Location: Milwaukee
Top Things to do in Milwaukee
The 10 Best Things to do in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (WI)
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
5.0 based on 845 reviews
Enter the Basilica of St. Josaphat through the Visitor Center, Monday-Saturday, 9:00am to 4:00pm for visits and tours; free tour after Sunday 10:00am Mass. The Visitor Center is in the Pope John Paul II Pavilion at S. 7th Street and West Lincoln Ave. Enter from the street side or parking lot. Located in Milwaukee’s historic Lincoln Village, the Basilica is a ministry of the Conventual Franciscans and has a captivating story of faith, historical significance, and unmatched architectural and artistic beauty. Polish immigrants built the Basilica over 115 years ago using salvaged materials from the razed U.S. Post Office and Custom House federal building in Chicago. Its 250 foot high copper dome is the icon of the diverse neighborhood the Basilica serves today. The Basilica hosts community events, performances of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and others. The St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation, a 501(c)(3) works with the Franciscans to preserve and restore the Basilica. All are welcome!
Reviewed By scottofhawaii - Honolulu, United States
...at least for me. First of all, the place is psycho-beautiful with amazing gilded architecture colored in powerful Catholic art, iconography, whatever... I sure did miss seeing world-class places like this this past year. In this typical, kind of beat-up American city, the basilica is a palace with its deep awe-inspiring imagery and objects. It's both a gift and scar left behind in the wake of an obscene history the church created across the world. It's also a confusing dichotomy that both perplexes and seduces me at the same time. I'm like both in a daze and state of intimacy when I'm in a place like this. Anyway secondly, there was this guy who said he was a priest that started talking to me. I guess he was a priest, but he didn't have one of those collars on. He was just sitting in one the benches (pew?) in the main hall (nave?). He started talking to me and blurting out his life story: Vietnam vet, priest for over 40 years, cancer and chemo, even end of life issues. At first it all seemed so over the top and inappropriate, but I don't know. I wound-up asking him if the church is going to guide/see him through his final years. I told him the VA is going to be the people who do that for me. I guess that makes the VA my religion now. I also took a shot at him about the priest/abuse thing saying his team has really "taken it on the chin" about that stuff. He quickly tried to deflect and play the victim card a little. Anyway, I guess I'm meeting new people again. Couldn't do that while wigging-out about catching COVID like I did for the past year in Pittsburgh.
2. Milwaukee County Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,694 reviews
Reviewed By Darlenelovesfishing - Marshfield, United States
It was worth the entry fee. The zoo keepers and the volunteers were so knowledgeable and friendly. They had such a wide variety of animals, birds, reptiles and aquatic life. The zoo is so clean and beautiful. Yes I would definitely go back and tell lots of people about it.
3. Milwaukee Public Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,061 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.
Reviewed By marlenelovestotravel - Milwaukee, United States
MPM has an amazing collection of artifacts displayed in appropriate high quality exhibits. MPM has a variety of educational programs for all ages within the museum and at times in collaboration with sites in natural areas. The IMAX theater, book club, behind the scenes & short term special exhibits keep the facility fresh & encourages visitors to return frequently.
4. Milwaukee Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,730 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 agustine934 - San Antonio, United States
The museum, design by Santiago Calatrava (well-known Spanish architect) is a real gem; the collection is perfectly curated and the exhibition halls are wonderful; The museum holds one of the largest collections of works by Wisconsin native Georgia O'Keeffe. Other artists represented include Gustave Caillebotte, Nardo di Cione, Francisco de Zurbarán, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Winslow Homer, Auguste Rodin, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Gabriele Munter, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Frank Lloyd Wright, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Wassily Kandinsky, Mark Rothko, Robert Gober, and Andy Warhol, however in my (humble) opinion the American Folk art collection is the most valuable thing they have. Spending a couple of hours at this museum is totally worth it. Do not miss it!
5. American Family Field
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,035 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 331kathye - Phoenix, United States
Whether you are for the hometown Brew Crew or the visiting team, you will find hospitality, great Brats (try the secret stadium sauce) and cold drinks. Great place for a family outing or business trip.
6. Pabst Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,031 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 AmericanInHeidelberg - Chicago, United States
Impeccably maintained (includes vast amount original furnishings and restoration) and in-depth tour information created a very interesting visit to the mansion. First time visit to Milwaukee and this tour highlights the influence of the Pabst family in the 19th century. Highly recommend (not sure about young kids though). And a message to the man who wasn't patient enough to wait for the next tour - that picture he shows is the gift shop where the tour starts. This is not part of the original house and maybe that's why it hasn't been maintained as faithfully as the inside of the house which is fabulous.
7. Lakefront Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,857 reviews
On December 2nd, 1987, brothers Russ and Jim Klisch opened Lakefront Brewery and sold their first batch of Riverwest Stein Amber Lager to a neighborhood tavern in Milwaukee. We have grown to brew 46,848 barrels of beer in 2017 and distribute our products to 35 states, Canada, Ukraine, Japan, Korea, Sweden and Australia. Lakefront Brewery was the first certified organic brewery in America, the first brewery to produce a government-approved, gluten-free beer and the first indigenous beer using all Wisconsin grown ingredients. We currently produce 20+ year-round and seasonal beers as well as our innovative one-off My Turn Series which gives each of our full time employees a chance to choose a style we've never brewed. Beer aside, Lakefront is also known around the country for their highly entertaining and sought-after brewery tours.
Reviewed By timmsullivan56 - Norwich, United States
Visited recently Large open beer hall with lots of tables Wonderful varied beer selection with helpful friendly servers Snacked on cheese curds and sausage. So good Right on river so great views Great time
8. Milwaukee Public Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,047 reviews
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.
9. Harley-Davidson Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,050 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 lindabT8006KR
Even if you are not mechanically inclined, or know anything about motors, this museum is worth a couple hours of your time. The audio option is worth the money. Between the audio and the exhibits, the history of the motorcycle's development and how it fits into American history is told in full detail and includes stories and little known facts that keep you involved. Individualization of a person's Harley by customization is a consistent thread through the hundreds of bikes displayed. It was amazing to see what a rider can do to a bike!
10. Historic Third Ward
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,286 reviews
Every trip to Milwaukee should start in the Historic Third Ward. Explore our locally owned restaurants, spas, theaters, galleries, and boutiques all in a historic warehouse setting. The neighborhood is home to the award-winning Third Ward Riverwalk, the nationally acclaimed Milwaukee Public Market, and the world's largest music festival, Summerfest. Located just south of downtown Milwaukee.
Reviewed By l0L1ta
Mke's Third Ward is an urban gem of a small neighborhood of hundreds of businesses and residents just south of downtown. Most buildings are historic lofts and warehouses turned into trendy condos, specialty shops, galleries, restaurants, and performance spaces in a safe small community of varying ages. It's bordered by the raised I-794 on the north, the world famous Summerfest music festival grounds and Lake Michigan on the east, and the Milwaukee River and its award-winning Riverwalk on the south and west. Artsy locals include the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design and the renowned Broadway Theatre Center. Casual to fine libations and dining abound. Various events provide cohesion and fun in a dog-friendly safe space that's within a mile of most else downtown Milwaukee has to offer, including endless festivals, top concerts, dance, symphony, sports (Bucks & Marquette B-ball, Admirals Hockey), beautiful Calatrava Winged Art Museum, the War Memorial on the lake, Patawatomi full casino & hotel, museums, convention center, Harley Davidson's museum/hotel, and top notch theater. Walk, take the bus or free streetcar (The Hop), stroll the riverwalks, rent a boat, or pedal your way on land or on water by party boat. Don't miss the Public Market where fresh meat, cheese, bakery, seafood, desserts, spirits, and ethnic treats can be eaten there or taken home. Among the many friendly people you'll meet working and living in the Ward, stop at Margarita Paradise in the Public Market and taste Emil's take on Mexican comida.
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