Milwaukee Wisconsin
Milwaukee's German Fest
Crowds celebrating at Summerfest
Kayaking on the Milwaukee River in the downtown area
Enjoying food and drink at the Bavarian Bierhaus
An afternoon of fun at Bradford Beach
Relaxing on the banks of the Milwaukee River after a bike ride
Toasting at Lakefront Brewery
The innovative architecture of the Milwaukee Art Museum
Old-world saloons and taverns on Third Street
The SkyGlider soars over crowds at the Wisconsin State Fair
- Major Airports:
- Milwaukee General Mitchell (MKE)
- Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
- Chicago Midway (MDW)
- States:
- Wisconsin
A modern Midwestern city
Major Museums
Find four floors and 40 galleries featuring works from an expansive collection at Milwaukee Art Museum. German Expressionist pieces and American decorative arts are well represented here, as is Wisconsin native Georgia O’Keeffe. At the Milwaukee Public Museum – the state’s largest natural history museum – exhibits and dioramas recreate everything from Africa to Old Milwaukee streets. Learn about space, zoology, geology and other cultures. Approach a different side of history at the Harley-Davidson Museum, where you can explore the Design Lab or climb onto a bike while a rip-roaring video simulates your ride.
Science and Nature Encounters
Milwaukee’s Discovery World is exactly what it sounds like, with rich science-related events and programs encompassing this sizeable center. Board a historic Great Lakes schooner, mix music, study the path of water and clean air, send Morse code messages and much more in this hands-on, fun-for-all-ages space. There are almost as many ways to explore the Milwaukee County Zoo as there are animals (and there are 2,000 to be exact). Make your way through the specialized habitats – including a hippo zone, aviary, small mammals section and big cat area – by Air Safari, Zoomobile or Safari Train. For a unique view, try the zoo’s ropes course and zip line.
Local Culture
The best way to get to know Milwaukee is in its neighborhoods and historic areas, which are teeming with local culture past and present. On Old World Third Street, you’ll find that German heritage you’ve been hearing about. A cheese shop, spice market and sausage market can all be found along the cobblestone streets here, as well as Mader’s restaurant, a 100-year-old institution serving German fare. Looking for more updated dining options? Milwaukee RiverWalk’s 4.8 kilometers wrap around the river and take you into the heart of the city’s nightlife, with dozens of restaurants, pubs and entertainment venues. Shop cool boutiques, galleries and the Milwaukee Public Market in the hip Historic Third Ward, or see the city through the lens of your beer mug on an enlightening and tasty brewery tour.
Fun Fact
Home of Harley Davidson: The iconic motorcycle company was born here.
Photo: Visit Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Art Museum, located on Lake Michigan, has giant “wings” that open and close.
Photo: Visit Milwaukee
Milwaukee is the home to Summerfest, recognized as the world's largest outdoor music festival.