Milwaukee, a city affectionately known as Cream City, Brew City, and even "Milwacky," is a Midwestern gem brimming with character and offering a delightful array of experiences for every traveler. Situated on the western shore of Lake Michigan, this vibrant metropolis boasts a rich history, a thriving cultural scene, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it a must-visit destination. Before European settlers arrived, the Potawatomi Tribe thrived in this area, calling it "Mahn-ah-wauk," meaning "council grounds." This name hints at the region’s long history as a gathering place. Later, the city experienced a surge of German and Polish immigrants in the 19th century, transforming it into a manufacturing hub and imbuing it with the enduring cultural traditions of their homelands. Today, Milwaukee stands as a testament to its diverse past, offering a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern innovation.
From world-class museums and striking architecture to live theater, exciting sports, diverse dining, lush green spaces, unique shopping, lively festivals, and engaging outdoor recreation, Milwaukee provides a wealth of attractions. If you’re planning a trip to this dynamic lakeside city, consider these 12 exceptional experiences that showcase the best of what it has to offer.
1. Immerse Yourself in the City’s Art Scene
No visit to Milwaukee is complete without experiencing the architectural marvel and artistic treasures of the Milwaukee Art Museum. Located on the stunning Lake Michigan waterfront, the museum’s most iconic feature is the Quadracci Pavilion, designed by Santiago Calatrava. Its gleaming white facade is topped by the Burke Brise Soleil, a breathtaking kinetic sculpture resembling wings that gracefully unfurl and fold throughout the day. These "wings" not only provide shade but also create a mesmerizing spectacle, perfectly embodying the fusion of art and engineering.
Inside the 341,000-square-foot facility, a diverse collection awaits exploration across four floors and over 40 galleries. With over 30,000 works of art spanning various periods and styles, the museum offers something for every taste. Highlights include an impressive collection of German Expressionist paintings, captivating folk and Haitian art, exquisite decorative pieces, and thought-provoking American art from the post-1960s era. The museum also boasts one of the world’s largest collections of works by Georgia O’Keefe, the renowned floral artist who was born and raised in Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Art Museum is a landmark that celebrates creativity and artistic expression.
Address: 700 N Art Museum Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: +1 414-224-3200
2. Raise a Glass to Milwaukee’s Brewing Heritage
Milwaukee’s reputation as "Brew City" is well-deserved. The city has a long and storied history of beer production, once home to industry giants like Miller, Pabst, and Schlitz. While these breweries have undergone changes over the years, their legacy remains deeply ingrained in Milwaukee’s culture. Today, a thriving craft brewing scene adds to the city’s appeal as a beer lover’s paradise.
To delve into Milwaukee’s rich brewing heritage, consider a visit to Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery. This meticulously preserved complex offers guided tours that recount the fascinating history of Pabst, once the largest brewery in the United States. The tours provide insights into the brewing process and the Pabst family’s influence on the city. Another intriguing experience awaits at the Miller Caves, a network of underground tunnels used for beer storage in the 19th century. A tour of these caves offers a glimpse into the innovative techniques employed by early brewers.
For those seeking a more modern brewing experience, Sprecher Brewery is a must-visit. In addition to a wide range of year-round and seasonal beers, Sprecher is also known for its delicious line of non-alcoholic craft sodas and flavored sparkling waters. A tour of the brewery is a fun and family-friendly activity, culminating in a tasting session at the on-site taproom.
3. Sip on an Updated Classic Cocktail
For cocktail enthusiasts, a visit to Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge is a journey back in time. Established in 1938, Bryant’s is Milwaukee’s oldest cocktail lounge, exuding an atmosphere of old-world elegance and sophistication. The bar’s history is palpable, its walls whispering tales of decades of expertly crafted drinks and discerning patrons.
Bryant’s operates on a unique system: there is no formal drink menu. While a few classic recipes are available, the real magic lies in entrusting the skilled mixologists with your preferences. Simply describe your favorite flavors and spirits, and they will create a custom cocktail tailored to your individual taste. This personalized approach makes each visit to Bryant’s a unique and memorable experience.
Address: 1579 S 9th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Phone: +1 414-383-2620
4. Indulge in Delicious Dairy Treats
Wisconsin is known as "America’s Dairyland," and Milwaukee proudly embraces this heritage. No culinary exploration of the city is complete without sampling the state’s signature dairy treats: cheese curds, butter burgers, and frozen custard.
Cheese curds, bite-sized pieces of fresh cheddar cheese, are a Wisconsin staple. They can be enjoyed plain, breaded and fried, or as a topping for French fries (poutine-style). Many restaurants throughout Milwaukee offer delicious cheese curds, but Lakefront Brewery, Camino, and Buckatabon Tavern are particularly renowned for their offerings. A telltale sign of a fresh cheese curd is its "squeak" against your teeth when you bite into it.
The butter burger, another Milwaukee classic, is a testament to the state’s love of butter. Solly’s Grille, founded in 1936, is the birthplace of the original old-fashioned butter burger. These sandwiches are generously slathered with butter, which melts into the juicy meat for an incredibly rich and flavorful experience.
For dessert, frozen custard is a must-try. This creamy treat is similar to ice cream but richer and smoother, thanks to the addition of egg yolks. Kopp’s Frozen Custard is a local favorite, offering a variety of flavors, sundaes, and milkshakes.
5. Eat, Eat, and Eat Some More
Milwaukee’s culinary scene is diverse and vibrant, offering a wide range of options to satisfy any craving. If you’re looking for a one-stop shop to sample a variety of local specialties, the Milwaukee Public Market is the perfect destination. This bustling marketplace features dozens of vendors under one roof, offering everything from breakfast and lunch to dinner and snacks. You can find café fare, beer, wine, Southern cuisine, seafood, pizza, salads, soups, baked goods, tacos, vegan cuisine, cheese, and much more.
Another noteworthy food hall is the Sherman Phoenix, a community hub in the Sherman Park neighborhood. This modern commercial space houses over two dozen Black-owned small businesses, offering visitors a chance to support local entrepreneurs while enjoying delicious food. Options include Purple Door Ice Cream, Sauce and Spice Pizza, Buffalo Boss, and Funky Fresh Spring Rolls.
6. See the City From a New Angle
Milwaukee’s location on Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee River provides ample opportunities to enjoy the city from a unique perspective. The three-mile RiverWalk follows the Milwaukee River as it winds through the Historic Third Ward, Downtown, and Beerline B neighborhoods.
Beyond walking, visitors can explore the city’s waterways by boat, kayak, pedal boat, or stand-up paddleboard. Sightseeing cruises offer a relaxing way to take in the scenery, while kayaking and paddleboarding provide a more active experience. When the waves are up, Lake Michigan even offers opportunities for freshwater surfing.
During the warmer months, Bradford Beach attracts crowds for volleyball, sunbathing, and tiki drinks.
7. Get Your Motor Running at the Harley-Davidson Museum
Milwaukee’s connection to motorcycles is synonymous with Harley-Davidson. The Harley-Davidson Museum is a must-visit for motorcycle enthusiasts and anyone interested in American industrial history. The museum showcases the evolution of the iconic brand, from its humble beginnings in 1903 to its current status as a global icon.
Among the museum’s exhibits, you’ll find Serial Number 1, the very first Harley-Davidson motorcycle, along with a colorful display of gas tanks, racing memorabilia, custom bikes, and interactive exhibits.
8. Scare Yourself Silly with a Ghost Tour
With its rich history, Milwaukee is rumored to be haunted by a number of spirits. Gothic Milwaukee offers 90-minute Haunted Historical Walking Tours led by costumed narrators. These tours delve into the spooky tales of Milwaukee’s departed residents and guests, taking participants past notorious locations such as City Hall, the RiverWalk, and The Pfister Hotel, which is believed to be the most haunted location in the city.
9. Celebrate the Evolution of Work at the Grohmann Museum
Located on the Milwaukee School of Engineering campus, the Grohmann Museum houses a unique collection of art that celebrates the scope and evolution of human work. The museum’s galleries display paintings, sculptures, and artifacts depicting various industries and trades throughout history. Don’t miss the mosaic-tiled floor in the entryway, the stained-glass murals in the domed atrium, and the bronze sculpture garden on the rooftop.
Address: 1000 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: +1 414-277-2300
10. Root For the Home Team at the Fiserv Forum
The Fiserv Forum, a state-of-the-art arena in downtown Milwaukee, is home to the Milwaukee Bucks and Marquette Golden Eagles basketball teams. In addition to basketball games, the Fiserv Forum hosts major concerts, hockey games, boxing matches, and other events throughout the year. The arena is the centerpiece of a 30-acre mixed-use district that is poised to grow into a vibrant neighborhood with restaurants, entertainment venues, green spaces, commercial businesses, and residential housing.
Address: 1111 N Vel R. Phillips Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Phone: +1 414-227-0511
11. Snap a Selfie with The Bronze Fonz
Television fans of a certain generation will remember the "Happy Days" sitcom, which was set in 1950s Milwaukee. On the downtown riverfront, you can find the "Bronze Fonz" statue, a tribute to the show’s iconic character, Arthur Fonzarelli. This statue is a popular spot for selfies and a fun reminder of Milwaukee’s place in pop culture.
Address: N Riverwalk Way, Milwaukee, WI 53202
12. Hit a Festival in Milwaukee
Milwaukee is known for its vibrant festival scene. No matter what time of year you visit, there’s likely to be a festival happening somewhere in the city. Summerfest, billed as the world’s largest music festival, is a major event that attracts hundreds of thousands of fans each year. The festival features over 1,000 performances across multiple stages, along with food, drinks, and activities. Other popular festivals in Milwaukee include Pridefest, Bronzeville Week, Mexican Fiesta, Irish Fest, Polish Fest, Bastille Days, the Milwaukee Highland Games, German Fest, and the Milwaukee Dragon Boat Festival.
These are just a few of the many things to see and do in Milwaukee. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming atmosphere, this Midwestern city offers a truly unique and memorable travel experience.
