Things to do in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (WI): The Best Gift & Specialty Shops

June 24, 2021 Enriqueta Cusson

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is perhaps best known for its famous breweries and the Major League Brewers, but there's more to the city than beer and baseball. Milwaukee is rich in historical and cultural attractions, making it the perfect place for a weekend of exploring. Check out the newly expanded Milwaukee Art Museum or the Mitchell Park Horticultural Society, which hosts an annual show of the same flora and fauna seen in Georgia O'Keefe's paintings. Those interested in the city's history can visit the grand Pabst Mansion, former home of one of the city's famous beer barons, or the Milwaukee Public Museum, to see what life was like in Old Milwaukee. If the kids are along, don't miss the Milwaukee County Zoo or the Betty Brinn Children's Museum. Of course a trip to the "Genuine American City" would not be complete without a tour of the Miller Brewing Company and a Brewers game at Miller Park.
Restaurants in Milwaukee

1. Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear

839 N 11th St, Milwaukee, WI 53233-1401 +1 414-273-1680 [email protected] http://www.chudnowmuseum.org
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 339 reviews

Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear

A Milwaukee nonprofit dedicated to giving visitors a glimpse into Milwaukee life between the world wars with authentic items displayed in store settings. Handicap-accessible guided tours are offered at no additional charge, and there is free off-street parking behind the building.

Reviewed By picusue - Rochester, United States

The Chudnow is a must see in Milwaukee particularly if you enjoy history. Each room of these beautiful old house is a replica of a place in the past from Soda Fountain to Speakeasy. The Chudnow’s collection of memorabilia is impressive. It was fun wandering from room to room and taking a step back in time.

2. Boswell Book Company

2559 N Downer Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211-4242 +1 414-332-1181 http://boswell.indiebound.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 15 reviews

Boswell Book Company

3. Northern Chocolate Company

2036 N Dr Martin Luther King Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53212-3153 +1 414-372-1885
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 7 reviews

Northern Chocolate Company

Reviewed By hstevens001

This place is a local institution, partly because of the unique molds, partly because of the fantastic mint meltaways, partly because of the eccentric owner. Before becoming reacquainted with God, Jim had a reputation as the chocolate nazi. He has since softened but still has some eccentricities. He is now semi retired, so you should call first to find out when he will be in. He does still have his famous mints and wonderful unique molded chocolates. It is a small shop, so he limits how many people are in the store at once. If the west is lousy, expect to have to take off your shoes to keep his place clean. He also is cash only. As a vegetarian, he does not allow fur coats in his store. He also does not allow cell phones, which is good because the store is small. If you are looking for one of a kind chocolates or a unique experience, then this is a great place. Jim does have quirks, but locals accept this and count it as part of the experience.

4. Kind Oasis

2169 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202-1114 +1 414-877-0253 [email protected] http://kindoasis.com/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Kind Oasis

Milwaukee, Wisconsin's newest plant-based variety boutique specializing in CBD and hemp based artisan products sold at the best prices. Kind Oasis is unique because we sell a large variety of goods. Some of our selection includes: CBD products made with non-harmful ingredients, organic personal care products, glass blown jewelry, baking and cooking goods, kids toys and more.

5. Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery

901 W Juneau Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233-1428 +1 414-630-1609 http://www.bestplacemilwaukee.com
Excellent
68%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 288 reviews

Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery

Reviewed By J8703YMcharlesb - Prince George, United States

Most breweries tell you how they make beer--that is simple enough. This tour gives you the history of beer in America, takes you through the old brewery and gives you free beer on the tour. Scot was a great tour guide. Try the Endiker (sp) beer. Old school--first rate. I understand there is another tap room on the weekend tours. Unfortunately, we didn't make it to the mansion, which I'm told is a must see.

6. Downtown Books

624 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202-5001 +1 414-224-1799 http://www.downtownbooksonline.com/
Excellent
76%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 25 reviews

Downtown Books

Reviewed By 646lorit - Dawsonville, United States

We stopped in for a browse since this bookstore is directly across the street from the Hilton Garden Inn where we were staying. We were greeted warmly by the staff and the cat. The store is clean, uncluttered, and well organized. My husband found an interesting old book on trains. I enjoyed petting the cat which was happy to snuggle in my lap on this cold November day. Recommend a visit if you enjoy books or cats.

7. Fischberger's Variety

2445 N Holton St, Milwaukee, WI 53212-2934 +1 414-263-1991 http://fischbergers.com
Excellent
57%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14 reviews

Fischberger's Variety

8. Indulgence Chocolatiers

211 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204-1412 +1 414-223-0123 [email protected] http://www.indulgencechocolatiers.com
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 59 reviews

Indulgence Chocolatiers

Purveyors of handcrafted chocolate truffles, gourmet bars, premium toffees and other fine confections. At Indulgence's shop and chocolate pairing bar in Walker's Point you can enjoy our chocolates thoughtfully paired with wines, craft beers and cheeses as you watch our chocolatiers at work in our kitchen.

Reviewed By HRCHITOWN - Chicago, United States

Love this place and stop up for just an evening from chicago burbs. Frequently attend their wine and chocolate pairings, they Are a lot of fun!

9. The Spice House

1031 N Old World 3rd St, Milwaukee, WI 53203-1301 +1 847-328-3711 http://www.thespicehouse.com
Excellent
69%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 36 reviews

The Spice House

10. Wisconsin Cheese Mart

1048 N Old World 3rd St, Milwaukee, WI 53203-1302 +1 414-272-3522 [email protected] https://www.wisconsincheesemart.com/
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 27 reviews

Wisconsin Cheese Mart

Reviewed By 847leahv - Chicago, United States

One of my boyfriend's main request while we were in Milwaukee was, naturally, cheese. We came here, an easy bus ride from up north or an easy walk from anywhere near the river, and had a great time. There were about a dozen free samples of excellent cheese, and a huge selection of things to try, including lots of fun gifts. The staff is friendly and we would have bought a ton of cheese if we weren't about to go for a long walk on a sunny, 90-degree day. As it was, they also had lots of small options, cheese sticks and squares, that we were still able to carry out. Lovely place! It was also attached to a bar, so that's a great option for a food/drinking space.

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