10 Things to do in Downtown That You Shouldn't Miss

December 3, 2021 Kelli Reichel

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is perhaps best known for its famous breweries and the Major League Brewers, but there's more to the city than beer and baseball. Milwaukee is rich in historical and cultural attractions, making it the perfect place for a weekend of exploring. Check out the newly expanded Milwaukee Art Museum or the Mitchell Park Horticultural Society, which hosts an annual show of the same flora and fauna seen in Georgia O'Keefe's paintings. Those interested in the city's history can visit the grand Pabst Mansion, former home of one of the city's famous beer barons, or the Milwaukee Public Museum, to see what life was like in Old Milwaukee. If the kids are along, don't miss the Milwaukee County Zoo or the Betty Brinn Children's Museum. Of course a trip to the "Genuine American City" would not be complete without a tour of the Miller Brewing Company and a Brewers game at Miller Park.
Restaurants in Milwaukee

1. Milwaukee River Bike Trail

Milwaukee, WI
Excellent
42%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

Milwaukee River Bike Trail

Three mile bike path through a number of small Milwaukee parks.

2. Betty Brinn Children's Museum

929 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202-5406 +1 414-390-5437 [email protected] http://www.bbcmkids.org/
Excellent
51%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 252 reviews

Betty Brinn Children's Museum

The Betty Brinn Children's Museum inspires all children to wonder and explore their world through play and innovative, hands-on learning experiences. Reserve timed-entry passes for play times in advance for entrance to the Museum's interactive exhibit galleries, makerspace and creative workshops. Explore Home Town, Science City, Let's Play Railway! and Pocket Park (for children age 4 and younger) and discover new activities that spark learning. For at-home learning, the Museum presents virtual Play in the Cloud creative and cultural workshops led in real-time by Instructors from across the globe.

Reviewed By NuthouseNancy - New Berlin, United States

I accompanied my son and two grandsons to the museum. I had no idea it was so hands-on and casual. For being rather crowded, the visitors were easygoing and friendly. The children I saw were from young toddlers up to about age 10 or so. However, kids with special needs who are even older would love the hands on fun. There are so many play stations, all interesting to young learners: pretend store, tool shed, ship, many book nooks, slides, light up walls, doctor office, pretend garden, on and on! Kids can jump, climb, meet other kids, build, and have a blast. Visitors and even the kids themselves seem to care about putting toys and items back when they are done. Very friendly place, and all kinds of youngsters were getting along and enjoying learning, in the form of play.

3. Milwaukee Repertory Theater

108 E Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53202-3525 +1 414-224-9490 [email protected] http://www.milwaukeerep.com/
Excellent
76%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 126 reviews

Milwaukee Repertory Theater

Reviewed By terryhU3865VS - Brookfield, United States

Whether it is a musical, a comedy or a classic play, the Rep provides quality entertainment in a comfortable, intimate performance atmosphere. The recent revival of West Side Story was a testament to the talent and vitality of the young performers. Be sure to check the web site to see if there is a before or after performance discussion scheduled to expand on the program. Note that for some stage configurations the far left and right sections of the seating bowl may not have sight lines to the entire stage. Likewise, balcony seats may not always be able to view the front of the stage or all of the entrances and exits made via the aisles on the main floor. Parking is not usually a problem as there is a lot immediately below the building that houses the theater but when there are multiple events in the complex and the nearby performing arts center it may become very full resulting in spaces available only several floors below ground. There are other lots just a few blocks to the East that are inexpensive and open to fresh air above ground. Bargain hunters can search for street-side opportunities as many of the nearby metered spots revert to free parking after 6:00 PM or on weekends.

4. Old St. Mary's Church

836 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202-3608 +1 414-271-6180 http://www.oldsaintmary.org/
Excellent
57%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 21 reviews

Old St. Mary's Church

5. City Hall

200 E Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53202-3515 +1 414-286-3200 http://city.milwaukee.gov/
Excellent
50%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 102 reviews

City Hall

Reviewed By WanderingOso - Sheboygan, United States

Most cities have torn down their classic city halls in favor of a big box store look and feel. But not Milwaukee. This classic is beautiful and credit to the city. Well worth a quick stop to look in.

6. Pabst Theater

144 E Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53202-3519 +1 414-286-3663 http://pabsttheater.org/
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 286 reviews

Pabst Theater

Reviewed By PandaPAB - Chicago, United States

Very intimate venue for a 'bigger, small' theater. Only thing is the seats are a litttllleeee cramped..... We saw Jo Koy there - who is just great, but I'd consider going back. It's in a great area of Milwaukee, so there are lots of options for dinner - in fact, it's across from the Safe House - which is a Milwaukee must visit (I'll be writing a review for there too) We live in the Chicago suburbs - so it was a bit of a drive, but definitely a nice venue.

7. Milwaukee Public Market

400 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202-5513 +1 414-336-1111 http://www.milwaukeepublicmarket.org
Excellent
53%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,047 reviews

Milwaukee Public Market

MARKET HOURS Monday through Friday: 10 am – 8 pm Saturday and Sunday: 8 am – 6 pm Early Open Hours: Weekdays at 7 am

Reviewed By O1227RDchristined

Had a few hours to kill after checking into our hotel. Front desk suggested the historic Third Ward. We made our way to the Public Market and were not disapointed. So many wonderful food choices including cheeses, sausage, a wine bar with wine shop, baked goods and fresh seafood. I was not hungry when I entered but that changed quickly. We grabbed dinner at the seafood restaurant, the food and service was great! Would definitely visit again.

8. Milwaukee Convention Center Complex

Milwaukee, WI +1 414-908-6000 http://www.wisconsincenter.com
Excellent
31%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
23%
Poor
8%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 13 reviews

Milwaukee Convention Center Complex

9. St. John's Cathedral

802 N Jackson St, Milwaukee, WI 53202-3807 +1 414-276-9814 http://www.stjohncathedral.org/
Excellent
45%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
9%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 33 reviews

St. John's Cathedral

10. Selfcares Relaxation Center

777 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202-5300 +1 414-273-1501

Walk-in spa

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