Sightseeing in Milwaukee
Milwaukee is a beautiful city, full of life and culture, and exciting adventures. It is a wonderful place to raise a family, and research shows that those living in Milwaukee are happier than most, and enjoy a lower cost of living. Whether you’re visiting friends or family who live in Milwaukee, or have just relocated here, these sights are a great place to begin your adventure and give you insight into what else makes Milwaukee such a special place.
Milwaukee is well known for its beer, so it’s no surprise that one of the places to see on our list is the Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion. The mansion was built in 1892 for the well-known beer baron, and local residents saved the mansion from being torn down in 1975. Since then, the mansion has been restored and brought back to its original beauty. The mansion boasts 37 rooms, 12 bathrooms, and 14 fireplaces. The mansion is now considered a gem for Milwaukee.
You might recognize the name Joan of Arc, and in the mid-1960s the Saint Joan of Arc Chapel was moved to Milwaukee from Long Island, New York. The chapel contains a stone that was kissed by Joan of Arc before her death, and is reported to be cold to the touch as opposed to the other stones in the little chapel. It is the only medieval building that still stands in the Western Hemisphere.
Old World Wisconsin is the largest outdoor museum that showcases the rich rural aspects of the city. The museum preserves the historic beauty by keeping the theme of the 1800s as a village with crossroads and farms surrounding it. Daily reenactments can be enjoyed and offer a glimpse into the life that was commonly lived at that time in this area. The whole village spans 600 acres, so bring your walking shoes.
If you love to be on the water, the Milwaukee Boat Line offers cruises that bring you around the city and showcase the best sights, including the shipping docks, lighthouses, and more. Enjoy time on the water, enjoy the weather, and learn about Milwaukee’s history in the process.
If you would prefer to enjoy a relaxing meal while seeing the sights, you can take advantage of the Edelweiss Cruise Dining, which travels the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan. Enjoy the twinkling stars, the beauty of Milwaukee, and dine as you float along the water.
Milwaukee’s Best Eateries
Milwaukee is very well- known for its unique and delicious food and beer scene. It would be incredibly hard to find a place to eat that isn’t delicious, or a brewery that doesn’t have a tasty beer. Here is a list of some of the best places to call your favorite in Milwaukee.
Love Handle is a quaint counter-service restaurant that gives the term “sandwich shop” a whole new meaning. The menu goes through rotations of some of the most delicious and unique sandwich combinations you could ever imagine. One sandwich features truffle bologna and pickled radishes. See, told you it was unique. If you want some sweets after your sandwich (if you still have room), then look no further than their selection of seasonal favorites.
If you’re into a casual and laid back vibe, then look no further than The Noble. The Noble gives you the feeling that you’re gabbing over dinner at your best friend’s apartment. The menu changes daily, but always features a vegetarian option, as well as unique spins on classic dishes.
If you want to stop for a quick bite, then a fancier than most butcher shop might be in order. Bavette-La Boucherie features smaller dishes and sandwiches with fresh foods. Enjoy a selection of craft beers or wines while you dine.
If you are feeling adventurous and are looking for exotic foods and dessert specialties, then Coquette Café might be for you. Their menu borrows from the best flavors around the world, and they encourage you to order your dessert first.
Take a step back in time into this Serbian inspired tavern that is warm and welcoming. Three Brothers offers friendly faces and food you couldn’t otherwise find.
If you prefer an Asian medley, then look no further than Mr. Wok. Never judge a book by its cover, because then you might walk right by this hidden storefront restaurant, nestled between retail spaces. This restaurant features Malaysian dishes, as well as Thai and Chinese. You will usually be greeted by the owner himself, and at these prices, you’ll want to keep coming back for more.
Don’t take the Pine Lake House at face value, because the dishes are both simple and complex. The vegetables often come from the chef’s own garden, and the downstairs offers a neighborhood hangout.
If you’re looking for burgers and ice cream, then you have to visit Kopp’s. They boast the best patties in the area, and you can hang with friends and enjoy unique flavors of frozen custard.
Milwaukee’s Reputation
Milwaukee has a reputation for a number of things, all unique and cater to various levels of interest. Milwaukee has primarily been known as a beer town, being home to the well-known brewer, Miller. IN addition to this famous brewery, Milwaukee also has a number of taverns, bars, pubs, and even microbreweries. The Water Street Entertainment Center in Milwaukee is known for its liveliness of brewpubs and restaurants, as well as bars and taverns. Now a National Historic Landmark, Milwaukee is also home to Third Ward, a restored warehouse district known for dining, a vibrant nightlife, art galleries, and even antique shops. This is the kind of place you go for hours to explore and enjoy.
Aside from dining and beer, Milwaukee houses the Milwaukee County Zoo, Midwest Express Center, and one of the country’s best museums, the Milwaukee Public Museum.
Miller Park is home to the Bucks and the Brewers, making it a popular attraction for basketball and baseball fans, and sports lovers in general.
Lake Michigan, which can be seen from homes in various neighborhoods in Milwaukee, offers cruises, along with the Milwaukee River. Milwaukee is known for its famous Riverwalk, which is a 3 mile walkway that stretches through all of downtown Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward District. Along the way, residents and visitors can make pit stops at some unique attractions, including the Bronze Fonz (a statue of Fonzie from Happy Days) and medallions along the way from local school kids with personal drawings.
Milwaukee is home to some exciting music attractions as well, Summerfest and the Great Circus Parade. Milwaukee has called itself the “City of Festivals,” and does its best to hold some of the best and most exciting festivals around, the most notable being SummerFest. SummerFest is set on the lakefront and brings about a million visitors each year, making it officially recognized by the Guiness Book of World Records as the largest music festival in the world. The festival goes on for 11 days, features over 700 bands, and is set up on 12 stages all across the lakefront. The festival has seen famous performers such as the Doors, Beach Boys, Paul Simon, and Eric Clapton.
Milwaukee is also well known for its food scene. Milwaukee has always been home to a rich immigrant heritage, and this is seen consistently in the unique restaurants. Authentic foods such as German, Mediterranean, Mexican, and Latin can easily be found along Old World Third Street and South Side.