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Milwaukee, Wisconsin has had a particular place in our hearts ever since our first go to again in 2016. The town made such an enduring impression that we’ve discovered ourselves coming again time and again. On our 2021 Summer with Mom road trip, we cherished exhibiting Momma Russo round a few of our favourite spots, and this summer time, we had the enjoyment of introducing my dad and mom to one in all our favourite cities within the Midwest.
We hope you’ll get pleasure from exploring “Brew Metropolis” as a lot as we do and perhaps even fall in love with a couple of of our favourite issues to do in Milwaukee.
Issues to Do in Milwaukee
What’s so nice about Milwaukee, Wisconsin you ask? For starters, the persons are genuinely variety, the town is full of festivals, and it’s each walkable and straightforward to navigate by automotive. You’ll discover actions alongside the Milwaukee River, layers of historical past and tradition, superb meals, countless breweries (and sure, loads of cheese curds).
Stroll, Bike, Kayak or Cruise the Milwaukee Riverwalk
Relying on how lively you wish to be, there are a lot of methods to benefit from the Milwaukee River. Take a stroll or go for a bicycle experience on the Riverwalk. The paved path stretches alongside either side of the river providing fantastic views of downtown Milwaukee.

The place is the Fonz from Pleased Days? You will discover the Bronze Fonz statue in Downtown Milwaukee the place Wells Avenue crosses the river. When you’re within the space, preserve a watch out for Gertie the Duck and her six ducklings.
Considered one of our favourite methods to expertise Milwaukee is from the water, by kayaking alongside the river. The town’s placing structure and wealthy historical past tackle an entire new perspective once you’re paddling by way of its channels. Alongside the best way, you’ll discover public boat docks the place you may pull over for a break and even seize a chunk to eat. A four-hour kayak rental gave us loads of time to discover each the river and the harbor at a relaxed tempo.
If kayaking isn’t your type (and even whether it is!), we additionally advocate a scenic cruise alongside the Milwaukee River. We’ve taken the tour with The Milwaukee Boatline twice now on their Vista King, and it’s at all times a spotlight. The narration strikes an awesome steadiness of enjoyable and informative, and the views alone are well worth the ticket. You may even catch a glimpse of our very first Milwaukee boat tour in the video under.
Brewery Excursions: Lakefront, MKE Brewing & Finest Place

No journey to Milwaukee is full with out a brewery tour, it’s virtually a ceremony of passage in Brew Metropolis. Two of our favorites are Lakefront Brewery and Finest Place on the Historic Pabst Brewery, every providing a completely totally different (however equally memorable) expertise.
For a humorous tour with nice views and good eats, head over to Lakefront Brewery. The 50-minute tour kicks off with a beer pattern of your alternative, then takes you behind the scenes with loads of humor blended in. Afterward, seize a seat on the riverside patio and revel in a couple of extra samples whereas soaking within the ambiance.
Should you’re extra of a historical past buff, head over to Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery. This tour dives into Milwaukee’s deep brewing heritage and the story of how Pabst Blue Ribbon turned a family identify. In fact, it’s finest loved with a pint of PBR in hand.
Meet the Beer Barons that Made Milwaukee Well-known

Milwaukee is also known as the “Beer Capital of the World.” Bear in mind these 4 names as you discover the town: Schlitz, Pabst, Blatz, and Miller. Should you solely have time for one tour, then head to Pabst Mansion. The guided tour reveals fascinating historical past concerning the Pabst household with an in depth look inside their 20,000 sq. foot mansion. One of many highlights for me is Captain Pabst’s My Pricey Youngsters letter on show in his research.
Spend a Day or Two on the Museums

Two of Milwaukee’s hottest museums are the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Harley Davidson Museum. The Artwork Museum is an architectural landmark on the lakefront, residence to a surprising assortment that ranges from traditional to modern. Over on the Harley-Davidson Museum, you don’t should be a bike fanatic to have a superb time. The displays spotlight design, tradition, and historical past, together with Harley’s fascinating position in WWII.
Should you’re searching for extra choices there’s the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum that includes interactive studying and the at all times free Haggerty Museum of Art at Marquette College.
Dine at Among the Finest Locations to Eat in Milwaukee
Milwaukee has an unbelievable meals scene, and through the years we’ve discovered a couple of favorites that we preserve going again to.
Friday Fish Fry

Should you occur to be at Lakefront Brewery on a Friday, don’t miss their traditional beer-battered barbecue. The combo platter with crispy cod and golden potato pancakes is a real Wisconsin custom.
For extra barbecue choices, head over to OnMilwaukee’s Fish Fry Guide.
Cranberry Walnut Bread

For one thing on the sweeter facet, head to Rocket Baby Bakery, the place the cabinets are lined with fresh-baked artisan breads. Whether or not you’re after a crusty baguette or a hearty sourdough, they’ve bought you lined. Our private favourite is the cranberry walnut sourdough made with complete wheat and rye.
Garlic Cream Sauce Pizza

At Transfer Pizzeria Cafe, the actual query isn’t what toppings to get, it’s which sauce to decide on. Their garlic cream sauce is known, particularly on the Garlic Lover’s pizza with sausage and pepperoni (a post-kayaking favourite of ours). However when you’re extra of a purist, their traditional crimson sauce pies ship that comforting, conventional taste.
Brunch Any Day of the Week

You don’t have to attend for the weekend to get pleasure from brunch in Milwaukee. Blue’s Egg presents home made baked items and favourite brunch objects on a regular basis of the week. Snag a seat on the bar to keep away from the lengthy look ahead to tables. My favourite merchandise is the home made english muffin served with whipped butter.
Bratwurst in a Pretzel Bun

The Milwaukee Public Market is a novel meals vacation spot within the Historic Third Ward that includes a variety of native fare. The number of stalls serve dishes from bratwurst to lobster all underneath one roof. Within the temper for a pour over espresso or customized made salad? There are stalls serving that too.
Spice Up Your Cabinet

For anybody who likes to cook dinner, a go to to The Spice House is a dream come true. The good selection of top quality spices could have you questioning if there’s room within the cabinet for all of it. One of the best half is you may pattern each spice before you purchase. Simply watch out with a few of their chili powders.
Squeaky Wisconsin Cheese Curds

Wisconsin is pleased with their cheese, particularly squeaky cheese curds. Whether or not you prefer it contemporary or deep fried, there are many spots to attempt Wisconsin cheese curds. We love the contemporary cheese curds at Clock Shadow Creamery. For one of the best deep fried cheese curds, head over to our Green Bay Travel Guide!
Attend a Pageant

Milwaukee is residence to numerous festivals, and each time we’ve visited, there at all times appears to be one thing taking place, particularly in the summertime. From cultural celebrations to meals and music fests, the town actually is aware of the best way to throw a celebration.
Considered one of our private favorites is German Fest, which we’ve had the possibility to attend twice. It’s a vigorous mixture of polka music, cultural actions, schnitzel, bratwurst, large pretzels and loads of beer. However our favourite half must be the dwell glockenspiel present, the place costumed performers carry the custom to life with music. It’s quirky, enjoyable, and in contrast to something we’ve skilled at one other competition.
The place to Camp in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
We’ve camped at Cliffside Park in Racine about half-hour south of Milwaukee. Under are another choices.
To rapidly discover campgrounds, RV dumps, propane fills, potable water and extra RVing/tenting sources we use Allstays. Try our AllStays Review.
Discover close by Harvest Hosts. Members have entry to vineyards, farms, museums, breweries and extra. Learn our Harvest Hosts Review or use our referral hyperlink to receive a discount.
Check Boondockers Welcome to see if there’s a number member within the space that may accommodate an in a single day RV keep. Learn our Boondockers Welcome Review or use our affiliate link to sign up.
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