10 Famous Things In Milwaukee, Wisconsin

things milwaukee is famous for
Nikhil
Nikhil 
Updated

Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a majestic place to go for a vacation. You will come across a lot of fun things to do there which can make your trip to Milwaukee the most enjoyable trip ever in your life. This place is amazing to visit all year round. Explore its remarkable architecture and enjoy the delicious beer n’ sausage - a Milwaukee tradition - with the locals. Milwaukee is a serene place, away from the buzz of the city - still, you will get to enjoy all the amenities and attractions here. As a visitor, you can easily access the fashionable hood in the town without any worry and hang out in the more low-key neighborhoods. Enjoy Summerfest, the bombastic music festivals, beautiful parks, and many more things that Milwaukee offers. Here are the famous things to do in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

1. Beer

Lakefront brewery milwaukee
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Flickr used under CC BY 2.0

Beer has played a big role in the history of Milwaukee. If you have come to Milwaukee, you can’t leave the place without drinking its delicious beer because the place offers a lot of unique varieties of beer which you can taste and enjoy without even thinking twice. Milwaukee’s beer history began in 1841 when one German immigrant, Reuthlisberger, opened a brewery at Walker’s Point. As time passed, the city became renowned as the beer capital of the world. After all, it’s a home for the world’s best beers like Pabst, Miller, Schlitz, and Blatz. There are several brewery and distillery tour options available which you must take. Drink beer and pay homage to the trailblazers of Milwaukee.

Milwaukee Brewing Company

Address: 1128 N 9th St, Milwaukee, WI 53233, United States

Website: Milwaukee Brewing Company

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 12am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm

2. Summerfest, one of the world's largest music festivals

Summerfest Pabst Showcase
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user HollyAm used under CC SA 1.0

It is such a huge Summerfest that it is almost impossible to see everything. Around 900,000 people come to this music festival to enjoy and have fun. Small and big bands participate Summerfest which runs for about 11 days. 800 bands perform at Summerfest on 11 different stages. You can imagine how spellbinding this Summerfest would be. Another interesting thing about this fest is it takes place at the shore of Lake Michigan. It was once listed as the world’s largest musical festival, and although some festivals have since overtaken it, the official website still claims it. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity of experiencing it. Artists like Lady Gaga, Johnny Cash, and Tim Mcgraw perform there. Food is a bit expensive there but it’s definitely worth it to visit Summerfest.

Summerfest

Address: Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

Website: Summerfest

3. Outstanding architecture

Basilica of St. Josaphat
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sulfur used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Milwaukee’s history is not limited to beer only. This city has a vibrant history that its outstanding architecture exhibits. The moment you will walk in the streets of Milwaukee, you will realize the Milwaukeeans have preserved their history really well and they are proud of it. Their historic buildings are still intact. There are several old and popular museums you can visit to know about the history of Milwaukee. If you’re a history buff then you are going to love it. You can visit the places like Allen-Bradley Clock Tower, Basilica of St. Josaphat, Frank Lloyd Wright Houses, Iron Block Building, Mackie Building, etc. Many historic buildings and churches are still in use in Milwaukee.

Basilica of Saint Josaphat

Address: 2333 S 6th St, Milwaukee, WI 53215, United States

Website: Basilica of Saint Josaphat

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat: 9am - 5:30pm; Sun: 8am - 1pm

4. Beautiful parks

Oak Leaf Trail - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user YvesSch used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Along with the magnificent historic buildings, you will also get to see enthralling natural places. If you are fond of nature parks, you can visit Milwaukee’s fascinating parks like Veteran’s Park, Henry Maier Festival Park, Oak Leaf Trail, Lake Park, Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, etc. All these parks are a great place to visit with family and spend a good time amid the spectacular nature.

5. Waterfront views

Waterfront
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user LittleT889 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo is only for illustrative purposes

Enjoy your day at the waterfront in Milwaukee. Take a walk on the shore and watch a compelling view of the sea and sailboats. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboat to enjoy in the water. Visiting the waterfront area is a great way to spend time and maybe enjoy a picnic with the family. Rent a bike with your partner and discover the different bike trails.

6. Diverse street art

Historic Third Ward, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA - panoramio (1)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Doug Olson used under CC BY-SA 3.0

You don’t have to visit museums or art gallery to experience the artistic nature and talent of Milwaukeeans. Just walk into the streets of Milwaukee and you will experience the vibrant art of the city. Milwaukee’s street artists have embellished the streets of the city with their arts. They treat the walls of the city as their canvas and draw incredible art pieces. Every month new murals are added in the collection of street arts. So there is always something new for everyone.

7. Lounge on the beautiful beaches

Panorama take at Klode Park overlooking the lake
Source: Photo by user brennanMKE used under CC BY-SA 2.0

There are several beautiful beaches in Milwaukee where you can visit by your car. You don’t have to pay for the parking and can park your car anywhere alongside the shores of Lake Michigan. Go and swim in the water or enjoy the sun while having fun on the beach. Beaches like Bradford beach, Atwater beach, Klode Park, Big Bay Park, and more are all open to the public without any charges.

Klode Park

Address: Whitefish Bay, WI 53217, United States

Website: Klode Park

Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)

8. Fish fry and frozen custard

Mr. Fish and Chips combo
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user RightCowLeftCoast used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Milwaukee is famous for its special fish fry and frozen custard. You must try that. There are several fun restaurants which are family-friendly and serve the delicious fish fry and frozen custard. You can visit Murf’s Frozen Custard and Jumbo Burgers or Bubba’s Frozen Custard Jumbo to have the best frozen custard and fish fries. They make fresh custards throughout the day.

Murf's Frozen Custard & Jumbo

Address: 12505 W Burleigh Rd, Brookfield, WI 53005, United States

Website: Murf’s Frozen Custard & Jumbo

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10:30am - 9:30pm; Fri - Sat: 10:30am - 10pm

9. Milwaukee Public Market

Milwaukee Public Market
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jeramey Jannene used under CC BY 2.0

When you find yourself in Milwaukee City, exploring its market is a must-do. Visit the Milwaukee Public Market and check all the varieties that vendors are selling. Buy items that you find useful and take them home with you or get something delicious to eat while touring the market. From sweets to healthy and tasty seafood, you will get everything here at a nominal price. Walk around the place and explore this fun place thoroughly.

Milwaukee Public Market

Address: 400 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, United States

Website: Milwaukee Public Market

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 8pm; Sat: 8am - 8pm: Sun: 9am - 6pm

10. Harley-Davidson Museum and Factory

HD museum panorama
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tedder used under CC BY 3.0

Harley Davidson is not just a bike for many, its a lifestyle. If you’re also a Harley Davidson lover, then you should visit the Harley Davidson museum where you will see the rich history of the company and learn about all the models of motorcycles. Milwaukee is a place where Harley Davidson was founded and its headquarter is still functioning there proudly. Visit the museum and take its factory tour.

Harley-Davidson Museum and Factory

Address: 400 W Canal St, Milwaukee, WI 53201, United States

Website: Harley-Davidson Museum and Factory

Opening hours: Fri - Wed: 9am - 6pm; Thu: 9am - 8pm

Price: 10 USD

Have a fun holiday at Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee
Source: Pixabay

With so many well-known things to do in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, your holiday will surely be memorable. More than the above-mentioned famous attractions, the city also offers other fun activities that you will come to know when you will visit the beautiful Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Nikhil NG is a writer, brand strategic consultant, traveler and the founder of SuccessRider.com. His writing inspires people to travel on a budget. Plus, he helps hospitality dealers achieve...Read more

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