Going to Milwaukee? – These Are the Things You Need to See Before You Leave
What’s the first thing that pops in your mind at the mention of Milwaukee? We’re willing to bet that it’s either the bikes or the beers. However, this gorgeous city has a lot more to offer.
Milwaukee has many nicknames, but Brew Town is the most famous. From that, you already know what its biggest attraction is.
But did you know what else it has in store for you?
A lot of culture and history. And even if it’s famous for the breweries, even your kids will find some of its attractions enjoyable. This delightful city may be eccentric for some but everyone will be charmed by it.
Now, take a look at this list of the best things to see in Milwaukee.
Things to See in Milwaukee
1. Milwaukee Public Museum
Suffice to say, all visitors have to stop by the Milwaukee Public Museum.
What can you expect once you get there? A sizable collection of dinosaurs and Egyptian mummies for starters. The 14,000-year-old skeleton of a mammoth is still one of the museum’s highlights. And you’ll also get to have a stroll down the historic streets of the city.
The museum also has the Puelicher Butterfly Wing, which is a two-story garden filled with these gorgeous little flyers. And before leaving, don’t forget to visit the Native Games section where you can learn and even try your hand at the games that the native tribes of North America used to play.
2. Milwaukee County Zoo
Are you hitting Milwaukee for a family vacation? Take some time to visit the Milwaukee County Zoo. After all, it is one of the best things to do in Milwaukee with kids.
The zoo opened in 1982 and has since grown into one of the most significant zoos in the United States. Also, it’s a big one so expect to spend a good portion of the day there.
Your kids will surely find their favorite animals here – be it spotted hyenas, penguins, or red pandas – because it’s home to more than 2,000 animals. If they get bored, you can take them to one of the rides on the zoo’s grounds. The carousel and the Safari Train, in particular, are crowd favorites.
The best time to visit with kids is during the holiday season. That’s because your kids can grab breakfast with none other than Santa Claus. But if you’re visiting in late October, take them to the Boo at the Zoo event.
3. Milwaukee Public Market
There are plenty of places to buy clothes and gadgets around the city. However, the best place for shopping in Milwaukee is the Public Market.
It’s also an indoor venue where you can buy a huge array of dishes and beverages. Popular dishes include several types of sushi, pizza, and vegan-friendly sandwiches. You can also buy and try out a range of sweets. With all these, there’s no way you can leave without a full stomach.
You can also learn to cook at the market. The different classes take place on the second floor and you have several choices available. You can learn the best way to fry shrimps or take a beginner’s Thai food course. There are also dedicated cooking classes for dads. How cool is that?
4. Old World Wisconsin
Milwaukee and the area around the city offer a huge range of tourist attractions. If you feel like getting out of the city, you might want to visit Eagle. It’s a museum out in the open some 45 minutes away from the city center.
You will find 60+ historic buildings from the early colonial period at Eagle. What’s interesting to note is how settlers from different countries built houses in different styles. The museum’s staffers don pioneer-era costumes and are extremely knowledgeable about the period. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a reenactment show.
If you’re visiting during the summer, you’ll have a chance to play a game of vintage baseball. You’ll play by the original rules and use the period-correct equipment.
5. Harley-Davidson Museum
This city is famous for many things, with beer and motorcycles being two of the biggest. If you’re visiting for the first time, make sure to drop by the Harley-Davidson Museum. It’s one of the most impressive things to see in Milwaukee.
Harley-Davidson opened for business at the beginning of the 20th century. However, the museum only came into being in recent years. That said, it’s the best place in the world to learn about the history of the iconic brand.
You’ll find 450+ bikes and a slew of parts and artifacts inside the museum. The exhibit also includes “Serial Number One,” the first Harley-Davidson ever made.
Also, you can buy some memorabilia at the museum’s store and eat at a Harley restaurant. The museum also organizes bike nights, which are special events where local Harley owners display their bikes at the museum.
6. A Brewery Tour
Milwaukee is Brew Town because it’s home to a good number of breweries, some of which are popular all over the United States and the world. Most notably, Miller Brewing has its headquarters and production facilities in the city.
There are many brewery tours you can take, and none will ever disappoint. Even seasoned beer drinkers will find a beer or two here that they haven’t tried yet.
Black Husky, City Lights, and Delafield are among the most prominent local breweries. But if you don’t have time for a full tour, you can always visit The Bavarian Bierhaus on W. Lexington Boulevard.
7. Turner Hall Ballroom
Do you want to explore the city’s nightlife? Or are you looking for the top Milwaukee events you need to experience? If so, check out the Turner Hall Ballroom.
Turner Hall Ballroom is a small establishment that is perfect for intimate gigs. But it’s also one of Milwaukee’s top concert venues. However, it has strangely big restrooms. Enjoy top-notch beer and quality live music there.
There is no need to reserve a spot, as it is a general admission place. You can find it in Kilbourn Town.
City of Beer and Bikes
Motorcycles and beer are Milwaukee’s most recognizable products. When you’re in town, you might want to visit the Harley-Davidson Museum. And you’re in for a real treat if you can attend one of its Bike Nights. Milwaukee’s brewery tours are also the stuff of legends.
There are also other things you can do in the city, even with the whole family. Check out the zoo and the museum, for starters. Live like a local for a day by checking out the public market.
Beer and bikes are not all that this city has to offer.
