10 Best Things To Do Alone In Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Updated 2024

things to do alone in milwaukee
Neha
Neha  
Updated
| 5 min read

The city of Milwaukee is the largest in the state of Wisconsin United States and also one of the most diverse cities to visit. Sitting on Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is a thriving business hub and a cultural center. You will find it full of tourists all around the year who visit as families or even alone on a solo trip. The natural and cultural attractions of the city are a place of interest for several tourists. From lush greenery to historical attractions, the city with absolutely blow your mind away. To help you along with planning your itinerary, we have put together a list of best things to do alone in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

1. Go kayaking on Milwaukee River (from USD 55.0)

One of the best things to do alone in Milwaukee is to go kayaking on the Milwaukee River. The current near Newburg is just perfect to get on that paddle and steer your way into the inland water. The clear swift water of the Milwaukee River attracts both adventure and wilderness lovers. Go up to the Main Street Bridge if you want to get the best of rapids and catch a glimpse of turtles and the indigenous blue heron. Also, spot clams and a good number of plants and flowers like the maple and cedar groves!

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Milwaukee River Kayak Rental

Duration: 4 hours

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2. Check out art galleries at the Milwaukee Art Museum

Millwaukee Museum from south-west
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user PeterSesar used under CC BY-SA 4.0

If you are a lover of art, then this is just the place for you. The Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) exhibits excellent artwork and is one of the largest museums in the United States. There are ancient artifacts to contemporary art on the display and special events are organized from time to time to invite art lovers from all over the city for some good time. You can also visit these special collections and exhibitions and bring your kids along to learn something new. Check out their website for more information.

Milwaukee Art Museum

Address: 700 N Art Museum Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA

Website: Milwaukee Art Museum

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 10 USD

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3. Admire nature at Lake Park


Visit the Lake Park nestled on Lake Michigan in Milwaukee to catch a respite while touring this vibrant city. This large urban park was conceptualized in the 19th century by Frederick Law Olmsted. The park is gorgeously designed with landscaped gardens and has a right balance of flora and fauna. There are other amenities at the park like restrooms, picnic spots and a playground for kids and the terrain is both bluffs and ravines. Home to the last remaining Indian mound in Wisconsin, the Lake Park also houses the North Point Lighthouse and a six-hole golf course.

Lake Park

Address: 2975 N Lake Park Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA

Website: Lake Park

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

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4. Explore "The Streets of Old Milwaukee" at the Milwaukee Public Museum

things to do alone in milwaukee | explore "the streets of old milwaukee" at the milwaukee public museum
Source: instagram

Inaugurated in 1884, the Milwaukee Public Museum is located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A great place to hang out, the museum has three floors. It showcases collections from the fields of anthropology, zoology, botany and also includes the unique Daniel M. Soref Dome Theater & Planetarium of Wisconsin. The displays have prehistoric exhibits as well as special research and collections which are absolutely jaw-dropping. The museum is also available for special event bookings like birthday parties, camps, fieldwork, etc.

Milwaukee Public Museum

Address: 800 W Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA

Website: Milwaukee Public Museum

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 10 USD

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5. Try wine tasting at the Great Lakes Distillery


Your trip to Milwaukee, Wisconsin is incomplete without a round of wine tasting at the Great Lakes Distillery. As they say, distilling and winemaking is an art in itself and at the Great Lakes Distillery, you get to witness that art. The place is known for creating truly original craft spirits that have “a little Wisconsin” in every drop. You can book a tour of the distillery where you can see how the famous spirits are brewed and the tour may also include a round of tasting at the bar. The sweet scent of fermenting molasses will only tell you where you are, even with eyes closed.

Great Lakes Distillery

Address: 616 W Virginia St, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA

Website: Great Lakes Distillery

Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)

Price: 20 USD

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6. Relax by the Atwater Beach


Located near the North Shore suburb of Shorewood, lies the Atwater Beach and Park, a popular place for solo travelers or families to hang out and have a fun time. Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Michigan from the promenade. You can go down to the beach from the stairs. The bluff is decorated with modern art and also has a playground next to it, for kids. Although quite small compared to the other parks in the city, don’t miss out on visiting this park if you love nature and want to enjoy a gorgeous sunrise or sunset.

Atwater Beach

Address: N Lake Dr, Shorewood, WI 53211, USA

Website: Atwater Beach

Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)

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7. Catch a movie at the Oriental Theatre


Opened in 1927, the Oriental Theatre is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is famous for showing independent and art films, as well as a few blockbuster Hollywood films. Saturdays are special because special events regarding films are shown. The theatre is adorned with East Indian decor and is now somewhat renovated. It features a modern interior and flaunts two massive minaret towers, stained glass chandeliers, several hand-drawn murals, six bigger-than-life Buddhas, dozens of original draperies, eight porcelain lions, and hundreds of elephants, which will make you feel you are in Asia!

Oriental Theatre

Address: 2230 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA

Website: Oriental Theatre

Opening hours: 4pm - 7pm (daily)

Price: 10 USD

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8. Visit the Central Library


The popular Central Library in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a designated Milwaukee landmark since 1969 and a great place to spend time if you are alone. The library is decorated with a medieval-style interior giving it an authentic old-world charm. The place was opened for public in 1895 and has been a major landmark since then. Make sure you visit the library to witness an extensive collection of books on art, music, recreation, children’s books, humanities, periodicals, business, and technology.

Central Library

Address: 814 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA

Website: Central Library

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

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9. Get a relaxing massage at the Institute of Beauty and Wellness

❤️ if you’re ready for @summerfest! We can’t wait for all the visitors to the @historicthirdward. What band or artist are you most excited to see? ?

Posted by The Institute of Beauty and Wellness on Thursday, 20 June 2019

The Institute of Beauty and Wellness located is on St Paul Avenue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is known for offering beauty and therapeutic services and courses. You can learn a course here or simply enjoy wellness and relaxing services for hair, nail, and skin. The institute offers a wide range of services like body massages and Ayurvedic treatments from professionals, that will leave you completely rejuvenated. This is the place to learn aesthetic treatments too.

The Institute of Beauty and Wellness

Address: 327 E St Paul Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA

Website: The Institute of Beauty and Wellness

Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)

Price: 50 USD

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10. Play some arcade games at Barcade


The Arcade bar is a famous neighborhood spot in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where you can grab a drink and play various indoor games, arcade games like slots and much more. From 35 arcade classics, 7 pinball machines to 1 bubble hockey game, the bar has some very interesting choices. If you are looking for things to do alone in Milwaukee, this is a great option to consider. Not only can you enjoy sports, but also drink cocktails, order your favorite beer and meet like-minded people.

Barcade Milwaukee

Address: 110 N Old World 3rd St, Milwaukee, WI 53203, USA

Website: Barcade Milwaukee

Opening hours: 4pm - 2am (daily)

Price: 50 USD

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Traveling solo to Milwaukee?

Are you traveling solo to Milwaukee? Don’t worry, we got you covered. There are plenty of activities to indulge in while you are in this city. We have found the easiest and best way to explore the city. Out of the long list above, if you like any of the places or would like to have more information, please let us know by dropping a line below. Happy traveling!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Neha is a traveler and professional writer driven by passion. She also makes sure to live life on her own terms.

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