- What is Waukesha known for?
- Waukesha is a city in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. It is part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area.
- Waukesha was once known for its clean and great-tasting spring water with healing properties and was called a "spa town" and "Spring City."
- What cultural attractions can visitors enjoy in Waukesha?
- The Waukesha is home to the Civic Theatre, a community theater that offers a range of stage productions in a beautiful historic movie house.
- What breweries are in Waukesha?
- Raised Grain Brewing Co. is an award-winning brewery known for their Kilted Kolsch and Black Walnut Belgian Imperial Stout.
- What is the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium?
- Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium is a state-of-the-art planetarium located on the grounds of the Retzer Nature Center.
This post may include affiliate links. Click here for Affiliate Disclosure.
1. Raised Grain Brewing Company
Raised Grain Brewing Co. is an award-winning brewery in Waukesha, Wisconsin, creating ‘Boldly Brewed Beer’ such as their Kilted Kolsch and Black Walnut Belgian Imperial Stout. Their new Dolphin Tap room is located at the production facility in downtown Waukesha and allows clients great view of the brewery. This great space with high ceiling and lot of repurposed and recycled wood is a popular gathering spot, especially when the brewery rolls out the new brew or there is a game on TV. The kitchen is open from Tuesday to Sunday so plan on pairing your favorite brew with a hand-tossed pizza, brisket sandwich, or our new Wisconsin classic: Brat Bites. . The tours of the brewery are available on Saturdays.
1725 Dolphin Dr Ste B, Waukesha, WI 53186, Phone: 262-505-5942
2. Waukesha Civic Theatre
The Waukesha Civic Theatre is a community theater in Waukesha, Wisconsin that offers a range of stage productions in a beautiful historic movie house. The theatre was established in 1957 and its first productions were at Waukesha High School. In 1962 the theatre bought and converted a former church on Washington Street. It was the theatre home until 1999 when the theatre moved to a new facility in the historic downtown Waukesha, the historic PIX movie house. As part of the theatre’s arts education culture, it currently offers year round classes in multiple disciplines. Since the theatre opened in 1957, it has produced or presented over 650 shows, using 14,000 volunteers, entertained 450,000 theatre lovers and educated 15,000 students.
264 W Main St, Waukesha, WI 53186, Phone: 262-547-0708
3. Horwitz-Deremer Planetarium
Located on the grounds of the Retzer Nature Center, the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium is a state of the art planetarium that offers weekend shows for audiences of all ages. The 40-foot dome with 90 theater style seats has a new 4k Digistar system with surround sound speakers. The shows all start with a short tour of the current night sky, a presenter talk and introduction, followed by a full dome planetarium show. The planetarium also offers free sky watching events every first Friday of each month. The planetarium program also serves as a district and community science resource center, introducing fundamental science concepts such as weather, climate, chemistry, physics, and earth science.
S14 W28167, Madison St, Waukesha, WI 53188, Phone: 262-970-4139
4. Tofte's Table
Opened in August of 2016 in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Tofte’s Table is an upscale eatery with warm atmosphere, colorful walls, luxurious light fixtures and a massive communal dining table that invites sharing and socializing. The place is equally inviting for a romantic dinner as it is for a family lunch or an office party. The food is eclectic, seasonal, using local produce whenever possible and everything is prepared to perfection. Dishes range from everyone’s favorite braised beef short ribs to octopus, grilled and served with greens in a bright lemon-mustard dressing, fried chicken legs with grilled vegetables and chicken and duck thighs with gnocchi and broccolini in the birds’ juices. The bar serves small batch Wisconsin spirits, a variety of craft beer and a curated selection of international wines.
331 Riverfront St, Waukesha, WI 53186, Phone: 262-408-5633
5. The Neighbors Bar and Grille
The Neighbors Bar and Grille in downtown Waukesha, Wisconsin is just what the name says: cozy, friendly neighborhood watering hole and laid-back sports bar with wall-to-wall large screen TVs so you do not miss any game and quirky décor like entire antique motorcycles. The menu is classic pub grub with a twist, with pizzas, sandwiches, soups, burgers and daily specials that include fish and chips and Grilled Prime Rib. There are plenty of games in the back including video poker, arcade games and a jukebox. There is a nice outdoor patio for those warm summer evenings.
s16w22255 Arcadian Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186, Phone: 262-408-5872
6. Jimmy's Grotto
Jimmy’s Grotto is a homey, cozy, unpretentious eatery in Waukesha, Wisconsin serving Italian dishes, thin and regular pizzas, Italian sausages and their famous Ponza Rotta. The place has been around since 1946 and many customers come back for the ponza rottas. . Ponza Rotta is a deep fried calzone or folded pizza and it comes, just like their pizzas, with any number of toppings customers desire. It is juicy, greasy, not very health-conscious but absolutely delicious. The menu also includes traditional Italian pastas, sandwiches and appetizers. You can wash it down with beer or sodas. You can buy their ponza rotta frozen and make it at home.
314 E Main St, Waukesha, WI 53186, Phone: 262-542-1500
| Best Time to Visit | Places to Stay | Tips for Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and fewer tourists. | Best Western Waukesha Grand – A comfortable stay with easy access to downtown and local parks. | Visit the Waukesha County Historical Society – Learn about the rich history of the area with exhibits and events. |
| Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for outdoor activities, festivals, and local events. | La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Waukesha – A convenient and affordable stay with modern amenities. | Attend the Waukesha Freeman Friday Night Live – Enjoy live music, food, and fun at this summer event in downtown Waukesha. |
| Fall (September-November) – Cool air, vibrant foliage, and fewer crowds. | Hampton Inn Milwaukee/Waukesha – Comfortable accommodations with easy access to nearby parks and attractions. | Explore the Fox River Sanctuary – Hike or bike along scenic trails in the beautiful fall landscape. |
| Winter (December-February) – Cold temperatures, ideal for cozy indoor activities and winter sports. | Radisson Hotel Milwaukee West – Cozy and convenient accommodations close to Waukesha and winter activities. | Enjoy ice skating at the Waukesha Skating Center – Have fun skating and enjoy the winter atmosphere with family and friends. |
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents: