Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility Tour — Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Discover the Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility Tour in Wisconsin

Explore one of the most historic and advanced wastewater treatment plants in the United States at Jones Island, part of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD). This operating facility cleans millions of gallons of wastewater daily and is home to the world-renowned Milorganite fertilizer production process.
Why it’s special:
Jones Island is a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and one of the first large-scale activated-sludge wastewater treatment plants in the world.

History/Story of Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility

Built in the early 1920s and innovated through decades of engineering advancements, Jones Island pioneered modern wastewater treatment. Its groundbreaking activated-sludge process dramatically improved water quality in Lake Michigan. Today, the facility continues to treat wastewater for the Milwaukee region and produce Milorganite, a recycled nutrient-rich fertilizer used nationally.

What You’ll See & Do at the Jones Island Facility

• Tour primary and secondary treatment areas

• Learn how solids are removed, aerated, and biologically broken down

• Watch how clarifiers separate clean water from sludge

• Explore the Milorganite processing area where biosolids become fertilizer

• See control rooms and monitoring systems overseeing water quality

• Learn about green infrastructure and MMSD’s watershed management programs

Hands-On Elements: Water-treatment demos, aeration models, filtration displays, sustainability exhibits.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed outdoors; restricted inside treatment buildings for safety.
Souvenirs & Extras: Educational brochures, environmental science materials, Milorganite information packets.

Pricing of the Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility Tour

• Public & Group Tours: Free

• Advance registration required

• Minimum age generally recommended: 10+ due to industrial environment

Practical Info for Visiting Jones Island

Duration: 60–90 minutes
Format: Guided walking + vehicle-assisted tour
Schedule & Seasonality: Tours offered on select weekdays; appointments required
Working Hours: Typically 8:00 AM–4:00 PM (tour times vary)
Audience: Students, civic groups, environmental organizations, engineers, families
Accessibility: Portions involve stairs; some areas may not be fully accessible
Safety & Restrictions:

• Closed-toe shoes required

• No wandering from designated routes

• Strong odors may be present in certain areas
  Languages: English
  Group & School Visits: Popular for STEM and environmental classes
  What to Bring/Wear: Sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, safety-first mindset
  Facilities: Visitor check-in area, restrooms, parking
  Closures & Downtime: No tours during heavy rain events, severe weather, or critical operations

Nearby

• Harbor District Milwaukee

• Lakefront Trail & South Shore Park

• Harley-Davidson Museum

• Milwaukee Public Market

FAQs About Visiting Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility

Will I see wastewater being treated?
Yes—tours typically include live viewing of aeration tanks, clarifiers, and filtration steps.

Does the tour smell bad?
Some processing areas have noticeable odors, but much of the facility is surprisingly neutral due to modern odor-control systems.

Do they show how Milorganite is made?
Yes—your guide will explain the heat-drying and pelletizing process that turns biosolids into fertilizer.

Is the tour good for kids?
Best for ages 10+ due to industrial equipment, noise, and safety requirements.

Is the tour indoors or outdoors?
Both—expect outdoor walking between treatment buildings and indoor observation areas.