Location: Milwaukee
Top Things to do in Milwaukee
What to do and see in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (WI): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
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. Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 339 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 picusue - Rochester, United States
The Chudnow is a must see in Milwaukee particularly if you enjoy history. Each room of these beautiful old house is a replica of a place in the past from Soda Fountain to Speakeasy. The Chudnow’s collection of memorabilia is impressive. It was fun wandering from room to room and taking a step back in time.
3. Veteran's Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
Park at the south end of the Lakefront Trail.
Reviewed By V5097UYlisas
Fabulous place to go walking around the lagoon, fly kites, rent bicycles, and enjoy a picnic. This park is an excellent place to watch the Fourth of July fireworks.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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!
7. Betty Brinn Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 252 reviews
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.
8. Discovery World
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 537 reviews
ATTENTION – Due to COVID-19, we are reopening in phases. Please visit the Discovery World website to review open attractions prior to your visit. Discovery World is Milwaukee’s premier, non-profit science and technology center for the whole family. We want to light the spark of curiosity in your kids. We want to inspire them to become the next generation of engineers, designers, scientists, innovators, community leaders, and makers. We want you and your family to explore, learn, create, and have fun.
Reviewed By Kerry1428 - Long Island, United States
Would definitely recommend to any family! There are so many hands on activities that will keep any age Interested and engaged!
9. Henry Maier Festival Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 348 reviews
Situated on the Lake Michigan shore, this park plays host to Milwaukee's sizzling summer circuit of ethnic and music festivals. Promoting an understanding of different ethnic cultures, the histories and traditions of various nationalities, harmony in the community, civic pride and provides a showcase for performing arts, activities and recreation for the public. Festivals throughout the year held at Henry Maier Festival Park: Polish Fest , Pride Fest, Summerfest, Festa Italiana, German Fest, Jazz Visions on the Lake, Irish Fest, Mexican Fiesta, Indian Summer Festival, Fromm Pet Fest.
Reviewed By lainey005 - Naperville, United States
Wisconsin is well known for their festivals and a ton of them are held right in downtown Milwaukee at Henry Maier. There’s obviously Summerfest but there’s a lot of ethnic festivals held almost every weekend in summer there. Some of them include Polish Fest, Festa Italiana, and Irish Fest. There are also lots of walks and runs for organisations there. Nice, big festival ground with views of the lake.
10. 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.
