With so many different places to see in the Wisconsin’s largest city, there is literally something for everyone in Milwaukee. Whether you want to spend some time relaxing on the beach of Lake Michigan or make your way to a concert, Milwaukee has you covered! Here’s just a sampling of what this great city has in store for you:
- Wisconsin State Fair
Have you ever had fried Twinkies or fish and chips on a stick? How about the Original Cream Puff? The Wisconsin State Fair is the best place to get everything imaginable fried and on a stick. But while the food may lure you into the fair, it’s the music and entertainment that’ll keep you around for hours. A few bands this year include Rascal Flatts, Halestorm, and Newboys. If you are the competitive type, there are many opportunities for you to participate in competitions that’ll have you showin’ off your livestock, art, wine and beer and culinary skills. - Harley-Davidson Museum
The Harley-Davidson Museum is full of intrigue, Milwaukee pride and motorcycling relic. With the exhibits changing frequently, you can be sure to learn something new about Harley-Davidson every time you pop in. Explore the fascinating exhibits, behind-the-scenes tours, multiple events and more! There is something for everyone to love and appreciate here—even if you yourself are not a motorcycling enthusiast. If you need a bite to eat while you are visiting the museum, stop at MOTOR Bar and Restaurant. (I recommend trying the BBQ Ribs, Fish or Booyah Stew.)
- Milwaukee County Parks
We all love a little Wisconsin nature so why not make a stop at a Milwaukee County Park? There are many parks for you and the family to enjoy around Milwaukee. If you are looking to go biking, check out the Alpha Mountain Bike Trail located in the Whitnall Park’s Winter Sports Area. This trail is a three-mile single-track narrow trail. For all you hikers out there, check out the Seven Bridges Trail in Grant Park. On this trail you will find beautiful wildflowers, spectacular fall colors and many creeks. If you are looking to cool down on these hot summer days coming up, be sure to stop at the family water parks, beaches and take a boating trip on the lake.
- Summerfest
Are you ready to rock and roll this summer at the world’s largest music festival?! Enter: Summerfest. Enjoy live music from the hottest artists and emerging artists, great food from over 45 vendors, cold Miller Lite beer, interactive exhibits with new products from the nation’s biggest brands, and find some official Summerfest gear to commemorate your time in “The Mil.” A few of the artists that will be at Summerfest in 2016 include Blake Shelton, Selena Gomez, Def Leppard, Chris Stapleton and Alabama Shakers. - Lakefront Brewery
It isn’t a Wisconsin vacation if you don’t take a brewery tour! Lakefront Brewery is a leader when it comes to brewing the best beers in Milwaukee. Lakefront was the the first brewery to be certified as Travel Green Wisconsin, the first in the country to brew a certified organic beer and the first to be approved to brew a gluten free beer in 2006. If that wasn’t enough, Lakefront Brewery is considered by many to offer one of the best brewery tours in the country. Don’t love the taste of beer? Try Lakefront’s Golden Maple Root Beer.
- Potawatomi Hotel and Casino
Ready to win big?! Potawatomi Hotel and Casino is just the place for you! This casino has two large floors filled with slot machines, table games, bingo, poker and off-track betting. Potawatomi also wins big in the dining realm: You can enjoy Milwaukee’s newest sushi spot, delicious steak at the steakhouse and so much more. After dinner, hit up a comedy show at The Fire Pit’s side bar any Saturday for some laughs. You can also enjoy music from various artists throughout the week. - Milwaukee County Zoo
The casino and brewery may be for moms and dads, but these last four suggestions are perfect for the kid and kid at heart. Open 365 days a year, the Milwaukee County Zoo has over 2,500 animals representing 300 species on 200 acres. See the animals up close when you can check out Animals in Action or the Birds of Prey Show. Speaking of fowl, get a birds eye view of the zoo from the Sky Trail Ropes Course and Zip Lines. After all that adventuring and sight-seeing, grab a bite to eat at one of the zoo’s many cafes, snack sops and markets. - Milwaukee Art Museum
The Milwaukee Art Museum may house 30,000 pieces of art but let’s not forget: the building itself is a true vision of architectural artistry. In addition to the vast art collection—which has been a work in progress for more than 125 years—the Milwaukee Art Museum also hosts workshops every weekend for people of all ages to create their own. The activities are always changing so you don’t have to worry about creating the same piece of art. After you visit the museum, stop by the store to find souvenirs. With the art exhibits changing every few months, as well as the weekend workshops, you will have an excuse to visit the Milwaukee Art Museum over and over!
- Discovery World
Another iconic Milwaukee spot, Discover World provides multiple exhibits related to science and technology. Visitors get an interactive experience as they explore the exhibits, which span an array of topics including music, clean air and nanotechnology. Stop by the Kohl’s Design It! Lab to create a project that you can actually take home. This is included with your general admission. Also included in your admission fee, education movies on the big screen! Enjoy movies about nature and more.
- Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
Take it from us: It is impossible to be bored at Betty Brinn Children’s Museum. From learning about bugs and the environment to creating projects in science, technology, engineering, art, and math, Betty Brinn Children’s Museum boasts nine exhibits that offer kids a hands-on learning experience. This museum is a true Milwaukee gem and the perfect way to occupy your kiddos for a few hours.
Next time you take on a trip to Milwaukee, share your photos with us on social media using #discoverwisconsin. We’ll re-share our favorites! If you have other suggestions for things to do in Cream City, share them with us in the comments below.
Watch A Good Time to Visit Milwaukee this weekend on Discover Wisconsin!
Rebecca Haverland is a member of the Discover Wisconsin crew. Stream the show online at DiscoverWisconsin.com or watch every Saturday at 10 a.m. on Fox Sports Wisconsin. (Twitter: @DiscoverWI)
