Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Stretched along a bluff overlooking one of Lake Michigan's most beautiful bays, Milwaukee is said to have the perfect balance of big-city attractions and small-town values. With a population of over 600,000 people, Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin and the 17th largest in the nation. Yet, it is known for its safety and cleanliness.
The Grand Avenue Mall, a four block, multi level, totally enclosed marketplace of over 130 shops and restaurants, has newly revitalized Milwaukee's historic shopping district. It is a perfect example of the blending of old and new. Milwaukee is a family friendly city with interactive museums, a spectacular zoo, theaters ranging from Imax to opera, world-class sporting events, and spectacular waterways offering fishing and water sports.
There are many beautiful churches and architecturally noteworthy buildings and homes. Each summer there is an authentic reenactment of an old time circus parade complete with bands, animals and horse drawn wagons in the downtown area. Summerfest brings to the city's waterfront eleven different music stages, along with food and fun.
Milwaukee hosts lively ethnic festivals throughout the year. Among these are: Oktoberfest, Bavarian Folk Fest, Festa Italiana, German Fest, Greek Festival, Polish Fest, Holiday Folk Fair, Indian Summer Fest, Irish Fest, Mexican Fiesta, African World Festival, Asian Moon Festival, and Bastille Days. The influence of each of these cultures is also apparent in the wide variety of local restaurants featuring mouth watering ethnic cuisine.
In the 1600's and 1700's Milwaukee served as a French trading post and a campsite between Chicago and Green Bay. As waves of other European settlers began arriving in the 1820's, they rejoiced in the combination of fertile land and abundant water that would insure their prosperity. The French were followed by the English, then by Scandanavian, Irish, Dutch, Austrian and Polish settlers. Reminders of these early immigrants are still evident as the community holds on to some of the traditions introduced over 150 years ago. The immigrants contributed their strong work ethic, evident everywhere from small family businesses to industrial giants like the Allen-Bradley Co. and the breweries.
A feeling of warmth and hospitality is evident throughout the region. Milwaukeeans are proud of their city and its many "one of a kind" attractions, and they welcome the opportunity to share these with visitors. The Milwaukee Public Museum ranks number one in exhibits nationwide. This museum pioneered the idea of walk-through exhibit designs, and it has featured these since 1882. The Milwaukee Art Museum is Wisconsin's premier visual arts museum. Brewery tours and samplings are popular with visitors and local residents alike.
Professional sports abound in Milwaukee. No matter what the season, Milwaukee has it covered! Top pro teams such as the Bucks, the Brewers, and the Admirals provide year round excitement. The Milwaukee Mustangs, a recent addition to the local sports scene, bring the thrill of fast paced football to the indoor arena.
Milwaukeeans do more than watch sports action from the sidelines -- they fully participate. Biking, swimming, skiing, football, baseball, tennis, golf and running are just a few of the recreational activities available in Greater Milwaukee. There are 15,000 acres of parkland in Milwaukee County and numerous private facilities. Competitive cycling brings national and international competitors to Milwaukee each summer. 76 miles of area bike trails are available to the public and waiting to be explored!
Milwaukee is a city of beauty and vitality that attracts visitors seeking to discover and enjoy this gateway to the Midwest. A few years ago, the Greater Milwaukee Convention and Visitors Bureau adopted a new and most appropriate slogan for the city: "Genuine American."
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Season is from Sept. - June
(414) 273-7206
This nationally acclaimed orchestra gives nearly 200 concerts a year in Milwaukee, across the country and in Europe and Asia.
Milwaukee Ballet Company
504 West National Avenue
(414) 643-7677
well known for its classical and contemporary ballet. More Info
Milwaukee Repertory Theater
108 E. Wells Street
(414) 224-9490
Season runs from September to mid-May. Presents traditional and contemporary plays
Florentine Opera
929 N. Water Street
(414) 291-5700
This is the only professional grand opera company in Wisconsin. It performs at The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. More Info
Milwaukee Riverside Theatre
116 West Wisconsin Avenue
(414) 274-3000
This is Wisconsin's largest landmark theater and a showpiece for touring Broadway shows and pop and country artists.
Pabst Theater
144 E. Wells Street
(414) 286-3665
Tours are offered Saturdays at 11:30 AM.
The Pabst Theater is a center for touring and local theatrical productions, concerts and dance. It is a beautifully restored 19th century Victorian theater.
Skylight Theatre
located in a newly constructed 18th century
Italian Baroque opera house, presents both opera and music theater.
Helfaer Theater
(414) 224-3000
on the Marquette University campus presents quality concert and theater offerings.
Milwaukee County Zoo
(414) 771-3040
6 miles west on US18 between US 45
and SR 100 at 10001 West Blossomwood Road
Hours and admission fees:
May-Sept.: Mon.-Sat. 9-5. Sun. and holidays 9-6
Rest of the year: daily 9-4:30. Admission $8. Adults
$7 over 59. $6 Ages 3-12. Under 3 Free
Parking $6. Nominal charge for zoomobile and train
The Milwaukee zoo is ranked among the finest zoological gardens in the world. More than 2500 species of animals are displayed in five continental groupings and in natural habitat settings. A daily educational show features four California Sea Lions. A close up educational tour in zoomobiles is available. Other highlights are an educational dairy complex called Heritage Farm; a petting zoo, and a miniature train. Rental equipment is available for use on a cross country ski trail that passes by indoor and outdoor animal exhibits. Allow a minimum of 3 hours at the zoo. Wheel chair and stroller rentals are offered. More Info
Milwaukee County Historical Center
(414) 273-8288
Admission: Free
Mon.-Fri. 9:30-5
Sat.10-5; Sun. 1-5. Closed holidays
The museum features a trip back in time. On display are military items, women's fashions, a panorama painter's gallery, firefighting equipment, an early 20th century pharmacy, physician's office and bank. Allow 1 hour minimum
Pettit National Ice Center,
(414) 266-0100
S. of I-94 exit 306 at 500 S. 84th Street
Guided tours by appointment.
Daily 8 AM - 9 PM. Spectators Free
except during events. Skating $5 Adults
Over 61 and under 13 $4. Skate rentals $2
The Center is a 200,000 square foot ice skating facility - only one of five in the world - which offers public skating along with a 400 meter speed skating oval and two international sized ice sheets for Olympic training. Various competitions and events take place periodically. The ice is open to the public several times daily. More Info
Whitnall Park and Kettle Moraine
5879 S. 92nd Street
provide extensive gardens and nature walks. 600 acres includes an 18 hole golf course, recreational facilities, picnic areas, an environmental education center and botanical gardens. Open daily year round dawn- dusk. Among the gardens located within Whitnall Park are:
(1) Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
(414) 649-9800
Admission: Adults $4; Ages 6-17 and disabled persons $2.50
Daily 9-5
The Conservatory is comprised of three geodesic domes which recreate the climate of a tropical rain forest, an arid desert and a seasonal floral display. Allow 1 hour and 30 minutes
(2) Boerner Botanical Gardens
5879 S. 92nd Street
Open daily 8-7, May-Sept. Rest of the year: 8-4
Admission: free. Parking $3.50
contains trees, shrubs and flowers displayed in formal and informal gardens. The rose garden has more than 3000 plants of 500 varieties. Each year more than 11,000 annuals are planted for seasonal flower exhibitions. The administration building contains art exhibits. More Info
Miller Brewing Company
4251 West State Street
(414) 931-2337
Admission: Free
Call for schedule
One could not think of visiting Milwaukee without considering a brewery tour. The Miller Brewing Company provides an inside glimpse at the fascinating history of brewing in Milwaukee as well as an opportunity to sample the current brew. The one hour tour includes stairs and four blocks of walking. Strollers are not permitted on the tour.
Sprecher Brewery
(414) 964-2739
Tours by reservation only
Tours conducted June-August
offers some of the best connoisseur-style, or micro-brewery, beers in the world. Gourmet sodas in a variety of inviring flavors are also produced here and are available for sampling.
Lakefront Brewery
1872 North Commerce Street
(414)372-8800
Tours by reservation only every weekend
Call for appointment
Admission: Free
Tour and sampling at this recently renovated state of the art brewery
International Clown Hall of Fame
161 West Wisconsin Avenue, Suite LL700
in Grand Avenue Mall
(414) 319-0848
is dedicated to the preservation and advancement of clown art. Clown clothing, shoes, and props are displayed. Paintings and videos of clown performances can be seen. Phone ahead for schedule of live clown shows. More Info
Milwaukee Art Museum
(414) 224-3200
750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive
overlooks Lake Michigan
(Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat 10am-5pm
Thurs noon-9pm, Sun noon-5pm)
Adults $5), over 64 and students with ID $3;
under 12, free when with adult
Houses more than 20.000 works dating from the 15th century. Of particular interest are the collections of the Old Masters; 19th and 20th century European and American art and works by modern artists. Also featured are a collection of Haitian art, Amerrican folk art and the Prairie School archives of Frank Lloyd Wright. the 17th and 18th century American decorative arts are also featured. More Info
Milwaukee Museum Center Complex
710 W Wells St
(414) 224-3200
$13.50 Adults; over 59 $11; 4-17 $10
for all three attractions listed below
(1) Milwaukee Public Museum
(414) 278-2700
daily 9am-5pm
Admission for museum only: $6.50 for Adults
over 59: $5; 4-17 $4; 3 and under Free
In this museum, histories and mysteries of the earth, nature and humankind are imaginatively presented through dioramas such as "The Streets of Old Milwaukee" complete with lamplighted lanes. A battle of the dinosaurs as well as a life sized tyrannosaurus rex and stegosaurus. Restaurant and vending machines on premises. Wheelchair and stroller rentals available. More Info
(2) Humphrey IMAX Dome Theater
(414) 319-4629 (press 2)
(Mon-Wed 11.30am-4.30pm
Thurs & Fri 11.30am-8.30pm
Sat 10.30am-8.30pm
Sun 10.30am-5.30pm
shows on the half-hour
$6.50 for Adults
over 59: $5.50; 4-17 $5; 3 and under Free
weekday matinees $4
provides thrills for all ages. This is the only IMAX theater in Wisconsin. It features the giant wraparound screen. More Info
(3) Discovery World - The James Lovell Museum of Science, Economics and Technology
815 N. James Lovell Street
Daily 9-5
(414) 765-0777
Adults $5; over 59 $4; 4-17 $3
features more than 150 "touch and do" exhibits in the fields of science, economics and technology of particular interest to children ages 10 and up. Allow 1 hour minimum. Weekends feature science demonstrations (children under 5 not admitted)and laser light shows.
The Pabst Mansion
2000 West Wisconsin Avenue
(414) 931-0808
Open Tues.-Sat. 10-3:30, Sun. noon-3:30
Admission Adults $7. Over 65 and students with ID $6; 6-17 $5
Prices may vary during special events
a 37 room Flemish Renaissance mansion built in 1892 for beer baron Captain Frederick Pabst. Exquisite carved wood and stained glass windows add to the beauty and grace of this home. There are 12 bathrooms, 14 fireplaces and fine ornamental ironwork. Available for rental for weddings, etc. Guided tours are available. Telephone for schedule. More Info
Schlitz Audubon Center
1 mile east of I43 exit 82A at 1111 East Brown Deer Road
(414) 352-2880
Tues.-Sun. 9-5. Admission Adults $4
Over 61 and 2-12 $2
This impressive nature preserve covers 225 acres on the shores of Lake Michigan. Where off duty wagon horses once relaxed, there are now 6 miles of trails through fields into forests, along ponds and marshlands. A building houses materials for self conducted tours. Hiking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing are popular activities. More Info
St. Joan of Arc Chapel
601 North 14th Street on Central Mall
on the campus of Marquette University
(414) 288-6873
Mon.-Sat. 10-4. Sun. noon-4. Free
a 15th century French chapel that stood in the Rhone Valley for more than 500 years. During the French Revolution it fell into disrepair. In 1927 it was moved to a Long Island estate and reconstructed by John Russell Pope, one of America's leading architects. In 1965 it was moved to Marquette University. This outstanding example of Gothic architecture contains items from the 11th - 15th centuries including the Joan of Arc stone before which Saint Joan is said to have prayed.
Ongoing Exhibits
Kilbourntown House
Estabrook Park, just off Capitol Drive
414/273-8288
Tues., Thurs., Sat. 10a.m.-5p.m., Sun. 1-5p.m.
Built in 1844 by Benjamin Church, this Greek Rivival home was originally located in the Kilbourntown section of Milwaukee. It was moved in 1938 and is open to the public. Free admission, donations appreciated. More Info
Lowell Damon House
2107 N. Wauwatosa Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI
Sun. 1-5p.m., Wed. 3-5p.m.
414/273-8288
Wauwatosa's oldest home - begun in 1844 and completed in 1847. Free admission, donations appreciated. More Info
" Masterpieces from 25 Centuries
Milwaukee Art Museum
414-224-3200
Highlights from the Permanent Collection" This exhibition features the museum's major works in a new installation that will undoubtedly surprise visitors, particularly familiar with the MAM layout which has remained virtually unchanges since 1988. The most important and best-loved works will be moved from their current locations to the museum's upper level. More Info
Permanent Collection
Charles Allis Art Museum
Open Wed.-Sun. 1-5p.m.
414-278-8295
Completed in 1911, the Tudor-style masion is intact with original furnishings and is undoubtedly was one of the finest of the many mansions that lined Milwaukee's most fashionable street in the elegant Edwardian era. Its worldwide art collection spanning 2,000 years includes Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Greek and Roman art objects; fine French, English and American period furniture; Renaissance bronzes; and landscapes by major 19th and 20th century French and American painters. More Info
" Puelicher Butterfly Wing
Milwaukee Public Museum<
414-278-2702
Get an up-close look at hundreds of live butterflies in a tropical setting in this two-story, glass-enclosed butterfly garden. A total of 20 domestic and tropical species including, the electric blue "Morpho," fly freely in Wisconsin's only permanent tropical butterfly garden, stopping to rest on a leaf or suck nectar through its proboscis foliage, and will be kept at a constant temperature and humidity throughout all of Wisconsin's four seasons. Complementing the garden is a learning gallery, with hands-on interactive stations and examples of science at work. Specimens from the Museum's world-class Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) collection are showcased, along with the research of Museum scientists. More Info
Sunday Villa Tours
Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
1st & 3rd Sundays, 2-4p.m.
414-271-3656
Docent-guided tours of the Villa's permanent collection. Also view the progress of the Garden Renaissance Project to create a 16th century Tuscan style garden. More Info
Villa Terrace Permanent Exhibitions
Villa TerraceDecorative Arts Museum
414-271-3656
The Italian Renaissance-style villa designed and built by architect, David Adler, overlooks Lake Michigan. View period rooms with decorative arts from the 15th through 20th centuries, fine art by Spanish, Dutch, Flemish and Italian painters, "Wrought Iron Artistry by Cyril Colnik (1871-1958), 'the Tiffany of wrought iron masters,'" and the Ogden Dollhouse Gallery which showcases a three-story dollhouse and antique children's toys. More Info
Comedy/Sportz Competitive
414/272-8888
Thurs.-Sun.
Family comedy for over 15 years. More Info
Miller Brewery Tour
Miller Brewing Company Visitor's Center
Mon.- Sat.: tours 10:30a.m.-3:30p.m.
shop 9:30a.m.-5:30p.m.
414-931-BEER
There's a lot to like about a Miller Brewery Tour. Giant brew kettles and high-speed bottling lines. The immense Miller Caves and the uniquely stocked Miller Gift Shop. A shipping center - home to half a million cases of beer. But the best part of the tour may just come in a smaller package - the free, frosty samples served in the Miller Inn. The Miller Brewery Tour. Where fun is always on tap. More Info
SkyWaukee Tour
The Grand Avenue,Plankinton statue
414-277-7795
Saturdays, 1p.m.
Featuring the history and architecture of downtown Milwaukee as seen from the skywalk system.
Sunday Guided Tours
Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
1st & 3rd Sundays, 2-4p.m.
414-271-3656
Docent-guided tours of the Villa Terrace mansion, its collection and gardens begin in January. Free with museum admission.
Summer Train Rides
Through Oct. 31
East Troy Electric Railroad Museum
East Troy, WI; Sat. and Sun.
11a.m.-4p.m.
262-548-3837
Ride full-size antique streetcars and interurbans over Wisconsin's landmark electric railroad between East Troy and the Elegant Farmer. More Info
Architectural and Historical Walking Tours
Through Oct. 15
Various meeting places
Sat. and Sun., 10a.m. & 1p.m.
414-277-7795
Historic Milwaukee presents a series of historical and architectural walking tours through many of Milwaukee's varied neighborhoods. Call for a complete weekly listing. More Info
Grand Avenue Mall
Visitors to Greater Milwaukee will find an exciting variety of shopping choices. The area abounds with unique specialty shops, artisans' villages and one-of-a-kind galleries. You will want to save time to explore the $11 million 4 block three story Grand Avenue Mall along the Milwaukee River and just below the Mall, Old World Third Street, a restored warehouse district that features art galleries and specialty stores along a cobblestone street.
