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There is no shortage of things to do in Milwaukee and the surrounding area. Below is just a small list of the things that you can do. For a more comprehensive listing of attractions and tours go to the Greater Milwaukee Convention & Visitors Bureau
Other Places of Interest:
- Spend an afternoon railfanning. Go to the Milwaukee-Area Railfan Guide (MARGE, for short) to view a list of railfanning sites in the Milwaukee area.
- Spend a day on Milwaukee’s lakefront. Pack a bathing suit and towel to start your day at the lake then take the Downtown Trolley to the Milwaukee Art Museum featuring the futuristic brise soleil designed by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava. Set dramatically against the natural canvas of Lake Michigan the wings of this white structure open to resemble a great sailing ship or a bird on the wing. Enjoy the 20,000 permanent pieces of fine art and possibly a special exhibit. Then stroll north along the lagoon through Veterans Park where you can rent a paddle boat, fly a kite, or rent a four wheel covered bike and enjoy the sunshine and the cool lake breezes. A little farther north you’ll find Altera Coffee Roasters where you can partake of a sandwich and a cool drink for lunch in a retro-fitted water pumping station. A leisurely stroll a little further north will bring you to BradfordBeach where you can catch some rays, play beach volleyball or take a swim. After some time in the sun, take a brisk walk back to the Art Museum catch the trolley and meet your significant other for one of the evening’s social events.
- If you have children, you might begin just south of the Art Museum at Discovery World where you will learn about the Great Lakes through interactive exhibits, aquariums, and digital theatres.
- Take a cruise aboard the “Denis Sullivan” a 137 foot great lakes sailing schooner.
- Visit the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum designed specifically for kids age 10 and younger where they can learn fundamental skills in a fun learning environment.
- A short walk just south of these attractions will bring you to Lakeshore State Park where you can explore a tall grass prairie and swim off a sandy beach.
- On another day you can visit the Historic Third Ward just three blocks south of downtown. Explore this trendy neighborhood featuring the Milwaukee Public Market, chic women’s fashions, fine art and antique galleries, unique boutiques and superb restaurants.
- EisnerMuseum of Advertising and Design. Only one industry asks the most profound questions of our time: Where’s the beef? Have you driven a Ford lately? Got Milk? Visit the only museum in the country that explores advertising, design and our culture.
- For evening entertainment try Comedy Sportz an improvisational comedy show prompted by audience suggestions.
- The Potawatomi Bingo Casino - try your luck at table games, bingo or slots and enjoy a show at the Northern Lights Theatre or have a gourmet or buffet meal.
- Miller Park - Home of the Milwaukee Brewers. See a major league baseball game rain or shine because of the retractable roof.
- The Grohmann Museum – The “Man at Work Art Collection” includes over 700 paintings and sculptures which catalog 400 years of human endeavor. This museum is located on the campus of the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE)
- National Soldiers Home Historic District – This is one of three original National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers established after the Civil War. See how these brave wounded men were cared for after the conflict. The grounds include the Woods National Cemetery.
- Miller Coors Brewing Company. A one hour guided walking tour provides an in-depth look into the history and craftsmanship of one of the United State’s major breweries.
- Sprecher Brewery. This micro-brewery is nationally known for producing fine European style beers and gourmet sodas. Several other micro-breweries are located in or near downtown Milwaukee.
- Feeling more adventuresome? Explore the bounty of Lake Michigan, the largest sport fishery in all the great lakes, featuring over 100 species of fish aboard Blue Max Fishing Charters. Maybe you’ll catch a 40 pound Chinook salmon which isn’t uncommon.
- Take a guided tour of the lakefront, downtown and the third ward on a Segway Human Transport. No Segway experience is necessary.
- Visit the Urban Ecology Center and take a canoe trip for a riverside look at downtown and the architectural and ecological features of urban Milwaukee.
- Another way to see the city is with walking tours offered by Historic Milwaukee.
Night Life
- Summer in Milwaukee features several free concert series located in the downtown area June through August. Pack a picnic or choose from one of the food vendors. Bring a blanket, folding chair or find a picnic table and enjoy these music venues.
- “River Rhythms” at Pere Marquette Park is held Wednesday evenings and features a diverse array of music.
- Thursday evenings you’ll find “Jazz in the Park” at Cathedral Square. Enjoy local and national jazz performers ranging from traditional to fusion.
- Day & Evening entertainment can be found on Old World Third Street. You will find the Milwaukee County Historical Center, the Spice House, Usinger’s Sausage and Mader’s German Restaurant as well as several bars.
- One fun place is Lucille’s Rockin’ Pianos where two outrageously talented pianists take you through a fun night of rock and roll tunes from the 50’s to the present. You name it they’ll play it!
- Another evening hot spot is Water Street the home of several bars and eateries that are frequented by the “in” crowd.
- For a more eclectic night time experience try Brady Street where you’ll find Irish music to blues to reggae and a mix of eateries featuring gyros and burgers to bistro style fine dining.
Weekends
- Saturday mornings in Cathedral Square you’ll find the East Town Farmers Market. Sample homegrown Wisconsin produce, home baked breads and deserts, unique arts and crafts while being entertained by local musicians.
- Weekends throughout the summer finds the sounds of ethnic festivals coming from the Summer Fest Grounds and elsewhere.
- Gathering on the Green - July 9 – 10th – Friday is “Jazz on the Green” featuring top jazz artists. Saturday is “Gathering on the Green” with the Milwaukee Ballet, the Florentine Opera, the festival orchestra and other performers.
- SouthShore Frolics - July 9 – 10th – Enjoy three days of food, music and spectacular fireworks nightly. A variety of kid’s games and rides will be available as well as an arts and crafts show, bike ride and a parade Saturday morning.
- Bastille Days - July 8 – 11th - Celebrate French history and culture as the streets of Milwaukee and Cathedral Square are transformed into a mini French city complete with an Eiffel Tour. This free festival features 3 stages with live entertainment, impromptu street performers, a market place, over 25 sidewalk cafes and the annual “Storm the Bastille” 5K fun run/walk.
- Festa Italiana - July 15 – 18th - Romance, nostalgia, and rich Italian delicacies fill the air at Festa. Nine stages of world renowned and local entertainment will keep you hopping while the event will be topped off nightly by an impressive fireworks display.
- Port Fish Day – July 17th - “The world’s largest one-day outdoor Fish Fry,” free admission to festival grounds, featuring parade, classic car show, arts and crafts, five stages of live entertainment with featured national acts, easy parking with free shuttle buses, carnival, soccer, water fights and much more.
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