Location: Milwaukee
Top Things to do in Milwaukee
The 10 Best Things to Do in Milwaukee, United States
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. Basilica of St. Josaphat
Overall Ratings
5 based on 654 reviews
The Basilica of St. Josaphat is a ministry of the Conventual Franciscans on the South Side of Milwaukee in Historic Lincoln Village. The Basilica is a Franciscan center for prayer and spirituality, inspiration and beauty. It is home to a vibrant Roman Catholic parish and remains a testament to the faith of the Polish immigrants that created it. We invite you to join us for a visit, a tour, for worship or in prayer.
Reviewed By JimDeBerry - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Its the gem of Milwaukee. its in a rough area of town, what appeared to be a hooker outside. lock your car doors hold your kids hands. the staff were nice.
2. Milwaukee Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Museum boasts an extensive collection of nearly 20,000 works, representing such artists as Pablo Picasso, Georgia O'Keeffe and Andy Warhol.
Reviewed By 425hillary - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The building itself is a work of art, especially since it's perched right on the lake shore of Lake Michigan! Visiting would be enjoyable just walking around the grounds! But then you have the added experience of going into the art museum! What a wonderful way to spend a day!!
3. Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear
Overall Ratings
5 based on 262 reviews
A Milwaukee nonprofit dedicated to giving visitors a glimpse into Milwaukee life between the world wars with authentic items displayed in store settings. Handicap-accessible guided tours are offered at no additional charge, and there is free off-street parking behind the building.
Reviewed By NoDaker52 - Fairfax, Virginia
I visited this fine museum with college friends while exploring Milwaukee. What a find! Mr. Chudnow's extensive collection of memorabilia transports the museum visitor back in time to the late 1800s through 1970. The rotating exhibits showcase everyday life in Milwaukee including a barbershop complete with a speakeasy from the Prohibition Era to a doctor's office, a movie theater, a grocery store and a pharmacy that legally dispensed drugs considered illegal today.
We enjoyed every minute of this tour guided by the museum director Steve. I highly recommend including a trip to the Chudnow Museum when you visit Milwaukee.
4. Oriental Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By gregmo69 - Oakville, Canada
We were in Wisconsin for a Brewers game and the PGA tournament over the week-end and had some time before our flight so we added a trip to the Oriental Theater and we are damn glad we did. The decor is amazing. Makes you long for the 'good ole days' when going to the theater was an event. We were met by two members of the staff upon entering and they couldn't have been more polite, informative and accommodating. We were allowed upstairs to peak from the balcony and into the middle theater to marvel at the structure. So beautiful. Our screening got a personal introduction before the trailers which again made us feel like were experiencing something wonderfully customer service focused. So glad we found this landmark (from Trip Advisor) and took the time to experience it in full. Highly recommended.
5. Harley-Davidson Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Harley-Davidson motorcycles bring heart-thumping adventure, life-changing freedom and a bit of rebellion into the lives of people around the world. But whether you were born to be wild - or mild - makes no difference at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Much more than a nostalgia trip for motorcycle enthusiasts, the Museum offers a glimpse of American history and culture like you've never seen before - through the successes and trials of an iconic American company. Interactive, eye-catching exhibits present an unparalleled collection of legendary stories of our nation's last century. Located on 20 acres in downtown Milwaukee, the Museum offers free parking, Motor Bary & Restaurant, Cafe Racer, The Shop, park-like outdoor spaces, special event rentals, guided tours for group of 15 or more, and Steel Toe Tours of the Powertrain Operations, home of the big-twin engine.
Reviewed By Alexandre L
For those outside US like me...it’s an excellent opportunity to learn about the brand story...beautiful bikes, very nice place and a must to go visit while in Milwaukee.
6. Miller Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Home of the Milwaukee Brewers, this state-of-the-art stadium features a fan-shaped convertible roof and four choices of front-row seats for baseball fans.
Reviewed By missteacher029 - Waukesha, Wisconsin
Finally a sports arena that has gluten free options in Milwaukee. We stopped by Guest Relations and got the food map, however all places listed did not understand what gf meant. We ended up using the concessions near the kid playground and they knew what food were labeled with gluten free. I was able to get a hot dog on a gf bun and other favorites that we knew were safe. :) There are plenty of activities for the kiddos to do and the staff is very helpful.
7. Pabst Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 831 reviews
Featuring 37 rooms, 12 baths and 14 fireplaces, sea captain and beer baron Captain Frederick Pabst's beautiful home was built in the Flemish Renaissance style on Milwaukee's historic Grand Avenue. During docent-led tours visitors will see the first through third floors and learn about the Pabst Mansion and family.
Reviewed By wineanddine32 - Corpus Christi, Texas
Our tour guide told us about Pabst and family, and about the house. Answered our questions and was engaging. Very interesting history. There are stairs.Thank you for your nice review, we do have an elevator available for guests, too.
8. Milwaukee Public Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 920 reviews
Featuring more than 4.5 million objects and a variety of exciting exhibits, this is considered one of the best natural history museums in the United States. Kohl's Thank You Thursday allows free admission to the museum the first Thursday of every month with extended hours (9 a.m. - 8 p.m.).
Reviewed By The_Midtowner - Atlanta, Georgia
The European Village in the Milwaukee Public Museum is a must-see. It paints a realistic view of what life was like in Milwaukee in the late 1800s to early 1900s, with little store fronts, apothecary, barber shop, etc.. It gives a nice overview of the different cultural backgrounds that combined to make Milwaukee the city it is today.
9. Great Lakes Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 435 reviews
Great Lakes Distillery is a small-batch distillery located in Milwaukee Wisconsin. We hand-craft award winning distilled spirits in limited quantities using old world methods and traditions which we believe result in a superior product. We’re a bit of an anomaly in the spirits business - we actually make our own products! We’re a handful of people devoted to the craft of distilling and creating the best distilled spirits possible. As Wisconsin's first distillery since prohibition we are anxious to share our unique products and look forward to meeting people who appreciate high quality craft distilled spirits. Give us a try and see for yourself how unique these hand crafted spirits can be. We are pleased to be able to open our distillery to the public everyday for tours. During our approximately 1 hour tour, visitors will learn about our award winning products, how & why we make them and receive a flight of five products to try (complimentary soda is available for non-drinkers).
Reviewed By Margi S - Tinley Park, Illinois
I am usually a wine/beer drinker but went because my daughter said this would be a good tour. She was right. Much of the process of brewing alcohol is the same, but the flavors...they were amazing. It was also low key- you don't like it, use the cup. Like it, speak up. Ask questions. I never would have dreamed leaving with a bottle of gin, but I did. It was that good. Cocktails at the bar had something for everyone. We didn't sample food but it was available with a variety of choices.
10. Pabst Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
Reviewed By Barbara and Dav... D - Paris, IL
The 4 of us traveled from central Illinois to see the 2017 edition of A Christmas Carol at The Pabst Theater. We were thrilled. Amazing were the sets, costumes and acting. The creative director added a very interesting adaptation following the visits by the 3 ghosts.
The only downside was, at some moments, the sound was difficult to hear.
If you live anywhere, even remotely close to Milwaukee, this production is well worth attending.
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