooklyn-based photographer visited Milwaukee in search of old trees, specifically in parks designed by famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.