Oak Creek: Your Guide to Foodie Finds, Local Fun, & Perfect Stays

Hailey Rose

October 18, 2024

Welcome to Oak Creek, Wisconsin–one of the fastest-growing cities in the State! With a prime location, between Interstate 94 and Lake Michigan’s stunning shoreline, Oak Creek offers an unmatched quality of life. Come along and discover Oak Creek essentials–foodie finds, local fun, and perfect stays. Let’s go!

Foodie Finds

Photo Credit: The Cellar Pub & Grill

Hillside Coffee House

But first, coffee–an everyday essential! In Oak Creek, Hillside Coffee House serves up the best brews, beloved by the entire community. Order up your favorite coffee creations, from lattes to espressos. As you sip and savor your delightful brew, experience Oak Creek’s flavors, the perfect blend of community, culture, and diversity. Make it even sweeter with signature, homemade bakery items–baked fresh with love!

This beautiful blend has been brewing throughout the course of history. Oak Creek has many chapters of rich history, starting as a farming community and later becoming an industrial hub on Lake Michigan’s shoreline. By the late 70s, 80s, and early 90s, a huge single-family housing boom brought its vibrant neighborhoods together, forming the ultimate harmony. 

The Cellar Pub & Grill

Woven into the community’s vibrance are long-living, historical establishments, including the nostalgic Cellar Pub & Grill. The Cellar has been owned by seven different families, once operating as a general store, post office, dancehall, hotel, and now the restaurant you see (and will soon love) today.

The Nelsons, long-time Oak Creek locals, have been running the restaurant since 1999, serving delicious homemade dishes. It offers a taste of everything, from excellent soups and salads to supreme specialties like crab legs, sampler platters, and of course, The Cellar Special–cheese, sausage, mushroom, and onion pizza. Is your mouth watering yet?

Drexel Town Square

Our foodie tour continues at Drexel Town Square–a one-stop destination to eat, sleep, shop, and play! Take a lap and scope out the amazing outdoor spaces, events, and small businesses, including delectable (and convenient) chains like Cubanitas, The Chocolate Factory, and BelAir Cantina–three local favorites that offer an incredible variety. 

Oak Creek Farmers Market

Drexel has all your flavorful favorites and new incoming tastes at the Oak Creek Farmers Market! Running every Saturday from May through October 19, 2024, it has an impressive 65 vendors, who offer a variety of ethnic foods and locally grown produce. We’ll let you in on a little secret…the Taste It Tent is a must-stop, where free samples await!

And for our Wisconsin kiddos, don’t miss out on new weekly educational activities and Kids Coins! Ages 5 to 12 get a free two-dollar coin to buy something special from a fellow farmer. It’s a market for all ages, inspiring the next generation of shoppers. Happy shopping!

Fun For Everyone

Photo Credit: City of Oak Creek Parks and Facility Rentals via Facebook

Oak Creek Performing Arts & Education Center

Calling our arts and culture crew! Oak Creek has the ultimate hub of performing arts–the Oak Creek Performing Arts & Education Center. Established in 2021, it’s home to an incredible theater with 998 seats! And just a note, there are no bad seats in the house.

Bring your friends and family and enjoy everything from 4K choir concerts to high school jazz band concerts. Be sure to also keep an eye out for special events as part of the performing arts series! The series includes an array of top-notch performances, including music, comedy, and ballet.

Oak Creek Parks

Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Oak Creek has got you covered with endless parks scattered throughout the city. Here are a few fan-favorites:

  1. Abdenschein Park

For recreational fun, head to Abdenschein Park, home to a thrilling skate park, playground, and competitive games like baseball, disc golf, and the global phenomenon of cricket. 

  1. Lake Vista Park 

For ultimate relaxation, Lake Vista Park is just for you. What used to be farmlands and the grounds of one of the first distilleries in Milwaukee County is now a revived outdoor oasis. On-site, discover amazing areas that oversee Lake Michigan and exclusive amenities. 

Milwaukee Yard

More fun awaits at the Milwaukee Yard–an indoor sports complex offering childcare, birthday parties, after-school programs, summer camps, acceleration speed training, field and court rentals, pickleball leagues, and so much more! The best part? There’s something for every age. Sign your kiddo up for a program or join an adult league! It’s a hub of family fun you won’t want to miss.

Perfect Stays

After discovering all the foodie finds and local fun in Oak Creek, make it a trip, or consider calling the city your new home! 

For a Quick Trip 

For a weekend stay, Homewood Suites by Hilton Oak Creek Milwaukee is waiting with the perfect amenities. This extended-stay hotel focuses on family entertainment and convenience, with kitchenettes, convention spaces, and a small bar and restaurant. 

For a Big Move

Thinking about making a big move? Within Lake Vista Park’s footprint is Lakeshore Commons–a new neighborhood development offering nature-based amenities and community-focused housing! In fact, it’s one of the few neighborhoods on Lake Michigan. Talk about a view! 

Aside from the beautiful views, residents have access to two on-site pools, outdoor grilling areas, gardens, green spaces, and interconnected trail systems that cut through the entire neighborhood.

Buy, rent, or something in between. No matter your needs, the Commons is ready to accommodate. From townhouses and apartments to large and small single-family homes, find your new dream home right here in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. 

Oak Creek is calling your name! Come and discover all the city essentials from foodie finds and local fun to perfect stays. With a small-town feel and big-city amenities, Oak Creek is a dreamy Wisconsin destination you need to check out. 

For a sneak peek into the city, watch this new Discover Wisconsin episode, ‘Oak Creek – Creating a Future With Purpose’ now:


Hailey Rose: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.

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