5 Reasons to Visit® Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Top 5 Reasons to Visit® Milwaukee, Wisconsin Right Now
In a city known for brewing since the 1840s, Milwaukee was the number one beer producing city in the world for many years and the historic Milwaukee Brewery is the oldest functioning major brewery in the United States. Milwaukee is also popular venue for Lake Michigan sailing, its renowned arts and cultural scene, science and natural history museums and award-winning performing arts.
Image courtesy of Visit Milwaukee
1. THE HIKING
The trail begins by ascending a few steep inclines that get the heart racing. This forested section is scenic and rustic. Stretching across southeastern Wisconsin, this route covers 115 miles, showcasing the natural features left by the glaciers that once covered the area. The ride traverses six counties and passes a number of state forests, natural areas, and historic landmarks. One such landmark is the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary at Holy Hill, a favorite of Milwaukee residents.
The Holy Hill Segment of the Ice Age National Trail is a 7-mile single track footpath through the Kettle Moraine region west of Milwaukee. The iconic Holy Hill Shrine with its twin towers that can be seen from several counties in all directions sits atop one of the tallest kames in this hilly terrain. Deep kettles and glacial lakes spot the low areas beneath dramatic mounds of glacial till. The trail cuts a winding path through this forested and hilly terrain. There's no official parking lot, but there is shoulder room to leave one car on an unnamed road off Glassgo Drive at the Northeastern trailhead.
2. THE ART
Beautiful street art is popping up all over the city. With murals in every neighborhood, you’re sure to find some breathtaking art as you explore. Murals and outdoor sculptures give Milwaukee a personality all its own. Milwaukee’s RiverWalk is lined with sculptures and you’ll find colorful murals adorning buildings throughout the city. Fans of street art will love Black Cat Alley, where murals have turned this alleyway into an open air gallery in Milwaukee’s East Side neighborhood.
Check out the Milwaukee Mural Map, an interactive resource for Milwaukee’s outdoor murals and be sure to also visit the striking Santiago Calatrava-designed Milwaukee Art Museum, one of Milwaukee’s most iconic and photogenic buildings.
3. THE COCKTAILS & CUISINE
Tucked away in the iconic, circa 1893 Pfister Hotel in Downtown Milwaukee, the Mason Street Grill is a local favorite for delicious steak, hand-crafted cocktails and live jazz music. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying the Honey Dew—concocted with Buffalo Trace Whiskey, fresh squeezed lemon juice and honey and muddled blackberries.
Mason Street Grill in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Amidst the passion for superlative ingredients that span every inch of the seasonal, fresh menu—favorite dishes to indulge on include Grilled Octopus with hummus, chimichurri, red pepper harissa, Greek yogurt, sumac and grilled lemon, Herb Crumb Halibut with roasted pepper sauce, lemon buerre blanc and pickled jalapeño relish, as well as 64-Hour Braised Short Ribs with garlic mash potato, cipollini demi, shaved horseradish and watercress.
For those craving something sweet, indulge in one of Mason Street Grill’s house-made desserts.
4. THE GARDENS
Feel the heat of a desert oasis, the humidity of a tropical jungle and the bright colors of a floral garden… all in one place at Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory! With three domes to choose from, start with Desert Dome and explore the deserts of Africa, Madagascar, South America and North America. Snap a selfie by giant cacti, wander past succulents, agave and more, and meet Steve, the resident bearded dragon. Next, step into the steamy rainforest and transport yourself to another world. As you explore the jungle look for coffee beans, cocoa pods, bananas and even sausage fruit! You'll find 1,200 species of plant in this dome.
The Floral Show Dome transforms with unique, themed floral shows five times a year. Visit throughout the year for spring flowers, the annual train show and the popular Holiday Show. The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory replaces the original Milwaukee Conservatory, which was built in 1898.
5. THE ARCHITECTURE
Milwaukee’s Lincoln Memorial Drive, which runs north along Lake Michigan just east of downtown, is a great bike or car ride to see an architecturally diverse collection of historic mansions, museums, and of course, the glittering waves of the lake just beyond the city’s white sand beaches. You can even purchase a self-guided Driving Tour from Historic Milwaukee highlighting 36 of Milwaukee's most important structures.
