A Monster Guide to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, From a Super Fan

We’ve spent lots of time in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, over the years thanks to some good friends who call it home.

Before seeing it through their eyes, we would pass through on our way to what we thought were better pastures.

I’m not too proud to admit that we were fools. It’s now up there with my hometown Chicago and Cleveland — you need to give it a shot! — as our favorite Midwestern cities.

It’s delicious, full of fun places to explore, and even better when the weather’s nice.

Whether you’re planning a quick trip or an extended stay, I have loads of ideas for fun things to do in Milwaukee. Seriously, this guide is a monster, but I had to give this city its due.

Is Milwaukee worth visiting?

Milwaukee is absolutely worth visiting. It boasts world-class museums, a delicious food scene, and some unexpectedly lovely scenery if you know where to look.

Start downtown, but make sure to give yourself some time to explore outside of the city center. You’ll be rewarded with hiking trails, yummy eats, and some of Milwaukee’s best beer spots.

I’m talking about the Milwaukee in Wisconsin, obviously. There are others in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Oregon, but the biggest one is the best one in this case.

What is Milwaukee known for?

Milwaukee is most known for its iconic brewing history, vibrant music scene, and Lake Michigan setting.

The seat of Milwaukee County is also home to a variety of great museums and eateries that show off the diversity of the city.

Things to Do in Downtown Milwaukee

We’ve spent several weeks’ worth of time in Milwaukee exploring the best of the city. I’m just prepping you that while not exhaustive, this will be a long list.

If you have limited time in Milwaukee, you’ll likely want to start downtown. I can help you with that. Let’s start with what to do in Milwaukee in the city’s central business district.

Note: I’m going by what the city defines as downtown Milwaukee vs. what locals may go by based on vibes. Based on the official borders, downtown is bounded by the East Brady Street Historic District to the north, Lake Michigan to the east, and Interstate 43 to the west. The city’s three rivers to the south make up the southern edge. 

Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum.

The Milwaukee Art Museum is worth a trip if you love big names in art. It has one of the largest collections from Georgia O’Keefe, a Wisconsin native, for starters. The architecture inside and out is stunning, too.

There were three architects behind the design of the museum campus: Eero Saarinen, David Kahler, and Santiago Calatrava. The over 200-foot movable sunscreen on the main building is the brainchild of Calatrava. It unfolds and folds twice a day.

Grab a fancy craft coffee at Discourse Coffee.

Once you’re done exploring the art museum, regroup at Discourse Coffee in the Museum Cafe. This is the place in town for fancy craft coffees.

I admit to knowing very little about fancy coffee, much to the chagrin of my Milwaukee friends, but the drinkable treats here are delicious.

There’s a second location downtown if you need a second pick-me-up a little later.

Shop for treats at the Milwaukee Public Market.

Pick up baked goods, brats, cheese, wine, and vegan delights at this hub for local vendors. I really liked On the Bus, a plant-based sandwich and smoothie shop. 

The parking here is a nightmare at lunchtime, so I’d suggest just heading for the lot and paying what I thought was a reasonable parking fee. (I’m from Chicago, where parking fees get quite unreasonable.) 

Explore more of the Historic Third Ward.

This neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places for its unique architecture and history that dates back to the 1850s.

It has survived fires, redevelopment, and urban decline and renewal.

You’ve already started the good times in the Historic Third Ward with your trip to the Milwaukee Public Market. This 10-block hub of activity has plenty more to offer as far as activities in Milwaukee.

Today, it’s known for its cultural significance.

This is where you’ll find the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) and the Broadway Theatre Center.

If you’re in Milwaukee for Summerfest, the largest music festival in Wisconsin, you’ll be right next door to the neighborhood at Henry Maier Festival Park.

Take a stroll in Veterans Park.

Veterans Park is known for its kite-flying scene. While we didn’t get ourselves into that, we did love strolling along Lake Michigan here.

Just don’t make eye contact with the swans. They aren’t your friends.

Stroll Lakeshore State Park while you’re at it.

Lakeshore State Park is just south of Veterans Park. On a clear day, you can see the offshore Milwaukee Breakwater Light from here, but it’s fun to walk the pier and marina whenever you’re able.

The paved trail around the park is a 1.7-mile loop if you have the energy.

Pose with the Bronze Fonz.

This literal Bronze Fonz from American artist Gerald P. Sawyer hangs out in front of the China Gourmet along the Milwaukee River. 

It’s a fun place to watch the bridge go up and down for the tall boats coming downstream (and upstream, I guess) once you’re done with your photo shoots.

Enjoy the Milwaukee Riverwalk District.

The Milwaukee Riverwalk District includes a section on the other side of the Milwaukee River corridor, so I’ll allow it here as it’s such an important piece of downtown redevelopment.

The RiverWalk itself is a hub of activity in the city and the center of the Old World Third Street Entertainment District. 

Enjoy the outdoor art gallery, grab drinks with views of the river, or plan a visit during the River Weekend Challenge. The weekend includes a River Celebration and various athletic endeavors with the river as the backdrop.

Tour the Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery.

There’s no actual brewing here anymore, but a tour is still worth your time just to learn about the history of Milwaukee’s Best Place.

This is the birthplace of Pabst, formerly known as Ph. Best & Co. and eventually known as Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer.

They changed the name to add a nod to all of the awards they were winning for brewing Pabst.

Our tour was led by Scott who had quite a long history with the place himself. He went into the more recent history of the beer, too. The brewery you’ll tour was operational until 1996 when declining sales made it hard to maintain the flagship brewery. 

Global sales propped up by recent hipster cravings for Pabst have allowed the brand to survive to this day.

Here’s the best part. You get a beer with your tour that you can sip on along the way. One is included with your ticket, but you can purchase more if you’re having that kind of day.

The Best Place hosts all kinds of events, too. If you want to throw your next birthday here, I’d love to come.

Listen to Jazz at the Park.

This event in downtown Milwaukee’s Cathedral Square Park is free on Thursdays in the warmer months.

Most people came prepared with chairs or blankets, but if you get there early enough, you can open up the trunk of your car and party that way.

It’s all good.

Bring whatever food you want. Alcohol is discouraged because it’s sold on-site, but we saw plenty of people sipping on adult beverages they brought from home without a care. 

There’s typically a happy hour the hour before the music starts, but we didn’t notice a price difference in the drinks. It was all very reasonable either way.

Get the giggles at Milwaukee’s only Champagne bar.

Giggly at Saint Kate on the second floor of the Saint Kate Arts Hotel is one of my favorite spots in Milwaukee for good times with good friends.

They have the expected French bubbles and a variety of craft cocktails if you’re not here for that fizz.

Wait. Is that a thing? Are there people out there who don’t like bubbles?? 

Things to Do Outside of Downtown Milwaukee

You’ll need a car to get out of downtown and explore more of the best Milwaukee tourist attractions, but that shouldn’t be shocking on trips in the Midwest.

Heck, it shouldn’t be surprising on trips throughout most of the United States. We love our cars!

Here’s more stuff to do in Milwaukee that I’ve experienced myself, including where to go for the best Milwaukee beer.

Perk up at Milwaukee coffee shops.

Milwaukee has an excellent coffee scene, so you’ll be spoiled for choice as you seek out your morning (or afternoon) pick-me-ups.

Here are a few I tried during our many visits to Milwaukee:

• Anodyne: I went rogue with a yummy iced matcha lemonade beverage here with no regrets. There are a few locations of this one for you to choose from, including Bay View and Walker’s Point. Check their website for live music events.
• Colectivo Coffee: You’ll see a few of these around town as the local chain. Visit the one in Bay View for a good representation of all they’re about or the lakefront location for views of the water and nearby McKinley Park.
• Interval: They’re known for flavored milk you can add to any of your coffees, including a regular cereal flavor. It was Reese’s Puffs during our visit. Yes, Brian indulged and enjoyed.

Get some brunch.

Now that you’re caffeinated, get yourself some brunch. I’m a real fan of a good bagel, so Allie Boy’s Bagelry & Luncheonette was always going to be on the list. Their solo bagels are reasonably priced, but the sandwiches are pricier.

It was all worth it. I’m just sayin’. 

I shared the lox as both a sandwich and open-faced tartine with my Milwaukee pal. If you’re into sharing, I’d highly recommend it! Yes, we took some bagels and schmears to-go, too.

Honeypie Cafe in Bay View is a great option for a more classic brunch. They were sadly out of their hand pies when we visited, but they had a fantastic selection of dessert pies and a full brunch menu.

Salted honey pie? Yes, please. 

Cheer on the home team at American Family Field.

If you’re me, the home team is the Chicago Cubs, so when you’re at a Brewers vs. Cubs game, you know how that’ll go for me.

That said, American Family Field is a super fun stadium.

There was a situation at one of the sausage stands where they refused to sell me a Polish sausage in favor of a brat, but that was minor compared to the overall experience. 

A quick note here, though. These were $11 sausages. Like, allow me to keep my sausage autonomy for Pete’s sake.

If you’re here for a game, get there early so you’re not rushing for parking and navigating the lines at the stadium. If you don’t generally love crowds, avoid the neighborhood around the ballpark on game days.

Embrace Miller Time at Miller: The Brewery.

This was one of the very first places I visited on one of my very first visits to Milwaukee years ago. At that time, I didn’t really know much about good beer, but I did know I had consumed a lot of Miller High Life, the Champagne of beers, in college.  

We all need time to learn and adapt.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go on a Miller tour. Miller Brewing Company is woven into the fabric of the Milwaukee beer scene.

When it was founded here in 1855, it was the product of a unique brewer’s yeast that most found pretty delicious by that day’s standards. 

Your 80-minute guided walking tour titled Brew City: The Story of Milwaukee Beer will include a rundown on all of that history. You’ll obviously get samples of their beer throughout your time there.

If you’re traveling with little kids, I’d definitely ask why in this case, but non-drinkers can enjoy soda or water, instead. 

Marvel at the Mitchell Park Domes.

The three domes at the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory could represent a bosom if there were two, but I digress. You’ll want to spend time in each one, the Tropical Dome, Desert Dome, and Floral Show Dome.

There was a dinosaur theme going on in one of the domes during our visit, and I was very invested in the whole display.

What’s not to love about hilarious signage warning me not to feed or ride the dinosaurs? 

The plants are entertaining enough without the whimsy. Try to find the hairy Old Man Cactus — that is his given name — when you’re walking through the Desert Dome.

Tour the Pabst Mansion.

The Pabst Mansion is a historic home tour where you can learn some 1890s history about Captain Frederick Pabst. He was the beer baron extraordinaire behind the Pabst Brewing Company.

It’s an excellent example of Gilded Age architecture and all of those opulent vibes.

They do mimosa tours on Sunday, which is obviously what we booked for ourselves. You’ll get to step foot inside before it officially opens, so it all feels very VIP.

Stroll the Marquette University campus.

This is another one of those early stops I made during one of my first visits to Milwaukee. My good friend’s little sister was attending Marquette at the time, and I wanted to check the place out as an adult. Turns out, the campus is lovely.

See the St. Joan of Arc Chapel, the oldest building in Milwaukee, while you’re here.

The Patrick and Beatrice Haggerty Museum of Art, or The Haggerty, is the university’s art museum and is also worth your time.

Eat a burger at the original Sobelmans.

We’ve been to this burger joint so many times, but it still keeps happening on a regular basis. Sobelmans is known for its Bloody Mary cocktails and burgers, so you’ll be safe if you order those. 

I wouldn’t recommend going for a salad, especially if you don’t like bizarre Italian dressings.

Visit the original location on St. Paul Avenue for the real deal. There’s a location at Marquette if you’re already exploring campus, though.

See Frank Lloyd Wright’s Burnham Block.

The Burnham Block was Frank Lloyd Wright’s answer to affordable housing that retained quality design. The group of six homes on this block represents simplicity and functionality while retaining the architect’s unique take on modern architecture.

Visit on Saturday if you want a tour. Book ahead, especially on nice days. Otherwise, you can just walk along the block and check out the exteriors of these as we did.

Visit America’s Black Holocaust Museum.

This modest museum was put together by the only survivor of a lynching in the United States. It’s an important place to see, especially if you want some more Black history of Milwaukee. 

This place is here thanks to community efforts to keep it open, as there was a period of time when it had to shut down. Do your part by stopping in, then tell others what you learned and do the same.

Grab lunch on Brady Street.

Brady Street on the border of Milwaukee’s downtown is an excellent place for delicious, affordable eats in the city.

If you’re traveling to Wisconsin as a vegan or vegetarian, I salute you. It’s not the easiest place to be. Thankfully, Milwaukee’s food scene is diverse enough to accommodate you with places like Twisted Plants.

It took me a while to recognize that the plants were a reference to reefer and not just their delicious plant-based burgers and sandwiches. The decor is all in on the doobies.

I also loved Thai-Namite, a local favorite for Asian fusion that includes sushi platters, Thai noodles, and crab rangoon. 

Shop for Italian goodies at Glorioso’s Market.

This Italian market is also connected to a bakery down the street and a restaurant across the street. I haven’t tried those, but I did come out of the market with a pound of cookies, tarts, and bonbons. 

If you’re here for cheese, you won’t be disappointed. If you’re here for Italian goods, you won’t be disappointed by that selection, either. It’s a wonderful parade of European delights.

Check out the art at Black Cat Alley.

The Black Cat Alley is one of those outdoor art galleries that cities around the country leave open for artistic expression.

I found this one more impressive than some of the more graffiti-heavy versions elsewhere. It’s a quick stop as you get closer to the city’s lakefront.

See the gardens at the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum.

The Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum is one of the most scenic spots in Milwaukee.

I may be a little biased, though, as it comes to the city courtesy of another Agnes.

Local rich person Agnes Gram was so inspired by a family trip to Italy that she commissioned architect David Adler to build her something to remind her of that vacay.

She wanted a home that reflected her design sensibilities, which were basically the grander the better. 

The home you see today is her dream home, completed in 1923. The lake views from the terrace really do it for me, too, so Agnes and I may have had some vibes in common.

Tours here are all self-guided. Go on a sunny day so you can see the gardens and spend some time checking out Neptune and the other statues outside.

You’ll want at least an hour for the interior, too, as the art and decor exhibits throughout are impressive.

Look up at the North Point Water Tower.

This large structure was built over two years starting in 1873 as part of the city’s public waterworks projects.

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places 100 years later as a prime example of Victorian Gothic architecture.

You’ll find it in the middle of a traffic circle, but there’s a decent amount of free parking around for a quick photo stop.

Hit the trails of Lake Park.

With the right footwear, you can spend some time walking any number of hiking trails here in Lake Park.

I was wearing a pair of flats with limited arch support, so didn’t last all that long. You can likely do better.

Wind your way through any of the woodland paths to charming bridges, waterfalls, and views of the beach. If you’re feeling fancy, book a table at Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro within the park.

You’ll enjoy classy French fare with a view before the sticker shock.

Visit the North Point Lighthouse Museum.

Don’t leave Lake Park just yet. Pop by the North Point Lighthouse Museum for a look at an 1880s-era lighthouse.

The museum was closed during my trip, but it’s still worth a trip to check out the exterior if you’re already exploring Lake Park. 

Go to the beach.

Milwaukee may sit in the middle of the country, but just like Chicago, there’s plenty of water around courtesy of Lake Michigan and Milwaukee Bay. 

Those lakefront views are lovely even when the weather’s turned crisp, but summertime is where it’s at if you’re here for sunbathing.

READ MORE: Boating is a big Wisconsin activity, too. Check out my travel guide to Door County kayaking.

Bradford Beach is a popular option for lounging and city skyline views. Visit MooSa’s for ice creams in the summertime.

I was an even bigger fan of Grant Park Beach in South Milwaukee. It’s less crowded with a great sandy area and pier for relaxing and scenic strolls.

Ferch’s Beachside Grill is a nice casual option for food when you have a hankering for fish and chips and generous pours of table wine.

Get your green space fix at Estabrook Park.

This large urban park boasts a nice dog area and a variety of trails along the river.

While you’re here, make a quick stop at the Kilbourntown House, an 1844 structure built by pioneer and carpenter Benjamin Church.

It’s a nice example of Greek Revival architecture in Milwaukee.

Have fun at the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame & Museum. 

Enjoy cheap entry and at least an hour of fun at the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame & Museum. 

It’s enjoyable enough just to find your favorite characters and childhood favorites represented as bobbleheads. The scavenger hunt they give you makes things even more interactive. 

Fun fact: They give you a few modest prizes if you’re able to locate all of the hidden items, so I’m keeping the answers to myself.

Get your cheese fix at Clock Shadow Creamery.

There is no way you can visit Wisconsin without sampling the local cheeses, and Milwaukee is no exception.

Visit Clock Shadow Creamery for fresh curds several times a week and an award-winning chevre, or goat’s cheese.

They have a few additional snacks here to round out those cheese plates, but it’s definitely all about the dairy for me. 

Try a little of everything at Zócalo Food Park.

We made ourselves a DIY tapas platter with sushi, arepas, empanadas, latkes, and Nashville hot chicken sandwiches at this food truck park. We then polished it all off with ice cream because that’s just how we roll.

It’s very fun in the summertime because there’s plenty of outside space.

Winter is tougher because there’s limited seating inside, or you can rent a dome to sit inside if you’re fancy.

Bowl at the Holler House.

The Holler House is the oldest sanctioned 10-pin bowling alley in the United States. I’d call it a must for couples or traveling friends even if you only have a cursory interest in the sport. 

The old-timey bar is run by multiple generations of Polish people. Bras decorate the ceiling with Polish beers, sodas, and dive bar usuals for drinks.

The vibe resembles a mini-museum inside, with celebrity photos and memorabilia from fans like Jack White and Joe Walsh of the Eagles.

The bowling is where the fun really happens.

Enjoy a game or two with a teenaged pinsetter on hand to set your pins between each toss. You’ll need to tip him at the end, so don’t be cheap.

It’s actually all cash only outside of the online booking, so bring extra cheddar with you. 

Hear the bells at the Basilica of St. Josaphat.

The ringing bells here gave me a fright, but I can’t deny the majesty of this place. I get it. Majesty is a big word. This Romanesque-style church deserves big words.

If it looks familiar, I’d ask if you’ve been to Rome. St. Peter’s Basilica was the inspiration for this one. 

Head inside to check out the stunning dome, stained glass, and intricate ornamentation, or just marvel at the exterior. This big church basically eats up the entire block.

See Milwaukee’s Humboldt Park.

This lovely green space rivals the similarly-named park in Chicago with its scenery, but the fun beer garden in the summer months might give this one a nudge overall.

Don’t tell my people. 

If it seems like this city has a beer garden in almost every one of its green spaces, you may just be right, especially when the weather’s nice. 

The 73 acres of this one also include a picturesque lagoon, walking paths, and a historic bandshell for community events and other local activities.

Grab some pączki at Wioletta’s Polish Market.

I’m from Chicago, so it’s hard to impress me when it comes to Polish markets. This one is a decent option if you’re not able to make it to my hometown.

Their pączki are yummy, but head over early for the best variety. 

They have all the sausages, frozen pierogi, and Polish-prepared foods you crave if your Motherland is my Motherland, too. 

Shop local at the South Shore Farmers Market.

I visited this outdoor market after Labor Day, and I was told that the crowds were much lighter than usual.

That just means you should arrive early in the morning if you want the best selection of local treats from the fruit and vegetable stands and prepared goodies.

You’ll want to try the stand with the sweet and savory waffles when you’re done food shopping.

Practice your swing at Luxe Golf Bays.

I missed out on photos at this place because I was too busy grabbing footage of our friend group taking bites of hot wings slathered in Da Bomb.

Fun fact: Da Bomb is the most devious hot sauce in the lineup on the YouTube show Hot Ones. We ordered a bottle for kicks on a visit to Milwaukee because we have some screws loose. This stuff wasn’t as bad as expected, but it definitely made our ears steam quite a bit.

The golf bays are similar to what you’d find at Top Golf facilities. Prices are decent if you’re able to split them with friends.

The snacks are pretty good, too, especially when they’re not covered in hot sauce.

Hit the links at the Grant Park Golf Course.

No, I don’t golf. It’s Brian’s favorite hobby, though, and whenever we’re in South Milwaukee he goes to this golf course at least twice.

It’s a short, busy course, but a full 18 holes. It’s also pretty cheap, so come early or late to beat the crowds.

Explore more of Grant Park.

South Milwaukee’s Grant Park is more than just golf and the beach I’ve described for you already. It’s home to one of my favorite treks, the Seven Bridges Trail.

Enjoy all kinds of whimsy and a series of bridges that you can easily hit within the first mile or so.

You will have to navigate some stairs if you want to get down into the ravines and access the beach, but it’s worth the hike back up if you’re able.

Discover the beauty of Oak Creek.

The big feature of nearby Oak Creek Parkway is the 135-mile Oak Leaf Trail that connects with the parkway at several access points. Along the creek itself, visit the South Milwaukee Lagoon and lovely Mill Pond.

If you’re looking for contemplative spots near Milwaukee, this has to be at the top.

Admire the decor at the “Keep Cudahy Fun” house.

You’ll find this hyperlocal landmark at the corner of Lake Drive and Armour Avenue.

It’s a see-and-be-seen kind of place. Don’t be too worried about taking pictures of the lawn creatures, sunken Cadillac, and the cute-as-a-button Alvin and the Chipmunks at center stage when you’re there.

The title is a reference to Cudahy, a city adjacent to Milwaukee in Milwaukee County, and its apparent love of Americana. 

Pose with the art at Lynden Sculpture Garden.

This 40-acre garden in River Hills is much bigger than it seems from the road and all free to explore.

There are no paths here, only grass, so wear shoes you don’t mind getting a little dirty as you walk amongst the sculptures. 

There are over 50 works of art for you to check out, so take your time picking your favorite one.

Wander the trails at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center.

The trails and gardens of this nature center in Bayside are an easy add-on if you’re already visiting the Lynden Sculpture Garden. It’s just a five-minute drive between the two.

You’ll pass by lots of big homes that may steal your attention on the way, but I’ll ask you to focus here.

The goods are with the nature.

There are a variety of loop trails for you to explore here that are all pretty short. The longest one I saw was just 1.25 miles. Pass by frog and turtle ponds and scenic meadows. 

The only trek with elevation is the trail that leads down to Lake Michigan, but it’s worth the extra effort for the solitude. There’s lots of paid parking here so don’t worry about when you arrive. 

Try the curd of the week at Lakefront Brewery.

Lakefront Brewery is Milwaukee’s most popular brewery these days. The beer is delicious, especially if you’re able to sit out by the river and watch the boats pass by.

If you love cheese curds, you’ll want to time your visit for Thursday.

At Lakefront Brewery, Thursday becomes Curdsday with a curd of the week for you to enjoy. We had a dill pickle variety during our trip with a creamy dill sauce and it made me feel alive.

Note: If you cross the Holton Street Bridge from here, you can access the Swing Park within a short walk when it’s not closed down. It was closed down for construction during our trip, so don’t come at me if you’re there and experience the same. 

Break out the lederhosen at the Bavarian Bierhaus.

This brewery and festival complex in Glendale does it up during Oktoberfest with regular weekend festivals.

Expect German eats, beer, entertainment, and jumbo King Ludwig pretzels that I’m proud to say I shared very little of. 

When it’s not Oktoberfest, you can still go to the restaurant throughout the year for your taste of German treats. The eatery’s menu is much more extensive than what you’ll find at the festival if that’s any consolation. 

You’ll just likely experience less chanting and whatever tradition involves stuffing money into men’s socks.

Explore more of Milwaukee’s brewery scene.

You’ve had the curds. You’ve had the German ales. That’s not all in this stellar beer town.

Here are a few more we visited, including notes of caution on stops we wouldn’t recommend:

• Broken Bat Brewing Co.: I’m including this one here for its proximity to the bobbleheads, but the beer was just OK. Brian actually returned one of his because it tasted soapy. If you’re really thirsty, I suppose it’ll do.
• City Lights Brewing Co.: Enjoy a variety of specialty stouts, IPAs, and hard teas in a historic building at this fun option. Their gouda mac ‘n cheese bites weren’t a mistake, either.
• Eagle Park Brewing Company: This was my favorite Milwaukee brewery. They have a lot of fun with flavor here but start with their milkshake IPAs. I don’t even like IPAs but there’s something about these that I love.
• Faklandia Brewing: This was one of the worst breweries I’ve ever visited. We left several pours because they were undrinkable. One appeared to have floating debris. The clientele left something to be desired, too. It’s a NOPE on this one.
• OPE! Brewing Co.: Yes, you’ll need to head out to the suburbs and West Allis to try this one, but if you’re at all invested in Midwestern mannerisms and phrases, you’ll want to check out these beers. The space is huge and great for groups, too.

READ MORE: Wisconsin’s most famous beer is in New Glarus. Is it worth the trip? Check out my guide!

Sip on something stronger at Great Lakes Distillery.

Great Lakes Distillery is the state’s original craft distillery. They keep things in small batches here to maintain the integrity of their spirits, and I love that. I also love the tour they offer.

It’s a fun intro to the operation with a generous sampling of their signature spirits.

Was I overserved? Nobody remembers.

If you’re shut out of a tour, it’s still a good time. The cocktails in the bar are great and they have snacks on-site. Why wouldn’t you want deviled eggs with your Wisconsin Mule?

Grab a breezy dinner in Bay View.

Bay View is known for those bay views, naturally, but it’s also come to some of the city’s best casual eats. If you’ve overindulged on spirits, grab a giant slice of pizza or two at Classic Slice. They offer giant cookies for your enjoyment, too.

For sausages and an excellent cocktail and beer menu, head to The Vanguard.

We narrowly missed out on a Jack White spotting while hanging out in their outdoor space. Is it even worth mentioning even if we didn’t see him there ourselves? Yes. I was almost a big deal.

Explore more of Milwaukee’s delicious food scene.

I always eat VERY well while I’m in Milwaukee. Top Chef didn’t base itself here for their Wisconsin season for nothing!

If you want meatballs as big as your head, head to Santino’s Little Italy.

Pair those with some of the best pizzas in town at this Italian eatery or their fresh pasta. There’s a bocce ball situation next door if you’re into that, but it’s fun to sit outside on a nice day regardless.

Here are a few more options:

• Odd Duck, a James Beard finalist, is a great group option for their ever-changing small plates menu. If the rutabaga schnitzel is on when you are, you won’t regret it. 
• If you love seafood, our local friends recommend Barnacle Bud’s, which is just down the way from Santino’s.
• A few on my list for next time include Momo Mee Asian Cuisine, Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen, and Buckley’s Restaurant & Bar for when I’m feeling fancy.

Find your favorite Milwaukee wine bar.

Wine is always a good idea, even when you’re in the Midwest and think you can’t get good wine around here.

That’s a fallacy, by the way. While I’m not a huge fan of Wisconsin wine, Michigan has a great wine scene that I’m always impressed by.

The best wines in Milwaukee come from the city’s adorable wine bars. 

Nonfiction Natural Wines is my pick if you’re looking to take a few bottles of natural wine home with you. Their bottles are quite affordable, so you may as well get the bottle vs. paying by the glass if you’re with a few folks. Their snacks are lovely, too. 

Voyager is another option that’s a bit pricier if you arrive outside of happy hour. We had a good time arranging a cheese plate for ourselves while we were here courtesy of the gentleman in a vest behind the bar. 

Finish off with a fun cocktail.

Let’s just say you’re not all that into beer or wine. Cocktails are your love language. You have options as you seek things out as the night falls.

I loved At Random, a Bay View supper club-style lounge that serves ice cream cocktails and a full menu of more classic varieties if you’re cutting back on sweets.

Another crowd favorite in Milwaukee is Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge. This is where the Pink Squirrel was invented. That’s a pretty, creamy pink cocktail with flavors of almond and chocolate that really deserves a reawakening. 

Even MORE Things to Do in Milwaukee

We’ve spent quite a bit of time exploring Milwaukee, but I’d be lying if I said I’ve done it all.

Here are a few more things to fill out your itinerary if you’re not impressed by the list so far:

• Visit the Harley-Davidson Museum, a place I honestly have zero interest in but that I’ll probably end up visiting at some point because it’s like, very popular.
• Take the kids to the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum.
• Get your flower fix at the Boerner Botanical Gardens.
• Feel like a kid again at Little Amerricka Amusement Park in nearby Marshall.
• Meet the critters of the Milwaukee County Zoo.
• Get interactive with hands-on tech and science exhibits at Discovery World.
• Go well beyond basic Milwaukee to-do lists with a tour of the Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility. 
• Visit the Milwaukee Public Museum, the city’s oldest museum.
• Learn about the evolution of human work at the Grohmann Museum.
• Watch a Milwaukee Bucks game at Fiserv Forum.
• Catch a show at the Marcus Performing Arts Center.
• Take a Milwaukee food tour for the best regional snacks.
• Go on a ghost tour to learn about the macabre side of Milwaukee.
• Plan your trip around the Summerfest music festival.
• Attend the Wisconsin State Fair in nearby West Allis.

Best Milwaukee Day Trips

I’ve already shared some fun things to do within a super short drive of Milwaukee proper, so you won’t see places like South Milwaukee and Cudahy represented here. If you’re here for longer, Milwaukee is a great base for day trips.

Here’s my shortlist for day trips from Milwaukee if you have more time in town:

• Lake Geneva: It has been years since I’ve visited Lake Geneva, so I owe this vacationers’ paradise a return trip. Get there in under an hour from Milwaukee to enjoy all of the water sports, hiking, and boating you can handle.
• Beaver Dam: This is the hometown of our friends in Milwaukee. For your purposes, it’s charming and just an hour and 15 minutes from the city. Once you’re here, visit the dam and bop around downtown. This town is very cute.
• Madison: The state capital of Wisconsin is just an hour and 20 minutes from Milwaukee in light traffic. The vibes feel a little younger here thanks to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, but don’t let that dissuade you from a trip.
• New Glarus: I have a detailed guide to Little Switzerland that basically says it’s not Switzerland, but that doesn’t mean New Glarus isn’t cute. Get there in about an hour and 45 minutes from Milwaukee.
• Wisconsin Dells: Arrive in one of the most magical places on Earth in just under two hours from Milwaukee. I’m not even being facetious. I have spent what feels like years of my life in the waterpark capital of the world.
• Chicago: It can take you two hours to get downtown, but it’ll take you much less time to get to the North Side. That’s where I’m from, and I’d highly recommend a look. If you’re here in the winter, I have a guide to reward your bravery.

Is Milwaukee an expensive place to visit?

Milwaukee is a more affordable place to visit compared to big cities around the United States. If you plan on going out to the more well-known establishments and ending the night with a few cocktails, it becomes less budget-friendly.

Milwaukee vs. Chicago: The Safety Question

Milwaukee is not safer than Chicago, but the two cities have varying crime rates from year to year. Most recent stats show that the homicide rate in Milwaukee is higher than in Chicago.

While safety varies greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, I’ve never felt unsafe in Milwaukee. Much like Chicago, economic disparity and social conditions play a huge role in crime rates across America’s biggest cities.

Practice the usual safety precautions when visiting Milwaukee. That means keeping track of your valuables, locking car doors, and not being flashy with your stuff, particularly after dark.

Where to Stay in Milwaukee

We typically stay with our friends when visiting Milwaukee, as they live just outside of the city in South Milwaukee. They don’t run short-term rentals for visitors they don’t know, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck for accommodations in Milwaukee.

Use the map below for both hotels and apartment-style listings in Milwaukee:

Milwaukee is one of the best cities in the Midwest.

Since we have a pair of very good friends there, I know I’ll be back to tick off those things that are still on my Milwaukee to-do list. What are you waiting for?

If it’s an excellent food scene, Milwaukee has it. If it’s a scenic lakefront or good beer, check and check. Milwaukee’s cultural and historical attractions alone are worth a visit.

Can you tell I love this place?

Check out more guides to the best of the Midwest:

• Geek Out at Iowa’s Real Field of Dreams
• Take These Day Trips from Tulsa, OK
• Take a Boat Ride Around the Apostle Islands
• A Guide to the Top Spots in Cedar Rapids
• See the Wildlife at Custer State Park

Love city breaks? Check these out:

• A Guide to the Best of Fargo, ND
• Spend a Music-Filled Weekend in Memphis
• A Romantic Guide to Savannah, Georgia
• How to Fill One Day in Sedona, AZ
• Tulsa Is Cool, I Promise! Here’s Why

Want to see more?