Location: Milwaukee
Top Things to do in Milwaukee
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Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (WI)
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. Basilica of St. Josaphat
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 845 reviews
Enter the Basilica of St. Josaphat through the Visitor Center, Monday-Saturday, 9:00am to 4:00pm for visits and tours; free tour after Sunday 10:00am Mass. The Visitor Center is in the Pope John Paul II Pavilion at S. 7th Street and West Lincoln Ave. Enter from the street side or parking lot. Located in Milwaukee’s historic Lincoln Village, the Basilica is a ministry of the Conventual Franciscans and has a captivating story of faith, historical significance, and unmatched architectural and artistic beauty. Polish immigrants built the Basilica over 115 years ago using salvaged materials from the razed U.S. Post Office and Custom House federal building in Chicago. Its 250 foot high copper dome is the icon of the diverse neighborhood the Basilica serves today. The Basilica hosts community events, performances of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and others. The St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation, a 501(c)(3) works with the Franciscans to preserve and restore the Basilica. All are welcome!
Reviewed By scottofhawaii - Honolulu, United States
...at least for me. First of all, the place is psycho-beautiful with amazing gilded architecture colored in powerful Catholic art, iconography, whatever... I sure did miss seeing world-class places like this this past year. In this typical, kind of beat-up American city, the basilica is a palace with its deep awe-inspiring imagery and objects. It's both a gift and scar left behind in the wake of an obscene history the church created across the world. It's also a confusing dichotomy that both perplexes and seduces me at the same time. I'm like both in a daze and state of intimacy when I'm in a place like this. Anyway secondly, there was this guy who said he was a priest that started talking to me. I guess he was a priest, but he didn't have one of those collars on. He was just sitting in one the benches (pew?) in the main hall (nave?). He started talking to me and blurting out his life story: Vietnam vet, priest for over 40 years, cancer and chemo, even end of life issues. At first it all seemed so over the top and inappropriate, but I don't know. I wound-up asking him if the church is going to guide/see him through his final years. I told him the VA is going to be the people who do that for me. I guess that makes the VA my religion now. I also took a shot at him about the priest/abuse thing saying his team has really "taken it on the chin" about that stuff. He quickly tried to deflect and play the victim card a little. Anyway, I guess I'm meeting new people again. Couldn't do that while wigging-out about catching COVID like I did for the past year in Pittsburgh.
2. Milwaukee Pedal Tavern
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 973 reviews
A great way to see and experience the Brew City. Our Pedaling Pub Crawl Tour's takes you on an adventure through the scenic and historic Third and Fifth Ward's of Milwaukee. Lots of water views, old buildings, and of course lots of water holes to stay hydrated. Our Bar shaped group bicycle fits up to 16 riders. It's always Happy Hour on our patio, drink specials set up at all stops. The typical tour makes 3-4 stops along the tour. Sound system on board coupled with the adult beverages will keep you fueled as you pedal. You can rent the entire bike out or if you have a smaller group join a Public Pub Crawl($25 a person Sun-Thursday, $30 Fri, Sat). Tours Launch from Steny's Tavern. BYOB! Runs 7 days a week March 10th-November 6th.
3. Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 339 reviews
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.
4. Lakefront Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,857 reviews
On December 2nd, 1987, brothers Russ and Jim Klisch opened Lakefront Brewery and sold their first batch of Riverwest Stein Amber Lager to a neighborhood tavern in Milwaukee. We have grown to brew 46,848 barrels of beer in 2017 and distribute our products to 35 states, Canada, Ukraine, Japan, Korea, Sweden and Australia. Lakefront Brewery was the first certified organic brewery in America, the first brewery to produce a government-approved, gluten-free beer and the first indigenous beer using all Wisconsin grown ingredients. We currently produce 20+ year-round and seasonal beers as well as our innovative one-off My Turn Series which gives each of our full time employees a chance to choose a style we've never brewed. Beer aside, Lakefront is also known around the country for their highly entertaining and sought-after brewery tours.
Reviewed By timmsullivan56 - Norwich, United States
Visited recently Large open beer hall with lots of tables Wonderful varied beer selection with helpful friendly servers Snacked on cheese curds and sausage. So good Right on river so great views Great time
5. Antiques On Pierce
6. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
7. St. Joan of Arc Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
Reviewed By H7585INadrianam - Syracuse, United States
What a story! Chapel from France is bought and taken to the US and sat on the property of someone's house for years until being gifted to the college and reassembled there. My boyfriend and I visit a lot of churches and chapels all over the world and have been to France so we just adored this quick stop to see a little piece of history. The stonework in the church is really quite remarkable.
8. Milwaukee Food & City Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 940 reviews
Milwaukee's premier, original and award-winning tour company, discover the sights and flavors of Milwaukee’s most delicious & historic neighborhoods with Milwaukee Food & City Tours. Our Brady Street, Historic Third Ward, RiverWalk/Old World Third Street, Bloody Mary Brunch, and Villages of Wauwatosa and Cedarburg tours are each 1-mile walking routes that explore unique neighborhoods that are now districts filled with diverse eating opportunities. Our bus tours include Milwaukee's Pizza Bus, Custard Tour, Fish Fry Tour (Lent season), Churches & Chocolates, Historic Bar Tour, Christmas Around Milwaukee Bakery Tour, and our singing Christmas Lights & Delights Tour. Guided food tours include food samples that add up to a meal along with stories about Milwaukee’s rich immigrant history and the exceptional people who bring it to life. We also offer a Explore Milwaukee Sightseeing City Bus Tour with 4 convenient downtown hotel pick up spots every Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Join us for a narrated 60 minute tour of the city; hop-on and hop-off at any scheduled stops to visit Milwaukee's most popular attractions, then pick up the tour where you left off. For individuals and families, this is the best way and most inexpensive and convenient to learn about downtown Milwaukee and visit key attractions at the same time.
9. Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 288 reviews
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.
10. Grohmann Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By Beatriz121
I can't believe I never heard of the Grohmann Museum on the campus of the Milwaukee School of Engineering. As my husband and I found out, it is a "must see" if you appreciate fine art. The three story building is beautifully designed and the displays of paintings and scuptures all relate to the story of people at work. Among the 1,000+ pieces in the collection are European masterpieces, a Norman Rockwell, and bronze statues in the rooftop sculpture garden. I found the paintings of early medicine to be especially interesting. On a warm summer day the sculpture garden would be a perfect location to take in the Milwaukee skyline. We found the three staff members we interacted with to be extremely friendly and helpful. As seniors, our admission tickets were only $3. Free parking is provided in a lot just to the east of the museum. Both the building and the art collection were a gift from Dr. Eckhart Grohmann, a Milwaukee businessman and collector of fine art. The museum is definitely a stop worth making.
