Craving lakefront charm, great brews, and a splash of culture? I always say—head to Milwaukee! Every time I visit, I feel that perfect mix of Midwest friendliness and big-city buzz. You’ll find yourself wandering from lakeside parks to local breweries to museums without missing a beat. And those sunsets over Lake Michigan? I never get tired of them—you won’t either.
Best Time to Visit
If you’re like me and love being outside, plan your trip from late spring through early fall (May to October). I’ve enjoyed everything from lakefront picnics to live music and food truck festivals. You’ll find the city alive with things to do and warm weather that makes exploring fun.
How to Get There
- By Car: I usually drive in via I-94 or I-43—it’s an easy ride, especially from Chicago (just 90 minutes if traffic’s kind to you).
- By Train: I’ve taken Amtrak’s Hiawatha line before, and it drops you right at Milwaukee’s downtown Intermodal Station. You’ll love how convenient it is.
- By Plane: I’ve flown into General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) a few times—it’s efficient and gets you close to downtown fast. You can find direct flights from most major cities.
Where to Stay
- The Pfister Hotel – I treated myself to a stay here once and felt like royalty. You’ll be swept away by the Victorian elegance and the rooftop views are something else.
- Kimpton Journeyman Hotel – If you want trendy with a local vibe, this spot in the Historic Third Ward is my pick. You’ll love the rooftop dining and the walkable neighborhood.
- Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown – When I wanted comfort and convenience downtown, this place hit the mark. You get modern rooms, a great location, and yes—you’ll appreciate the free happy hour too.
Best Things to Do in Milwaukee
Stroll along the Milwaukee RiverWalk -
Admire the beautiful Domes -
Enjoy lively Historic Third Ward -
Take the kids to the Milwaukee County Zoo -
See an IMAX Theater show at the Milwaukee Public Museum -
Take your date to Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery -
Get a snack at the Milwaukee Public Market -
Go kayaking in Lakeshore State Park -
Have fun with science and technology at Discovery World -
Check out the Grohmann Museum -
Where to Eat
- Sanford Restaurant – Elegant dining with inventive Midwestern cuisine in a cozy setting.
- Blue’s Egg – Beloved brunch spot serving up hearty breakfasts and specialty coffee.
- Kopp’s Frozen Custard – A Milwaukee institution known for rich frozen custard and giant burgers.
Local Events
- Summerfest (June–July) – One of the world’s largest music festivals, held on the lakefront.
- Bastille Days (July) – French-themed street festival with food, music, and a mini Eiffel Tower.
- Milwaukee Film Festival (Spring/Fall) – Celebrating independent films from around the globe.
More Milwaukee events:
- Milwaukee German Fest - July
- Milwaukee Irish Fest - Every third weekend in August
- Milwaukee Film Festival - April / May
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Wauwatosa (10–15 min) – Stroll the Village, explore the zoo, or enjoy boutique shopping and cozy cafés.
- West Allis (10–15 min) – Visit the Wisconsin State Fair Park, catch a race at the Milwaukee Mile, or explore local breweries.
- Shorewood (10–15 min) – Walk Oak Leaf Trail, relax at Atwater Park, or dine along the lakefront.
- Whitefish Bay (15–20 min) – Browse charming shops, enjoy lake views, or stroll through quiet, leafy neighborhoods.
- Glendale (15–20 min) – Visit Bayshore, tour Sprecher Brewery, or enjoy riverside dining and shopping.
- Brookfield (20–25 min) – Shop upscale malls, explore parks and trails, or enjoy family-friendly dining spots.
- Greenfield (15–20 min) – Hike Cool Waters Park, visit farmers markets, or relax in community green spaces.
- South Milwaukee (20–25 min) – Explore Grant Park, walk the Seven Bridges Trail, or enjoy lakefront picnics.
- Cudahy (15–20 min) – Visit Sheridan Park, enjoy Polish bakeries, or bike the Oak Leaf Trail along the lake.
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming lakefront scenery.
The Pfister Hotel – A historic and elegant hotel in downtown Milwaukee.
Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum – Explore world-class exhibits and the iconic Calatrava-designed building.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and ideal for festivals and lakefront activities.
Kimpton Journeyman Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel in the Third Ward district.
Attend Summerfest – Experience the world’s largest music festival on the lakefront.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, colorful foliage, and great brewery tours.
The Iron Horse Hotel – A unique luxury stay near the Harley-Davidson Museum.
Tour Milwaukee’s famous breweries – Visit Lakefront Brewery, Miller Brewery, or a local craft brewery.
FAQ
- What are some great things to do in Milwaukee?
- Stroll along the river past great shops, cafes, and unique restaurants, tour the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, and visit the trendy Historic Third Ward. There are plenty of attractions to explore in this vibrant city.
- What are the best things to do in Milwaukee with kids?
- The best activities for families include visiting the Milwaukee County Zoo, exploring the Manfred Olson Planetarium, discovering interactive exhibits at Discovery World, and enjoying hands-on fun at the Betty Brinn Children's Museum.
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)- • Stroll along the Milwaukee RiverWalk
- • Admire the beautiful Domes
- • Enjoy lively Historic Third Ward
- • Take the kids to the Milwaukee County Zoo
- • See an IMAX Theater show at the Milwaukee Public Museum
- • Take your date to Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery
- • Get a snack at the Milwaukee Public Market
- • Go kayaking in Lakeshore State Park
- • Have fun with science and technology at Discovery World
- • Check out the Grohmann Museum