Milwaukee, Wisconsin holds a special place in my heart because of the five years I lived there long ago. After all, that’s the city where I met Mr. TWS. But sentimentality aside, would I recommend a visit to this city of about 598,000 located 90 miles north of Chicago?
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Yes to Milwaukee!
There are many reasons that Milwaukee can be called “A Great Place on a Great Lake”, a slogan that was popular in the past. Many things have changed in Milwaukee since the time I called it home, but from I’ve seen recently those changes are for the better. Here are just a few of my favorite things to do in Milwaukee with photos taken during a short visit last weekend.
Enjoy the Lakefront
Situated on the western shoreline of Lake Michigan, there are many outdoor recreational venues and parks along the waterfront. In the spring, summer & fall, the lakefront path is ideal for bicyclists, joggers and skaters on rollerblades. Even in winter, I like to walk along the lakefront in the snow and blustery winds. But that’s just me.
Biking Along Lake Michigan
Paddleboats, skates and bikes can be rented at Veterans Park near McKinley Marina where you’ll also see colorful kites flying on breezy days. Get some exercise or just enjoy the people-watching from a blanket on the grass in the park.
Be Festive
Hoan Bridge and Summerfest Grounds (Henry W. Maier Festival Park)
The summer sizzles at Henry W. Maier Festival Park with Summerfest and several ethnic festivals, such as Festa Italiana. Summerfest attracts rock, pop, jazz and country music headliners as well as up and comers on several stages in the park. Dozens of food vendors serve up tasty treats like mozzarella sticks from Saz’s, a Milwaukee favorite. It’s fun to sample different foods while hearing the music change as you walk past the stages. There’s still time to catch the world’s largest Irish festival, Irish Fest (August 16 – 19), and Mexican Fiesta (August 24-26).
Planes and Parachutist at Milwaukee Air and Water Show
Last weekend, we caught some of the Milwaukee Air and Water Show, featuring awesome performances by U.S. Navy and Air Force flying aces as well as other stunt pilots. As we walked around town, we often spotted the planes overhead as they circled back for their maneuvers in front of Bradford Beach. These residents have a good vantage point for watching the planes and boats on a hill at Juneau Park. The park is named after Solomon Juneau, a French Canadian who was one of the founders of Milwaukee.
Statue of Solomon Juneau, Founder of Milwaukee
Happening this weekend is the Milwaukee Domes Art Festival from August 17 – 19. The venue is the grounds of Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (“The Domes”) with plein air painters, music performances, and an art auction. But The Domes are open year-round, so if you can’t make it there for the art festival, be sure to visit another time. The three beehive-shaped glass domes are a great escape in the winter when you’ve just about had it with cold weather. The Desert Dome and the Tropical Dome offer a respite from Milwaukee’s frigid winter weather. A third dome changes for historical, cultural and seasonal exhibitions.
Visit a Museum
War Memorial Center, Milwaukee Art Museum
The Milwaukee Art Museum with over 25,000 works in its collection consists of two buildings designed by renowned architects. The modernist War Memorial Center, built in 1957 to honor the war dead of World War II, was designed by Eero Saarinen.
Quadracci Pavilion, Milwaukee Art Museum
Next to the War Memorial Center is the newer Quadracci Pavilion that was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and completed in 2001. This impressive structure has a vaulted 90-foot high glass ceiling and moveable sunscreen with a 217-foot wingspan, the Burke Brise Soleil, that unfolds and folds twice per day.
Browse and Shop
The Historic Third Ward, two blocks south of downtown, has changed much since the time I lived in Milwaukee. Once neglected buildings and warehouses along the Milwaukee River have been renovated into art galleries, restaurants, retail shops, businesses and condos. The Milwaukee Public Market opened in October 2005 with wide selections of fresh produce, ethnic foods, fine wines, meats, and other artisan products.
Milwaukee Public Market, Third Ward
Wine, Dine, Reflect
As you may know, I love to eat. Although there are many newer places that I haven’t tried yet, here are three classics that I highly recommend in Milwaukee.
Zaffiro’s on Farwell
If you like pizza with extra, extra thin crust and traditional toppings (sausage, cheese and green peppers are my choice), head to Zaffiro’s on Farwell. It looks a little worse for wear on the outside and it’s not fancy on the inside, but the pizza is always a winner. The chianti is so-so, but with pizza like theirs — who cares?
Hands down, the best place I’ve been for a good, old-fashioned breakfast in Milwaukee is Ma Fischer’s also on Farwell.
Breakfast at Ma Fischer’s
For lunch, dinner or just cocktails, I like the food and ambiance of Elsa’s on the Park on Jackson Square. I usually order either the Burger Alfredo (a burger with tomatoes, fresh spinach and a sauce of parmesan cheese, butter and spices) or the All American Grilled Cheese (with bacon and tomato). You won’t go wrong with either.
Elsa’s on the Park
After these indulgences, take a little time to cross to the other side of Jackson Square to admire the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist and reflect.
St. John the Evangelist Cathedral, Jackson Square
Stroll the Riverwalk
The Riverwalk extends three miles beside the Milwaukee River from the Third Ward through downtown with cafes, brew pubs, water taxi docks, and parks along the way.
Strolling the Riverwalk
Milwaukee Riverwalk
Milwaukee River
Have you ever been to Milwaukee? I’d love to hear about your recommendations for a visit to this great place on a great lake!
I wouldn’t have ever thought of Milwaukee as a destination, but I am absolutely reconsidering after reading your post! The Riverwalk, Public Market, and Lakefront all look right up my alley. Thanks for the great tips!
Milwaukee is a nice side trip from Chicago since it’s only about 90 miles away. You can spend time in 2 cool Midwestern cities on one trip. 🙂
I have honestly never had a desire to go to Milwaukee but after this post, I’m rethinking it!! It looks BEAUTIFUL in the summer!
Thanks for linking up!
Summer is a great time in Milwaukee — especially with all the lakefront activities and festivals.
I’ve been to the Milwaukee Airport but that’s it. You’ve made the city sound quite appealing – and it’s one you never hear much about. Interesting that a French Canadian was one of the founders. I like the architecture of the art museum and you can never go wrong with a visit to a public market.
I think a lot of people are surprised that such world famous architects have works in Milwaukee. There’s some interesting old architecture in town, too.
What a great looking city! I’ve never been there, but if I ever get to Chicago, I would make a point of spending a day or two. I love the look of that breakfast.
I’ve always had a great breakfast at Ma’s. It’s open 24 hours!
We’ve never been to Wisconsin, but you’ve given me some ideas of what to do when we do finally make it. I’m always a fan of Riverwalks!
I’m really impressed with changes I’ve seen in Milwaukee over the years. I tried a couple of new restaurants along the Riverwalk this trip. Love sitting outside along the river.
Know the song “What made Milwaukee famous (has made a loser out of me)”? Did you try the beer?
Believe me, Marlys — I’ve tried plenty of beers in Milwaukee. 🙂
We went to Milwaukee on a day trip from Chicago many years ago to visit friends who were attending Marquette. I loved the lakefront area and the almost small town feel. That breakfast looks delicious! I also would love to visit the Quadracci Pavilion – that just looks so neat. My husband just wants to visit Milwaukee to try the beer 🙂 Hope you’re having a great visit!
Thanks, Mary. Had a great time in Milwaukee — it was just too short. BTW — Marquette is a great school!
Honestly, I never thought of Milwaukee as a vacation destination before, but you made it look and sound really appealing!
Not sure that everyone would think of it as a destination, but definitely a place worth going a little out of your way for if you’re in the Midwest. And it might certainly be a destination for people with specific interests like motorcycles (Harley-Davidson HQ & museum), beer, (Miller HQ & museum), festivals, & more.
A post on Milwaukee that doesn’t mention Laverne and Shirley, the Milwaukee Brewers, or Liberace? Apparently there’s more to this city than I knew.
Yes, Steve — there is more to Milwaukee. In fact, I made a conscious effort not to mention L& S!
Whenever I think of Milwaukee, I think of Beer and Lavern & Shirley. You’ve shown me a whole different side. Thanks, Cathy!
Thank YOU, Marcia. That’s exactly what I wanted to do.
The photos are just awesome, I am inspired. I love it so much to be in a lake and this one heightens it.
Thanks for coming by. Glad you like the photos.
Sounds like there’s a lot to do there – I haven’t visited any big midwestern cities outside of Chicago but this one looks like a good place to start!
I think that Midwestern cities are often underrated. Milwaukee is one of them.
Well….this is definitely not my impression of Milwaukee. Always nice when someone changes my preconceived notions of a place:)
Deej – happy to be hearing that from folks here. That’s exactly what I hoped to do.
That looks like my kind of breakfast. I’ve never really thought about visiting Milwaukee, but I would definitely go if I had the chance.
Christy, I’ll bet that you and Scott would enjoy some sailing and other activities along the lakefront. Am I right? 🙂
I don’t know if Milwaukee would be a destination but if I was in the area I would definitely visit! That downtown area looked really nice. I love all the revamped downtown areas. They create a very charming place to enjoy a city.
Debbie, I didn’t mention this in the post, but Milwaukee has a very proud German heritage. With your deep knowledge and appreciation of Germany, my guess is that you’d find some of that history and culture interesting.
I love cities that have nice cycling paths!
Me,, too. I just wish I had more time in any one place to really take advantage of them.
Who would have thought that Milwaukee has so much to offer its visitors. I have never seen the Great Lakes in person and still find it hard to believe I am looking at fresh-water lakes! Incredible! Boy, could I go for some of those mozzarella sticks from Saz’s right about now, or perhaps a dinner at Elsa’s? Love the architecture of the Quadracci Pavilion at the Milwaukee Art Museum and would love to experience St. John’s Cathedral. Gorgeous pics my friend.
Thanks, Jeff! The cathedral is really quite beautiful inside, too. Maybe we’ll meet up in Milwaukee sometime — dinner and cocktails at Elsa’s sounds good. 🙂
I’d love to go, Cathy! The waterfront, market and food make this really appealing!
Always a nice combination, isn’t it?
Milwaukee is mini-Chicago to me. I always forget how cool it is until I go there (it’s so convenient on Amtrak from Chicago). I love the Historic Third Ward, the Public Market there, the breweries and River Walk. Too bad that the advertising museum closed a few years ago, it was one of a kind.
I used to visit Milwaukee when I lived in Chicago — a lot of people did. Always seemed like a nice weekend getaway place.
It looks like you had a fun weekend, Cathy. I’ve never thought of Milwaukee as tourist destination, sure it has some great spots to visit.
I’ve never really considered Milwaukee, but it looks like they have a lot to do outside, which is my kind of place! Btw, I finally made it to Chicago a few weeks ago — loved it!
I haven’t been to Milwaukee yet but Lake Michigan and Milwaukee River sure caught my eye. Seems like a great place to spend a quiet Sunday.
Great biking along Lake Michigan. I wish we had lakes like that in Georgia!
No I have never been to USA let alone Milwaukee – so thank you for reminiscing and taking us there.
Have a great week. I am joining you through Travel Photo Mondays.
Beautiful city…
I love Milwaukee so much, too! Well, I like pretty much anywhere on the Great Lakes 🙂 What a great resource–I will definitely refer to this again when we visit. Thanks for sharing!
Aw I love that that’s where you two met!
I’m impressed by that Modern Saarinen building and the city looks like a wonderful place to explore, thanks for sharing these highlights
I seemed to have missed a lot of nice places in Milwaukee but perhaps next time when I visit my cousin, we can see the areas that are not run down and broken.
We have discovered Milwaukee because our son is a student at Marquette. What a great city! The Lake alone makes it worth the trip. Definitely a beer and brats town. Nothing wrong with that. We have just started to tour around in the 3rd Ward, and have yet to see the Zoo or take in a Brewers game. Luckily we’ll be there quite a few more times.
Definitely try out Trocadero if you’d like a great dining experience. Food was very good and the setting is lovely!
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