Milwaukee WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
1. Milwaukee Art Museum
ICONIC LAKEFRONT ARCHITECTURE
The Milwaukee Art Museum is a stunning architectural masterpiece designed by Santiago Calatrava, situated on the beautiful Milwaukee lakefront. Visitors can explore an impressive collection spanning 15th-20th century European and American art, including a renowned Folk Art collection. The museum hosts approximately 20 special exhibits yearly and features the distinctive Quadracci Pavilion with its movable sunscreen 'wings' that open and close daily, weather permitting.
2. Harley-Davidson Museum
MOTORCYCLE HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Harley-Davidson Museum celebrates Milwaukee's iconic motorcycle brand with an extensive collection of vintage and modern motorcycles. This world-class attraction offers an immersive experience into the culture, history, and engineering behind America's legendary motorcycle manufacturer. Visitors can see rare bikes, prototype models, and interactive exhibits that trace the company's evolution from its humble beginnings to global phenomenon.
3. Milwaukee Public Museum
NATURAL HISTORY WONDERLAND
The Milwaukee Public Museum, located in Westown, is one of the finest natural history museums in the United States with award-winning exhibits. Visitors can explore the immersive Costa Rican Rainforest and specially designed live butterfly exhibit among its many attractions. The museum continues to enhance its offerings through an ongoing multi-million dollar enhancement program aimed at preserving and expanding its internationally acclaimed collections.
4. Discovery World
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE EXPERIENCE
Discovery World offers an engaging hands-on science and technology center located at Pier Wisconsin on Milwaukee's lakefront. The modern facility features interactive exhibits focused on innovation, aquatic sciences, and the Great Lakes ecosystem. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the Reiman Aquarium, various technology pavilions, and the docked S/V Denis Sullivan schooner that provides educational sailing experiences on Lake Michigan.
5. Pabst Mansion
GILDED AGE SPLENDOR
The Pabst Mansion is an exquisite Flemish Renaissance Revival mansion built in 1890 for beer baron Captain Frederick Pabst. The meticulously restored 20,000 square-foot home showcases the opulent lifestyle of Milwaukee's brewing aristocracy during the Gilded Age. Visitors can tour the mansion's 66 rooms filled with original furnishings, artwork, and architectural details that reflect the craftsmanship and luxury of the era.
6. Milwaukee County Zoo
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PARK
The Milwaukee County Zoo houses more than 2,000 animals representing over 350 species across 190 acres of naturalistic habitats. Visitors can observe animals from around the world, including elephants, big cats, primates, and aquatic life in thoughtfully designed environments. The zoo also features special attractions like the Sky Safari aerial lift, a miniature train, and various seasonal events throughout the year.
7. Milwaukee Riverwalk
URBAN WATERFRONT PATHWAY
The Milwaukee Riverwalk is a picturesque pedestrian pathway that winds along the Milwaukee River through the heart of downtown. The scenic walkway connects three distinct riverfront neighborhoods—the Historic Third Ward, Downtown, and Beerline B—with access to restaurants, brewpubs, shops, and public art installations. Visitors can enjoy riverside dining, boat tours, kayaking, or simply strolling along this vibrant urban waterway that's beautiful both day and night.
8. Historic Third Ward
ARTS AND SHOPPING DISTRICT
Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward is a revitalized warehouse district that now serves as the city's arts and fashion hub. This vibrant neighborhood features the Milwaukee Public Market, numerous galleries, theaters, restaurants, and boutique shops housed in historic buildings. Visitors can explore the area's distinctive architecture, attend seasonal events like Gallery Night, or enjoy performances at the Broadway Theatre Center.
9. Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
THE ICONIC DOMES
The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, known locally as 'The Domes,' features three distinctive glass domes housing diverse plant environments. Visitors can explore the Tropical Dome with its lush rainforest plants, the Desert Dome showcasing arid-climate vegetation, and the Show Dome which hosts changing seasonal floral displays and special events. The unique beehive-shaped glass structures have been a Milwaukee landmark since their construction in the 1960s.
10. Pabst Theater
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Pabst Theater is an ornate Baroque-style theater that has been hosting performances since 1895, making it the fourth-oldest continuously operating theater in the United States. The venue features Austrian crystal chandeliers, a hydraulic stage, and exceptional acoustics that continue to impress performers and audiences alike. Visitors can attend concerts, comedy shows, ballet performances, and other live events in this National Historic Landmark building.
11. America's Black Holocaust Museum
AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY
America's Black Holocaust Museum provides a powerful educational experience chronicling the injustices faced by African Americans from slavery through the present day. Founded by Dr. James Cameron, a lynching survivor, the museum offers exhibits that promote racial repair, reconciliation, and healing through confronting difficult history. Visitors gain insight into both the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans while exploring themes of resilience and the ongoing quest for equality.
12. Fiserv Forum
MODERN SPORTS ARENA
Fiserv Forum is Milwaukee's state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue that serves as home to the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks. The arena, opened in 2018, features cutting-edge design elements including an arched roof, extensive glass façade, and a public plaza that hosts community events year-round. Visitors can catch thrilling basketball games, major concerts, family shows, and other entertainment events in this world-class facility that has helped revitalize downtown Milwaukee.
13. The Bronze Fonz
POP CULTURE ICON
The Bronze Fonz is a beloved life-sized statue portraying Arthur Fonzarelli from the popular 1970s TV show 'Happy Days,' which was set in Milwaukee. Located along the Milwaukee Riverwalk, this bronze sculpture created by artist Gerald Sawyer has become one of the city's most photographed landmarks since its installation in 2008. Visitors can strike a pose with the Fonz's signature thumbs-up gesture while enjoying the scenic riverwalk setting.
14. Milwaukee City Hall
ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK ICON
Milwaukee City Hall is an impressive Flemish Renaissance building constructed in 1895 that once ranked as the tallest inhabited structure in the United States. The building features a soaring bell tower, ornate façade, and a magnificent interior atrium rising eight stories from the marble-floored rotunda. Visitors can take free guided tours to learn about the building's history, architecture, and its role in Milwaukee's civic life.
15. Lakefront Brewery
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Lakefront Brewery is a popular craft brewery located along the Milwaukee River that offers award-winning beers and entertaining guided tours. Visitors can explore the brewing facilities while enjoying humorous presentations, generous beer samples, and a souvenir glass during their visit. The brewery's beer hall serves traditional Wisconsin fare including their famous cheese curds, along with live music and special events in a vibrant riverside setting.