Glendale, WI
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks and Attractions
- Transport
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Museums and Cultural Attractions
- Sports and Sports Legends
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Medical Facilities and Healthcare
Glendale is a suburban city in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, known for its rich history, the Milwaukee River, Bayshore Town Center, and community parks.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: Glendale.
- Administrative Role: Glendale is a city in Milwaukee County. It is not a county seat but is an incorporated municipality within the county .
- Country and Region: The city is located in the state of Wisconsin, in the United States. It is a northern suburb of Milwaukee and is an integral part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area . Milwaukee County is the most populous county in Wisconsin and a major economic and cultural hub for the region.
Date of Foundation and Age
- Year of Incorporation: Glendale was officially incorporated as a city on December 28, 1950 .
- Age: As of 2026, the city is 75 years old.
- Founding and Early History: The area was organized as part of the Town of Milwaukee in 1838. The first European settlers were farmers, many of whom were German immigrants. One of the earliest settlements was the Good Hope community, which began as a stagecoach stop on Green Bay Road in the late 1840s . Before this, the land was inhabited for thousands of years, most notably by Woodland period Mound Builders and later by the Menominee and Potawatomi Native American peoples, who ceded the land to the U.S. government through treaties in the 1830s .
Geographical Position and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 43°7′48″N 87°55′40″W (43.130060, -87.927719) .
- Location: Glendale is situated in southeastern Wisconsin, directly north of the city of Milwaukee along the western shore of Lake Michigan . The Milwaukee River flows through the eastern part of the city .
- Elevation: The city's elevation is 199 meters (653 feet) above sea level .
- Type of Settlement: Glendale is a suburban city characterized by a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas .
City Type and Economic Specialization
- Mixed Economy: Unlike many of its neighboring "north shore" suburbs which are primarily residential, Glendale has a diversified economy. It serves as a residential suburb, a retail center, and has a significant industrial corridor .
- Retail and Commercial Center: A major economic driver is the Bayshore Town Center (originally Bayshore Mall), a large, mixed-use shopping and entertainment complex established in 1954 and renovated in the 21st century .
- Business and Industry: The city is home to corporate offices and the Glendale Business Park, which attracts high-tech clients. The southern part of the city features an industrial zone along Capitol Drive .
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 census, the population of Glendale was 13,357 .
- Size Classification: Glendale is a small city .
- Demographic Features: It is a mature suburb with a median age of 46.8 years (as of 2010). The city is diverse, with a racial makeup that includes White (79.4%), African American (14.1%), and Asian (3.2%) communities .
City's "Business Card"
Glendale, Wisconsin, offers a blend of suburban comfort and urban convenience just north of Milwaukee. Known for the revitalized Bayshore Town Center and the natural beauty of the Milwaukee River winding through its parks, it provides residents and visitors with a mix of shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation, all rooted in an area with a history stretching back to ancient Native American earthworks .
Geography
Water Features (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
- Milwaukee River: The most significant natural feature in Glendale is the Milwaukee River, which flows through the city, offering scenic views and opportunities for recreation such as kayaking and fishing .
- Lake Michigan: While Glendale itself does not have a shoreline on Lake Michigan, it is located just west of the lake and is part of its metropolitan area. The lake's proximity influences the local climate and provides major recreational opportunities a short drive away .
- Kletzsch Park: This park is a key point of access to the Milwaukee River and contains remnants of the area's ancient history. It is one of the few places where earthen effigy and burial mounds, built by the Woodland period Mound Builders, still exist .
Natural and National Parks
- Kletzsch Park: This is a major municipal park in Glendale. It is notable for its natural beauty along the Milwaukee River, its playgrounds, and its historical significance as the location of preserved Native American mounds .
- Richard E. Maslowski Glendale Community Park: Opened in June 2017, this 12.5-acre park is a modern community space featuring an amphitheater, a playground, a veterans memorial, a beer garden, and a community room .
Climate and Weather
Type of Climate and General Characteristics
Glendale has a humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfb) , which is typical of the Great Lakes region . This climate is characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The proximity of Lake Michigan moderates temperatures to some extent, leading to cooler springs and warmer autumns compared to inland areas.
Average Temperatures by Month
Based on data from nearby Milwaukee :
- Warmest Month: July, with average highs around 27°C (80°F) and lows around 17°C (63°F).
- Coldest Month: January, with average highs around -2°C (28°F) and lows around -9°C (15°F). February can be similarly cold.
- Seasonal Shifts: Spring and autumn are mild and are considered ideal for outdoor activities .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Average Annual Precipitation: Glendale receives a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year, typical for the Midwest.
- Snowfall: Winters are snowy, with most precipitation falling as snow from December through February.
- Wettest Months: The warmer months, particularly late spring and summer (e.g., May through August), tend to be the wettest, often with thunderstorms.
Sunshine and UV Index
- Sunshine: While not as sunny as the American Southwest, the region enjoys a fair amount of sunshine, especially in the summer.
- UV Index: The UV Index is moderate to high during the summer months, typically reaching levels where sun protection is recommended.
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Spring (April-May): Mild and pleasant, with blooming flowers and greenery. Ideal for visiting parks like Kletzsch Park.
- Summer (June-August): Warm to hot and humid, perfect for enjoying outdoor events at the Community Park amphitheater, walking along the Milwaukee River, and shopping at Bayshore Town Center.
- Fall (September-October): Arguably the best time, with crisp, cool air, brilliant fall colors, and comfortable temperatures for exploring the city .
- Winter (November-March): Cold and snowy. Activities shift indoors to shopping and dining, though the area's parks can be beautiful in the snow.
Landmarks and Attractions
[Bayshore Town Center]
- Full Name: Bayshore Town Center (formerly Bayshore Mall).
- Description: This is the premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination in Glendale. Originally opened as a traditional indoor shopping mall in 1954, it has undergone extensive multi-million dollar renovations and is now a mixed-use "lifestyle center" with a mix of national retailers, local boutiques, restaurants, a cinema, and residential apartments . It serves as a central gathering place for the community.
[Kletzsch Park]
- Full Name: Kletzsch Park.
- Description: A beloved natural and historical area, Kletzsch Park offers scenic views of the Milwaukee River and is a hub for outdoor recreation . The park features walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground. Its most unique feature is its historical significance: it is one of the last remaining places in the area where visitors can see earthen effigy and burial mounds built by the Woodland period Mound Builders, who inhabited the region thousands of years ago .
[Richard E. Maslowski Glendale Community Park]
- Full Name: Richard E. Maslowski Glendale Community Park.
- Description: Opened in June 2017, this modern park is a vibrant new addition to the city. It is designed to host a variety of community events and gatherings. Key features include an amphitheater for concerts and performances, a playground, a veterans memorial, and a beer garden, reflecting local social traditions .
Transport
Main Highways and Roads
- Interstate 43 (I-43): This is the primary highway serving Glendale. I-43 runs north-south and literally divides the city into its eastern and western sections . It provides a direct and vital link for commuters south into downtown Milwaukee and north to communities like Grafton and Sheboygan .
Public Transport System (Buses)
- Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS): As a suburb within Milwaukee County, Glendale is served by the Milwaukee County Transit System . Several bus routes connect Glendale to downtown Milwaukee, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and other surrounding suburbs, providing an essential public transportation link for residents and visitors without a car.
Main Airports (Nearby)
- Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE): While not located in Glendale, the primary airport serving the region is Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. It is situated about 11 miles (18 km) south of downtown Milwaukee, making it approximately a 20-30 minute drive from Glendale via I-43 . MKE is a major airport offering flights to destinations across the United States.
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
Glendale offers a compelling mix of deeply-rooted Wisconsin classics and exciting new culinary ventures. While the city itself is a small suburb, its dining scene, particularly around the Bayshore town center, makes it a destination for food lovers from across the Milwaukee area.
Solly's Grille: The Butter Burger and Cheese Curds
No discussion of Glendale's food is complete without mentioning Solly's Grille, a true Wisconsin institution. This unassuming, old-school diner has been serving its legendary "butter burger" for generations . This isn't a burger with a pat of butter on top; it's a fresh, flavorful patty cooked on a seasoned grill and served on a bun that has been generously coated with melted Wisconsin butter, creating an unapologetically indulgent experience . It's a must-try for anyone seeking authentic local flavor.
Equally famous are Solly's cheese curds. These are lightly breaded, Wisconsin-made white cheddar curds, fried to achieve a perfect crispy exterior and a warm, melty interior with that characteristic "squeak" against your teeth that Wisconsinites prize . Served piping hot, they are a perfect representation of the state's unofficial food group. The diner itself, with its wood-paneled walls and sports memorabilia, feels like a time capsule of Wisconsin dining history . Beyond the burger and curds, Solly's also upholds the sacred Wisconsin tradition of the Friday Fish Fry, featuring hand-breaded cod fillets served with all the classic trimmings .
Mallard's Southern Kitchen: A New Culinary Landmark
In late 2024, Glendale welcomed a major new player to its food scene: Mallard's Southern Kitchen. Located at Bayshore, this family-owned restaurant brings award-winning Cajun seafood and authentic Southern comfort food to the North Shore . The menu is a fusion of Lowcountry, Gulf Coast, and classic American dishes, a unique combination for the area. Signature dishes include Nashville Hot Chicken and Waffles, Jambalaya with chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage, and a legendary homemade Key Lime Pie that has built the restaurant's reputation .
Mallard's also offers a dedicated Sunday brunch with Southern breakfast classics and bottomless mimosas, and is designed to be explicitly family-friendly with a dedicated kids' menu . The restaurant's arrival, which has been covered by local media, signals Glendale's growth as a dining destination .
Museums and Cultural Attractions
While Glendale itself is primarily residential, it sits directly on the northern border of Milwaukee, granting easy access to one of the Midwest's most significant cultural institutions.
Milwaukee Art Museum (Nearby in Milwaukee)
Just a short drive south in downtown Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Art Museum is an architectural and artistic icon . The museum is world-famous for its stunning Quadracci Pavilion, designed by Santiago Calatrava, a breathtaking structure with a movable, wing-like brise soleil that unfolds and folds twice daily. Inside, the museum houses a rich collection of over 30,000 works, from American decorative arts and German Expressionism to contemporary pieces and Haitian art . It is a must-visit for any art enthusiast staying in or near Glendale.
Harley-Davidson Museum (Nearby in Milwaukee)
Another world-class museum just a short drive from Glendale is the Harley-Davidson Museum . Located in Milwaukee, the birthplace of the legendary motorcycle company, this museum is a pilgrimage site for fans. It offers a deep dive into the history, culture, and machines of Harley-Davidson through interactive exhibits, photogalleries, and a vast collection of historic motorcycles .
Local Points of Interest
Within Glendale, the Bayshore town center functions as a modern gathering place with shopping, dining, and entertainment, acting as a hub for the community . For those interested in modern architecture, the nearby village of Fox Point is home to the Albert and Edith Adelman House, a historic home designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright .
Sports and Sports Legends
Glendale contributes to the region's vibrant sports culture primarily through its high school athletics and its proximity to Milwaukee's professional teams.
High School Sports: The Nicolet Knights
Glendale is served by the Nicolet High School. Their boys' varsity basketball team, the Nicolet Knights, is a competitive force in the North Shore conference . High school sports are a significant part of the community fabric, with games drawing local fans to cheer on the Knights.
Local Sports Facilities
For community and collegiate sports, the Richard E. Maslowski Community Park is a key facility. This park features a beautiful all-turf softball field with a state-of-the-art press box, large dugouts, and concessions. Since 2024, it has served as the home field for the Mount Mary University Blue Angels softball team .
Professional Sports in Nearby Milwaukee
As a suburb of Milwaukee, Glendale residents and visitors are just minutes away from the city's major professional sports teams.
- Milwaukee Brewers (MLB): The city's beloved baseball team plays at American Family Field, known for its fan-favorite retractable roof and the massive tailgating culture in the parking lot before games .
- Milwaukee Bucks (NBA): The Bucks, the 2021 NBA Champions, play at the state-of-the-art Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee.
- Marquette Golden Eagles (NCAA): The Marquette University men's basketball team is a perennial powerhouse in the Big East conference, and their games are a major draw in the city .
Universities and Educational Institutions
Glendale is home to several higher education institutions and is located adjacent to Milwaukee's primary public research university.
Concordia University of Wisconsin (CUW) - Glendale Center
One of the main higher education presences in Glendale is the Concordia University of Wisconsin (CUW) Glendale Center. While the main campus is in Mequon, CUW has a significant location in Glendale. Key buildings here, like the Joan Steele Stein Center For Communication Studies/Fine Arts and Roger Bacon Hall, are part of this campus . This center provides undergraduate and graduate programs, contributing to the city's academic environment. Concordia University of Wisconsin is a private, not-for-profit institution affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod .
Columbia College of Nursing
Glendale is also the home of the Columbia College of Nursing. This four-year, private not-for-profit institution focuses on graduate and undergraduate nursing education, playing a vital role in training healthcare professionals for the region .
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Nearby)
Just south of Glendale lies the main campus of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) . As the largest university in the Milwaukee area, UWM is a major research institution offering a comprehensive range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. Its presence significantly shapes the cultural and intellectual life of the entire region .
Medical Facilities and Healthcare
Glendale is home to a nationally recognized specialty hospital and other important healthcare facilities.
Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin
Glendale's most prominent medical facility is the Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin (OHOW) . This is a specialized acute care hospital focused entirely on orthopedics . It does not have an emergency room, but instead concentrates on planned surgeries and treatments for bone, joint, and muscle conditions. The hospital is highly regarded by its patients, with an exceptional 95% of patients recommending it . It is affiliated with 83 medical professionals and groups like Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin Community Physicians, indicating a strong connection to the region's top medical network .
Glendale Care and Rehab Center
For long-term and post-acute care, Glendale is served by the Glendale Care and Rehab Center. Located on North Green Bay Avenue, this is a 94-bed skilled nursing facility . It offers a wide array of services including short-term rehabilitation (physical, occupational, and speech therapies), long-term care, dementia services, hospice and palliative care, and other specialized services like audiology and cardiac care . This center provides an essential resource for the community's aging and recovering population.