Thank you University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee for creating and sharing this list!
Parks and Great Outdoors
Lake Park – 2975 N Lake Park Rd
A quiet little park on the east side of the city. It overlooks Lake Michigan and is surrounded by some historic mansions. (And there’s a traveling Beer Garden!)
Lakeshore Park – 500 N Harbor Dr
Located just outside the Summerfest grounds, it is a small hike on restored wetlands right downtown.
Milwaukee Riverwalk – 117 E Wells St
Explore the scenic Milwaukee Riverwalk and pay tribute to the Bronze Fonz statue.
Bradford Beach – 2400 N Lincoln Memorial Dr
Large public beach with restrooms and a burger shack.
Food and Drink
Milwaukee Public Market – 400 N. Water Street.
Great place for food, MKE gifts
Third Street Market Hall: 275 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, Wi 53203
Relaxed, casual, family-friendly food market with vendors, entertainment and a bar.
Lake Front Brewery: On the Milwaukee River/River Walk
1872 N Commerce St, Milwaukee Wi, 53211
Has Tours: Highly Recommended!
Miller Brewery: 4251 W State St, Milwaukee, Wi 53208
Has Tours: Historical
Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery: 917 W Juneau Ave, Milwaukee Wi, 53233
Tours, history, and PBR!
Great Lakes Distillery – If beer is not your thing! (Half priced tours on Sunday!)
616 West Virginia Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Hubbard Park Beer Garden: 3565 N. Morris Blvd, Shorewood WI, 53211
(Near UWM Campus) – on the Milwaukee River
Estabrook Beer Garden: Â First Public Beer Garden in USA since Prohibition
4600 Estabrook Drive, Milwaukee WI, 53217
Safe House: 779 N. Front St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Is a legendary, spy themed restaurant and bar in downtown Milwaukee. Hidden behind an unassuming red door in an alleyway, guests must provide a secret password to enter or complete a silly task to get access. It features secret passages, magic shows, and spy – themed cocktails.
On the Milwaukee River, Live Polka/Music
Coffee
Discourse Coffee
1016 N Broadway, Milwaukee – Located downtown. Modern cafe for a variety of coffee drinks, including experimental options.
Hawthorne Coffee Roasters
4177 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee – some of the best coffee in the city with laid back vibes in a renovated bowling alley. Closer to the airport, so it’s perfect for those flying into the city.
Colectivo Coffee Lakefront
1701 N Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee – coffee shop with the best view in the city, often busy and bustling, with plenty of outdoor seating.
Stone Creek, Fiddle Heads, Valentine, and Anodyne coffee are all great places to check out!
Ice cream
You can’t visit Milwaukee without trying custard ice cream. Some of the standouts include:
- Gilles Frozen Custard – 7515 W Bluemound Rd: The original custard stand. Former MLB Commissioner Bud Selig stopped there daily before going to Brewers.
- Kopp’s Frozen Custard: The most popular custard choice and with several locations in the area.
- Oscar’s Frozen Custard – 7041 S 27th St: This is in a suburb south of Milwaukee and has a drive-thru for those coming south from Chicago.
Purple Door Ice Cream – 205 2nd St
If you have an egg allergy or don’t want to travel too far, Purple Door has a good selection of flavors.
Activities!
Edelweiss Cruises and Boat tours – Milwaukee River
205 W Highland Ave, Milwaukee Wi, 53203
Kayak tours/rentals: Brew City Kayak – 818 South Water St. Milwaukee Wi, 53204
Swan Boat Rentals: 1400 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53202
BREWERS GAME: American Family Field – Home games scheduled on 6/14, 6/16, 6/17 -get to the game via a free shuttle from various bars around the city. This stadium is an all-season stadium so rain or shine you can enjoy America’s favorite past time, and our iconic sausage race!
-Free Shuttles:
-Milwaukee Brat Haus – Downtown or Shorewood
-Who’s on Third- Downtown
-Oak Barrel Public House- Downtown
-Jacks Pub- Brady Street
-Potawatomi Casino/Hotel – Located Downtown –1721 W, Canal St. Milwaukee, WI 53233
Transportation
Milwaukee Country Transit System provides bus transit throughout the city. Download the Umo app and create an account (WisGo). Add money digitally and scan the QR code to ride. Pull the yellow cord before your desired stop, and enjoy the ride!
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IPMI Message: Thank you University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee for creating and sharing this list!