Walk Like a River

Walk Like a River is a three-part bronze installation in Riverside Park featuring structures filled with glacial stones that create a connecting pathway through the space. The work links North Oakland Avenue to the Urban Ecology Center building while combining industrial materials with natural stone elements.

The sculpture was installed in 2006 as part of Milwaukee's Riverwalk development project that transformed an industrial waterfront into public space. This initiative reflected the city's efforts to reconnect its waterfront with downtown and create recreational areas along the river.

The three components named Drop, Gather, and Flow represent different patterns of water movement through their distinct shapes and arrangement throughout the park. Visitors experience these water dynamics directly as they walk through the space.

The installation sits along the pathway connecting North Oakland Avenue to the Urban Ecology Center building and is easily accessed on foot. Visitors can approach the sculpture from any angle since the park remains open and accessible throughout the day.

The bronze structures hold carefully chosen glacial stones of varying shapes and colors, creating a direct connection between industrial and natural materials at the site. This combination links the artwork directly to the geological history of the region and Milwaukee's glacial past.

Location: Milwaukee

Inception: 2006

Creator: Peter Flanary

Made from material: bronze, granite

GPS coordinates: 43.06862,-87.88956

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:02