MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A section of the Hank Aaron Trail will close during the 2023 Wisconsin State Fair for safety and security reasons. 

Fair officials are working with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to facilitate closing the trail between. S. 76th Street and S. 84th Street. 

The Hank Aaron State Trail runs east/west and passes over State Fair Park north of W. Schlinger Ave. west of the Fair Park, Fifth Street within the Fair Park and W. Pierce St. east of the Fair Park.

Fair officials say in recent years, they've worked diligently alongside police to secure the entire perimeter of the Fair Park by adding metal detectors at all admission entrances, installing more secure fencing, instituting bag size restrictions, and reconfiguring gates, entrances, and exits. Allowing an elevated trail that runs directly over visitors and vendors at State Fair Park to stay open during the State Fair severely compromises this secure perimeter.

"While we understand the closure of the Hank Aaron State Trail presents challenges for the many loyal users of the trail, we appreciate the DNR’s support and the public’s understanding of why the portion of the trail that crosses over State Fair Park cannot remain open during the 11 days of the Wisconsin State Fair,” said John Yingling, Chairman of the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board of Directors. “This closure is critical to ensuring that the perimeter of State Fair Park is fully secured and will help us with our goal of providing a safe and enjoyable visit to the more than one million visitors the State Fair welcome each year.”

CLICK HERE to view a printable map.