Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you embark on a Milwaukee adventure, ensuring seamless communication while exploring the city’s rich culture, vibrant arts scene, and unique attractions, beyond its famous beer and cheese.
With a unique 19th-century charm, Milwaukee blends natural beauty and urban energy into the perfect Midwestern getaway. But there’s more to this city than its famed breweries and cuisine. Stroll down the charming RiverWalk, immerse in world-class museums, or catch a ball game – the things to do in Milwaukee go far beyond beer and cheese.
1. RiverWalk: Where the City Comes Alive
Running through the heart of downtown, the Milwaukee RiverWalk is a scenic 3-mile pedestrian walkway flanked by trendy restaurants, lively pubs, and local shops.
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Bronze Fonz Statue: Snap a selfie with this quirky homage to Happy Days’ Fonzie near Wells Street, where the sitcom was set.
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Pere Marquette Park: Catch free live music every Wednesday in summer at this scenic park right on the riverfront.
Location |
Highlight |
Best Time to Visit |
---|---|---|
Bronze Fonz Statue |
Iconic pop-culture landmark |
Anytime |
Pere Marquette Park |
Free summer concerts |
June to August |
Milwaukee Ale House |
Riverfront craft brewery |
Happy hour (4-7pm) |
2. Milwaukee Art Museum: A Masterpiece on the Lakefront
Perched on the shores of Lake Michigan, the postmodern winged structure of the Milwaukee Art Museum is an icon of the city skyline. Step inside to explore over 30,000 works spanning antiquity to contemporary.
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“The Calling”: This 40-ft orange sunburst sculpture at the museum entrance is impossible to miss.
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Quadracci Pavilion: Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the museum’s winged brise soleil opens and closes twice daily – a must-watch!
Milwaukee Art Museum – Practical Info
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Hours: Wed-Sun, 10 am-5 pm; Thurs till 8 pm
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Admission: $19 adults; $17 students/seniors
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Address: 700 N Art Museum Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202
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Website: www.mam.org
3. Best Breweries in Milwaukee
No list of Milwaukee tourist attractions is complete without a nod to its vibrant craft beer scene. Here are 3 top picks for brewery tours:
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Lakefront Brewery: This riverfront microbrewery offers lively tours complete with generous samples and a souvenir pint glass. Try their Riverwest Stein amber lager.
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Miller Brewing Company: Go behind the scenes at this historic macro-brewery that put Milwaukee on the beer map. Free one-hour tours end with ice-cold samples.
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Sprecher Brewing Company: Known for their creative flavors like Black Bavarian and Hefe Weiss, Sprecher offers affordable $8 tours on weekends.
Insider Tip: For a fun alternative to brewery-hopping, pedal your way through downtown on the Milwaukee Beerland Bike Tour – a 3-hour guided bar crawl on wheels!
4. Milwaukee Public Market: A Foodie’s Paradise
In the heart of the Historic Third Ward lies the Milwaukee Public Market, a bustling indoor marketplace brimming with artisanal eats. Grab lunch from ethnic food stalls, shop for Wisconsin cheese and sausage, or catch a culinary demo – all under one roof.
Must-Try Eats at Milwaukee Public Market:
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Thief Wine Shop & Bar: Build your own wine flight from their self-serve machines
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St. Paul Fish Company: Their grilled lobster roll is a market favourite
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Margarita Paradise: Cool off with their fresh strawberry mango margarita
5. Fun Things to Do With Kids in Milwaukee
Travelling with little ones? These things to do in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will keep them entertained:
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Betty Brinn Children’s Museum: This hands-on museum has interactive exhibits like a kid-sized Sendik’s grocery store and arts studio.
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Milwaukee County Zoo: Home to over 3,100 animals representing 374 species, the zoo’s highlights include the Elephant Care Center and Humboldt Penguin exhibit.
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Sprecher Brewing Company: While adults sample craft brews, kids can sip on unlimited helpings of Sprecher’s famous root beer on the weekend tours.
6. Harley-Davidson Museum: Ride Through Motorcycle History
Even if you’re not a biker, the 20-acre campus of the Harley-Davidson Museum is worth a visit. Housed in a sprawling complex of three buildings, the museum chronicles the iconic motorcycle brand’s history and culture through vintage bikes, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits.
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The Experience Gallery: Sit on real Harleys and learn about the company’s legendary engines.
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The Tank Wall: Marvel at the colourful display of over 100 Harley fuel tanks spanning 1903 onwards.
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Families can enjoy scavenger hunts, special “Motor” story times, and hands-on demos.
Fun Fact: Milwaukee is the birthplace of Harley-Davidson. The first bike was built in a 10×15-foot wooden shed here in 1903.
7. Where to Stay in Milwaukee
From luxury hotels to cosy B&Bs, Milwaukee offers a range of places to stay for every type of traveller. Here are some top picks:
Hotel |
Location |
Best For |
Price |
---|---|---|---|
The Pfister |
Downtown |
Luxury, history buffs |
$$$$ |
Brewhouse Inn & Suites |
Brewery District |
Couples, beer lovers |
$$$ |
County Clare Irish Inn |
Eastside |
Families, pub fans |
$$ |
Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee |
Downtown |
Value, business travellers |
$$ |
Schuster Mansion B&B |
West End |
Romance, Victoriana enthusiasts |
$$$ |
8. Getting Around Milwaukee
Milwaukee is an easy city to navigate, with most attractions clustered downtown and along the lakeshore. Here are some ways to get around:
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The Hop: Milwaukee’s modern streetcar system runs a 2.5-mile loop through downtown and the Historic Third Ward. Rides are free!
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Bublr Bikes: The city’s bikeshare program has 100+ stations. Day passes start at $24 for unlimited 30-minute rides.
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Bus: The MCTS bus network covers the city and county. $2.25/ride or $4/day pass.
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Rideshare: Lyft and Uber are widely available.
Travel Tip: If you plan to visit many of Milwaukee’s top museums and attractions, consider getting the money-saving Milwaukee Pass – it includes admission to 8 sites for one low price.
Cheers to Your Milwaukee Getaway
From scenic riverfronts to storied brewing giants, Milwaukee offers visitors a chance to unwind in true Midwestern spirit. As you explore Cream City’s top attractions, remember to stay connected with a reliable international roaming plan like Airtel’s Prepaid International Roaming packs. That way, you can check museum hours, book brewery tours, navigate the RiverWalk, and share those travel moments – without worrying about connectivity.
So pack your bags, charge your phone, and get ready for a Milwaukee adventure filled with more than just beer and cheese. Let the good times roll in Brew City!