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Fun Things to do in Milwaukee
Wisconsin
city guide
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the state's largest city, is a vibrant metropolis with a rich cultural heritage and a dynamic contemporary scene. While the city is often associated with beer and sausage, there is much more to discover in this diverse and evolving urban landscape. From iconic brands like Harley-Davidson to the nostalgic charm of Happy Days, Milwaukee offers a blend of history, tradition, and modernity that appeals to residents and visitors alike.
The city's Polish, German, and blue-collar roots are evident in its culinary landscape, with a plethora of restaurants serving up hearty comfort food alongside craft breweries and artisanal sausage makers. However, Milwaukee's culinary scene is also evolving, with a growing number of farm-to-table eateries, international cuisines, and trendy cafes popping up across the city.
In addition to its gastronomic offerings, Milwaukee is home to a thriving arts and music scene, with galleries, theaters, and live music venues showcasing local talent and international acts alike. The city is also known for its festivals, including the world-renowned Summerfest, which draws music lovers from around the globe to its picturesque lakefront setting.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Milwaukee's location on the shores of Lake Michigan offers a wealth of recreational opportunities, from boating and fishing to hiking and biking along the city's scenic trails. The Milwaukee Riverwalk provides a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely stroll, while nearby parks and nature reserves offer a peaceful retreat from urban life.
To experience the best of Milwaukee, be sure to check out the city's top attractions, including the Milwaukee Art Museum, the historic Third Ward district, and the iconic Miller Park. Don't miss a visit to the Milwaukee Public Market for a taste of the city's culinary delights, or a tour of the Pabst Mansion to step back in time to Milwaukee's Gilded Age.
To stay up-to-date on all things Milwaukee, follow these social media accounts:
- Instagram: @visitmilwaukee
- Twitter: @cityofmilwaukee
- Facebook: Visit Milwaukee
For recommendations on the best activities, events, and places to visit in Milwaukee, check out these noteworthy publications:
- Milwaukee Magazine
- OnMilwaukee
- Shepherd Express
Whether you're a foodie, a music lover, an art enthusiast, or an outdoor adventurer, Milwaukee has something for everyone to enjoy. Embrace the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming spirit as you explore all that this hidden gem of the Midwest has to offer.
Best time to go
Autumn or late Spring are excellent times to visit Milwaukee: they have the years most agreeable days and temperatures. Milwaukee's winters are severe, with snowstorms and intense rainfalls. Snowstorms are common in December, January and February and are a good opportunity for snow sports enthusiasts.
Fun city facts and activities
- Beer n' sausage: It's the first thing that will pop into anybody's mind when considering Wisconsin's largest city. Maybe Harley-Davidson, possibly Happy Days, or whichever your dads preference was between Blatz or Schlitz. And there we go again. Its hard to escape the preconceived notions of the hugely Polish, German, blue collar, big-eating, proudly hard-drinking people in this city. But Milwaukee today is also a burgeoning lakefront 'burg boasting big city amenities without the headaches of a metropolis (we're looking at you, Chicago). Here you can park anywhere, you can live in the hippest 'hood in town without a trust fund, and visitors too have no barrier of access to a patchwork of low-key neighborhood hangouts, a bombastic music festival, and plenty of old world cream city brick charm mixing with an easy-going industriousness (streetcar coming soon!). Of course, Milwaukee also still has plenty of beer and sausage, so be sure to check out the city's best restaurants.
Neighborhoods to explore
- Lower East Side
Yankee Hill
Walker's Point
East Downtown
The Historic Third Ward
Riverwest
Restaurants
Food Specialties
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin is one of the Midwests lesser-known culinary gems. With deep German roots and a Native American name, the city is a small melting pot of American culture thats continuing to gain attention from out-of-towners. Its no surprise that their food scene is getting the same recognition. Set alongside the Milwaukee River and on the southern end of Lake Michigan, there is always somewhere to park yourself with a good beer whether its on a rooftop bar in the summertime or in a local supper club to escape the winter chill. Either way, ordering up a cold beer is a can't-miss thing to do in a city that's known for its breweries.
Milwaukee Offbeat activities
Free or cheap things to do
1. Take a Segway Tour of Milwaukee - Experience the city and its culture in a unique way, on a Segway tour of Milwaukee.
2. Visit the Milwaukee Public Market - Enjoy the variety of Wisconsin-made products, from cheese to craft beer, in the public market.
3. Visit the Milwaukee County Zoo - Take a stroll through the wildlife park to see some of the rarest animals in the world.
4. Take a Boat Tour of the Milwaukee River - Enjoy the views of the city from a boat tour of the Milwaukee River.
5. Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum - Take in the works of art from around the world at the Milwaukee Art Museum.
6. Take a Brewery Tour - Sample some of the best local beers on a brewery tour of Milwaukee.
7. Attend a Summerfest Concert - Enjoy some of the best musical acts from around the world at Summerfest.
Fun things to do in with kids
Free or cheap things to do
1. Mitchell Park Domes Layton Boulevard
Locally known as The Domes, Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory is the citys oldest park.
2. Milwaukee County Zoo Blue Mound Road
The Milwaukee County Zoo first opened in 1892 with only a few mammal and bird exhibits.
3. Daniel M. Soref National Geographic Dome Theater & Planetarium Wells Street
The Planetarium is the states largest and most modern planetarium to date.
4. Safe House Front Street
One of the quirkiest and most exciting places to take kids in Milwaukee is Safe House.
5. Veterans Park Lagoon Lincoln Memorial Drive
If youre looking for cheap family-fun action, then you should head on over to Veterans Park along Lake Michigan.
6. Milwaukee Public Museum Wells Street
The Milwaukee first opened its doors in 1882 and is now the home of over 4 million species.
7. Boerner Botanical Gardens Hales Corners
Located 15 minutes outside of Milwaukee, the Boerner Botanical Gardens is set to look like an English country manor.
8. Lake Country Rotary Splash Pad Nixon Park
If youre looking for free kid-friendly things to do in Milwaukee, look no further than the Lake Country Rotary Splash Pad.
9. Milwaukee Art Museum Art Museum Drive
Need to recharge your creative juices? Head on over to the Milwaukee Art Museum, one of the largest museums in the world.
10. Betty Brinn Childrens Museum Wisconsin Avenue
Their innovative take on education through play has been a popular activity for young ones since they opened in 1995.
City data and FAQ
What is Milwaukee most known for?
Maybe Harley-Davidson motorcycles, although do a lot of people know that theyre made in Milwaukee? Maybe not.
If I asked 100 people on the street here in Toronto what they think of when I say Milwaukee, some will mention a Milwaukee pro sports team probably. Maybe a few will mention Milwaukee Tools. A biker might know that Harleys come from Milwaukee.
Leonard Haid - Lives in Toronto, ON
Are two days enough to visit Milwaukee?
The question is always what someones interests are - zoo, sporting events, culture_and the distance between the different destinations - but I think thats a reasonable amount of time to cover the highlights the typical visitor would want to see.
Caryn Green Lives in Chicago, IL
Landmarks in the city
1. Milwaukee Art Museum: Known for its iconic architecture designed by Santiago Calatrava, the museum features a vast collection of art from various time periods and cultures.
2. Harley-Davidson Museum: Celebrating the history of the legendary motorcycle brand, this museum showcases vintage motorcycles, interactive exhibits, and memorabilia.
3. Miller Park: Home to the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team, this stadium offers tours, games, and a fun atmosphere for sports fans.
4. Lakefront Brewery: A popular brewery offering tours and tastings of their award-winning craft beers, along with a lively beer hall and outdoor beer garden.
5. Historic Third Ward: A trendy neighborhood filled with boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and bars, perfect for shopping and exploring.
6. Pabst Mansion: A stunning historic home that once belonged to the Pabst brewing family, now open for tours showcasing its grand architecture and lavish decor.
7. Milwaukee Public Market: A bustling marketplace featuring local vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal foods, and unique gifts, as well as a variety of dining options.
8. Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (The Domes): Three glass domes housing a diverse collection of plant species from around the world, with themed gardens and seasonal displays.
9. Discovery World: An interactive science and technology museum located on the lakefront, offering hands-on exhibits, educational programs, and a freshwater aquarium.
10. Bronze Fonz: A bronze statue of the fictional character Arthur "The Fonz" Fonzarelli from the TV show "Happy Days," located along the RiverWalk and a popular photo spot for visitors.