Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a vibrant city on the shores of Lake Michigan, known for its rich history, thriving arts scene, and deep-rooted beer culture. If you are a history buff, a foodie, a nature lover, or someone who enjoys live music and sports, Milwaukee has something for everyone. From exploring world-class museums to enjoying the city’s famous breweries, here’s a comprehensive list of the best things to do in Milwaukee.

Things to Do in Milwaukee

1. Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum

 

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One of Milwaukee’s most iconic landmarks, the Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) is an architectural masterpiece with over 25,000 works of art. The museum’s Quadracci Pavilion, designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, features a stunning, movable “wing” structure that opens and closes like a bird in flight. Inside, you’ll find everything from classic European paintings to contemporary American art.

• Location: 700 N Art Museum Dr, Milwaukee, WI
• Admission: $22 for adults, discounts for students and seniors
• Hours: Varies by season, closed on Tuesdays

2. Tour the Harley-Davidson Museum

Milwaukee is the birthplace of Harley-Davidson, and the Harley-Davidson Museum is a must-visit for motorcycle enthusiasts. The museum showcases over 450 motorcycles and artifacts, including the oldest-known Harley, dating back to 1903. Visitors can learn about the history of this legendary brand and even hop on a Harley for a photo op.

• Location: 400 W Canal St, Milwaukee, WI
• Admission: $22 for adults, discounts for children and seniors
• Hours: Open daily

3. Explore Historic Third Ward

Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward is a trendy neighborhood filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and some of the city’s best restaurants. It’s also home to the Milwaukee Public Market, where you can find local cheeses, fresh seafood, and gourmet chocolates. Stroll through the cobblestone streets and admire the beautifully restored historic buildings.

Location: Just south of downtown Milwaukee

4. Enjoy Beer Tastings at Milwaukee’s Breweries

Milwaukee has long been known as the “Beer Capital of the World,” thanks to its deep brewing history. Today, the city is home to a mix of historic and modern craft breweries. Some must-visit spots include:

• Lakefront Brewery – Offers a fun, interactive brewery tour.
• Miller Brewery Tour – A look at one of the largest beer companies in the U.S.
• Good City Brewing – A popular local craft brewery.
• MobCraft Beer Brewery – Known for its unique, crowd-sourced beer flavors.

5. Take a Walk Along the Milwaukee RiverWalk

The Milwaukee RiverWalk is a scenic, three-mile pedestrian path along the Milwaukee River that connects downtown with the Historic Third Ward. Along the way, you’ll find public art installations, great restaurants, and the famous Bronze Fonz statue, a tribute to the character Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli from Happy Days.

Location: Runs along the Milwaukee River

6. Visit the Mitchell Park Domes

 

The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, commonly known as The Domes, features three unique environments:

• The Tropical Dome – A lush rainforest with exotic plants and waterfalls.
• The Desert Dome – Featuring plants from arid regions around the world.
• The Floral Show Dome – Home to seasonal floral displays and special exhibits.
• Location: 524 S Layton Blvd, Milwaukee, WI
• Admission: $8 for adults, discounts for children and seniors
• Hours: Open daily

7. Spend a Day at Lakefront Festival Park and Bradford Beach

Milwaukee’s Lakefront Festival Park is home to many events throughout the year, including Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival. Just a short walk away, you’ll find Bradford Beach, a perfect spot to relax, play volleyball, or enjoy a drink at the beachside tiki bar.

Location: 2400 N Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee, WI

8. Catch a Game at American Family Field

Home to the the City Brewers, American Family Field is a must-visit for baseball fans. Even if you’re not catching a game, the stadium offers behind-the-scenes tours where you can see the dugout, press box, and Brewers Hall of Fame.

• Location: 1 Brewers Way, Milwaukee, WI
• Tickets: Prices vary by game

9. Experience Milwaukee’s Food Scene

 

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Milwaukee’s food scene is diverse, offering everything from fine dining to casual eats. Some must-try local specialties include:

• Cheese Curds – Fried or fresh, these are a Wisconsin staple.
• Brats – it is famous for its bratwurst.
• Butter Burgers – Try one at Kopp’s Frozen Custard or Solly’s Grille.
• Friday Fish Fry – A local tradition served at many restaurants, including Lakefront Brewery.

10. Visit the Pabst Mansion

Built in 1892, the Pabst Mansion was once home to Captain Frederick Pabst, founder of Pabst Brewing Company. This beautifully preserved mansion offers guided tours that give visitors a glimpse into Milwaukee’s Gilded Age history.

• Location: 2000 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI
• Admission: $16 for adults, discounts for children and seniors
• Hours: Open daily, guided tours available

Frequently Asked questions About Things to Do in Milwaukee

1. What is the City best known for?

The City is best known for its brewing history, vibrant lakefront, and rich arts and cultural scene. It is home to the Harley-Davidson Museum, Art Museum, and Historic Third Ward, as well as the world-famous Summerfest, the largest music festival in the world.

2. What are the top attractions to visit in Milwaukee?

Some of the City’s top attractions include:

• Art Museum – Home to over 25,000 works of art.
• Harley-Davidson Museum – A must-visit for motorcycle enthusiasts.
• Public Market – Great for food lovers.
• Mitchell Park Domes – Unique botanical gardens.
• RiverWalk – A scenic walking path along the river.
• Lakefront Brewery – Famous for fun beer tours.
• Historic Third Ward – Trendy neighborhood with shops, restaurants, and galleries.

3. What are the best outdoor activities in Milwaukee?

If you love the outdoors, Milwaukee offers plenty of activities, including:

• Walking or biking along the Milwaukee RiverWalk.
• Relaxing at Bradford Beach on Lake Michigan.
• Exploring Lakeshore State Park, an urban oasis.
• Kayaking on the River.
• Visiting County Zoo.
• Attending outdoor festivals at Henry Maier Festival Park.

4. Does the City have good breweries?

Yes! the Cityis known as the “Brew City” for a reason. Some of the best breweries to visit include:

• Lakefront Brewery – Known for its fun and interactive tours.
• Miller Brewery – One of the biggest names in American brewing.
• MobCraft Beer Brewery – Unique, crowd-sourced craft beers.
• Good City Brewing – A popular local favorite.

5. What is there to do in Milwaukee for families?

Milwaukee offers several family-friendly attractions, including:

• County Zoo – Home to over 2,000 animals.
• Discovery World – A hands-on science and technology museum.
• Betty Brinn Children’s Museum – Designed specifically for kids.
• Milwaukee Public Museum – Features a butterfly exhibit and “Streets of Old Milwaukee.”

6. Is Milwaukee worth visiting for food lovers?

Absolutely! Milwaukee’s food scene is a mix of classic Midwestern comfort food and diverse global cuisines. Must-try foods include:

• Cheese Curds – Fried or fresh, they’re a Wisconsin favorite.
• Bratwurst – Best enjoyed at a summer festival or brewery.
• Butter Burgers – Try them at Kopp’s Frozen Custard or Solly’s Grille.
• Friday Fish Fry – A Milwaukee tradition.
• Frozen Custard – Milwaukee has some of the best in the country.

Final Thoughts

Milwaukee is a city full of surprises, blending history, culture, and outdoor adventure. If you’re exploring the lively brewery scene, enjoying the waterfront, or diving into the city’s history, there’s something for everyone.