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

Courtesy of Christopher Boswell - Fotolia.com

Stroll along the Milwaukee RiverWalk -                                     

Admire the beautiful Domes

Courtesy of Henryk Sadura - Fotolia.com

Admire the beautiful Domes -                                     

Enjoy lively Historic Third Ward

Historic Third Ward

Enjoy lively Historic Third Ward -  

Take the kids to the Milwaukee County Zoo

Courtesy of Lunja - Fotolia.com

Take the kids to the Milwaukee County Zoo -                                     

See an IMAX Theater show at the Milwaukee Public Museum

Milwaukee Public Museum

See an IMAX Theater show at the Milwaukee Public Museum -  

Take your date to Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery

Courtesy of Syda Productions - Fotolia.com

Take your date to Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery -                                     

Get a snack at the Milwaukee Public Market

Courtesy of luckybusiness- Fotolia.com

Get a snack at the Milwaukee Public Market -                                     

Go kayaking in Lakeshore State Park

Courtesy of Riverwalker - Fotolia.com

Go kayaking in Lakeshore State Park -                                     

Have fun with science and technology at Discovery World

Courtesy of f11photo - Fotolia.com

Have fun with science and technology at Discovery World -                                     

Check out the Grohmann Museum

Grohmann Museum

Check out the Grohmann Museum -  

In Summary...

(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)