For an overview of Milwaukee, climate & weather, transportation, map, facts & data… start here: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
For the top sights and attraction… continue reading below …
Historic Third Ward
The appearance of this district may fool you at first, but you will find that behind the historic facades can Milwaukee’s best-kept secret be found.
Here you will find the highest concentration of art galleries in the city, numerous antique shops, restaurants, unique specialty stores, architects, advertising agencies, graphic designers, artists, the Broadway Theatre Center, the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design as well as condominiums, office buildings, and industrial space.
Located just two blocks south of downtown.
The city offers FREE two-hour parking at meters on Saturdays and FREE parking at meters all day on Sundays. Plus, parking at meters is FREE after 6pm Monday through Friday. We do suggest verifying that before you park.
House of Harley-Davidson
The House of Harley-Davidson® is Milwaukee’s largest premier dealership.
At the House of Harley-Davidson experience 50,000 square feet (4645 sq. meters) of biker heaven! The Genuine Harley-Davidson Motorclothes and Collectibles selection exceeds any other.
Every year at the House there are 3 bike shows, summer barbeques, charity rides, even a Pet Fashion show, and Turkey Bowling!
Don’t forget about the Leprechaun Launch, and Daytona Days!
Food and beverage available during events.
While you are here, get your picture taken next to the largest motorcycle in the world!
A bronze statue of a Harley-Davidson FatBoy motorcycle that weighs 6 tons!
The bike is a celebration of freedom.
Stop by the House of Harley-Davidson and make this House your home!
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Wilwaukee
See our full article: Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Miller Brewing Company
See our full article: Miller Brewing Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Frederick-Pabst Mansion
In 1889, Captain Frederick Pabst commissioned Milwaukee architect, George Bowman Ferry to design a substantial mansion in the Flemish Renaissance Revival style on a large piece of property that Pabst had acquired some years earlier. Over the next two years, dozens upon dozens of craftsman created the structure that we see today.
The Mansion was to be one of the very finest residences in the city. No cost or innovation would be spared in its design. Of many of its conveniences, the house was wired for electricity, then in its infancy, plumbed for nine full bathrooms, installed with a state-of-the-art heating system by the company now known as Johnson Controls which could regulate the heat in the Mansion with 16 thermostats and custom-built furniture for the majority of its rooms.
The outside of the Mansion was just as impressive with a large stable to the rear of the property, designed in a similar style as the main house, only on a smaller scale which was unfortunately razed in 1977. A large glass conservatory behind the Mansion housed all manner of tropical plants that would be taken out into the gardens during the summer months. This included a large palm tree the gardeners would move every summer to the flowerbed in front of the Mansion! At the north end of the property, a servant’s duplex was constructed as a residence for the butler and the coachman and their families.
After Captain Pabst died in 1904 and Mrs. Pabst in 1906, the heirs to the estate put the Pabst Mansion up for sale. In May of 1908, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee successfully negotiated for the purchase of the Mansion to be used as the residence of the Archbishop.
For 67 years, five Archbishops and numerous priests and sisters called the former Pabst Residence home. In 1975, the Mansion was to be sold only for the second time is its history. to local entrepreneur, John Conlin who opened the former Pabst Mansion and to the public in May of 1978.
On the National Register of Historic Homes, the Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion is a jewel of a bygone era.
Location:
2000 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53233
Web: The Pabst Mansion | Milwaukee, WI | Museum, History & More
Milwaukee Art Museum
The Milwaukee Art Museum includes the new Santiago Calatrava-designed Quadracci Pavilion, completed in October 2001 and named by Time magazine “Best Design of 2001”; renovated and reinstalled permanent collection galleries; and elegant public gardens designed by noted landscape architect Dan Kiley. The Museum’s 2001 expansion provided a 30 percent increase in overall gallery space, enhanced educational and public programming facilities, and expanded public amenities.
The Milwaukee Art Museum’s far-reaching holdings include more than 20,000 works spanning antiquity to the present day.
With a history dating back to 1888, the Museum’s primary strengths are in 19th- and 20th-century American and European art, contemporary art, American decorative arts, Old Master works, and folk and self-taught art.
The Museum is located in downtown Milwaukee, along the shore of Lake Michigan.
The Museum is open seven days a week.
Address:
700 N. Art Museum Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Web: Home | Milwaukee Art Museum (mam.org)
International Clown Hall of Fame
The International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center, Inc. is dedicated to the preservation and advancement of clown art. Represented by professional and amateur clown associations, it pays tribute to outstanding clown performers, operates a living museum of clowning with resident clown performers, conducts special events and maintains a national archive of clown artifacts and history.
Discover clown memorabilia, including historical artifacts, costumes of famous clowns past and present and an art gallery featuring the famous works of Jim Howle.
Address:
161 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Suite LL700
Milwaukee, WI 53203
Web: International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center (theclownmuseum.com)
Jelly Belly Center
Free guided tours on the Jelly Belly Express, an indoor-train, that travels through the distribution center takes visitors on a ride to discover the secrets of making Jelly Belly jelly beans in video presentations from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily.
Large candy store and snack bar. No reservations required.
Closed: New Years, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Address:
10100 Jelly Belly Lane
Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 Location: Outlying Area
Web: Official Site of Jelly Belly Candies and Confections
Shopping in Milwaukee
Stroll the Riverwalk along the bustling Milwaukee River, complete with restaurants and eclectic retail shops.
The Historic Third Ward, a restored warehouse district that features art galleries, the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, restaurants, antiques and the Broadway Theater Center.
Brady Street, lined with 100-year-old buildings from its days as Milwaukee’s Italian neighborhood, boasts authentic Italian restaurants, markets and bakeries along with the “coffee house crowd” of students, artists and musicians.
Old World Third Street captures the flavor of the “Streets of Old Milwaukee” with cobblestone intersections and famous landmarks such as Usinger’s Sausage and Mader’s German Restaurant.
The two-block area offers specialty shops featuring Wisconsin’s finest cheeses, chocolates, spices and more.
The Shops of Grand Avenue is downtown Milwaukee’s historic four-block marketplace with over 130 specialty shops and stately, turn-of-the century architecture and glass skywalks.
Additional shopping opportunities include:
Bayshore Mall, 5900 N. Port Washington Road (easily accessible from 1-43);
Southridge, 5300 S. 76th Street, Greendale; and
Mayfair Mall, 2500 N. Mayfair Road, Wauwatosa.
and check out …
Maders Restaurant – German Restaurant in Milwaukee
Annual events in Milwaukee
Summerfest
Over 1,000 entertainers on 13 stages during its 11-day run. National and regional comedians, over 95 food vendors, water sports shows, fun in the sun, and more! The festival takes place along Milwaukee’s beautiful lakefront at the Henry Maier Festival Park. Next Summerfest 2005: June 30 – Sunday, July 10.
Location:
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, Downtown
PrideFest
Celebrate community and diversity at Wisconsin’s largest Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender event. Culture, art, and diversity. Music, food, shopping, fireworks, parade, social volleyball and more on Milwaukee’s lakefront.
Location: Downtown
Green County Cheese Days
Back in 1914, the concept of Cheese Days originated from the notion that if some little town in Illinois could have a festival commemorating sauerkraut, then a celebration based on cheese would be an even better idea.
When: Every 3rd weekend of September in even numbered years
Location: Monroe, WI 53566
Milwaukee Holiday Parade
Held the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
The parade travels west on Kilbourn Avenue from Prospect to 3rd Street then heads south from Kilbourn Avenue to Wisconsin Avenue where it will end in front of the Shops of Grand Avenue.” Parade features 20 bands, 40-foot balloons, floats, animals, clowns and Santa.
Location:Downtown Milwaukee
Mexican Fiesta
Mexican Fiesta Internacional brings the sound, culture and taste of Mexico to Milwaukee’s lakefront.
Spice up your life each summer at Mexican Fiesta. Encounter the rich culture and heritage of Mexico as you enjoy mouth-watering edibles, a colorful marketplace, and foot stomping rhythms.
Location: 1220 W. Windlake Avenue
Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s Lakefront Marathon
Individuals and five-person relay teams run 26.2 miles through beautiful neighborhoods along Lake Michigan to finish at Veteran’s Park in downtown Milwaukee.
It’s flat, fast, fun and well organized.
Milwaukee’s Performing Arts
A vibrant arts scene located right on the shores of Lake Michigan, awaits you! With a wide array of performing arts venues and theater companies, an eclectic variety of art galleries and museums, to exceptional arts education, Milwaukee rivals even the largest markets.
With two theater districts, Milwaukee hosts diverse performances. The downtown district houses the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, the renovated historical Pabst Theater, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and the Riverside Theatre.
The Genuine American City is also home to the Milwaukee Ballet, the Florentine Opera, First Stage Children’s Theater, the Skylight Opera Theatre, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Renaissance Theaterworks and the Chamber Theatre.
The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts is Wisconsin’s entertainment showcase, offering a variety of year-round events, including regular season performances of symphony, ballet, opera, theater and Broadway touring shows.
Old World Wisconsin Living History Museum
Read more in our full article: Old World Wisconsin Living History Museum
Cedarburg
See our full article: Cedarburg, Wisconsin, USA
