River Hills, Wisconsin: A Glimpse into Milwaukee’s Wealthiest Enclaves

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offers a vibrant urban experience, but just a short drive away lie pockets of serene beauty, and affluence. While Chenequa is recognized as one of Wisconsin’s wealthiest suburbs, River Hills, located approximately 15 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee, stands out as another exclusive enclave known for its gracious estates, top-tier golfing, and idyllic landscapes.

A History Rooted in Recreation and Exclusivity

The story of River Hills began in 1911 when the area, formerly prime farmland along the Milwaukee River, was acquired for the Milwaukee Country Club and its golf course [Visit Waukesha County]. In 1930, River Hills was incorporated as a village, with its founding rules designed to preserve its exclusive character and prevent extensive development [Wikipedia].

Elegant Homes and a Prestigious Lifestyle

Wealthy Milwaukee families began constructing elegant homes in the style of European manors near the private country club. Today, these historic mansions command multi-million dollar prices, with the average home value around $900,000 [Islands]. While many properties are secluded behind private driveways, the Lynden Sculpture Garden offers a publicly accessible glimpse into the village’s refined aesthetic.

Exploring the Lynden Sculpture Garden

The Lynden Sculpture Garden, a former estate, is open to the public and showcases a world-class collection of sculptures. In 1926, Harry and Peg Bradley purchased the farm and redesigned it in the style of an English countryside estate [Islands]. Peg Bradley’s collection of modernist sculpture, amassed during the 1960s and 70s, is displayed across the property’s 40 acres. Opened to the public in 2009, the garden features over 50 works by leading 20th-century sculptors, including pieces by Henry Moore, Mark di Suvero, and Alexander Archipenko. Admission is free, and the garden is open from Friday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. To 5 p.m.

Parks and Recreation

Kletzsch Park, located in the neighboring suburb of Glendale, offers 140 acres of public space for sports and nature enthusiasts. The park features riverfront trails, a softball diamond, volleyball courts, disc golf baskets, and a soccer field.

A Golfer’s Paradise

Golf played a pivotal role in the development of River Hills. The Milwaukee Country Club, initially established in 1895, relocated to River Hills to accommodate a proper country club setting [Islands]. The 18-hole course, designed by Charles H. Alison in 1929, is consistently ranked among the top 100 in the U.S. And the top five in Wisconsin by Golf Digest.

For public access to golf, Brown Deer Park Golf Course, a legendary course that hosted the Greater Milwaukee Open from 1994 to 2009, is located just a mile away. Notably, Tiger Woods turned professional at a PGA tournament held at Brown Deer in 1996. Green fees at Brown Deer start at $81 for 18 holes, and the course features an elegant clubhouse with the Oak and Antler Tavern.

Visiting River Hills

River Hills is approximately a 25-minute drive from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, which offers nonstop flights from many major U.S. Cities. The ideal time to visit is between June and September, when temperatures typically range from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.