.

TravelTips24 : North America : United States of America : Midwest : Wisconsin : Milwaukee

Milwaukee

Milwaukee [1] [2] is the largest city in the state of Wisconsin, United States. The city's population is 596,974 with an estimated total of 1,689,572 in the Milwaukee metropolitan area (2004). The city of Milwaukee is the 22nd largest city in the United States. The city is located in the southeastern portion of the state on the western shore of Lake Michigan.

Culture and History

Milwaukee has advertised itself as the "City of Festivals," especially emphasizing an annual fair along the lakefront called Summerfest [3]. Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest music festival in the world, Summerfest attracts around 900,000 visitors a year to its twelve stages. Smaller festivals throughout the year celebrate the city's German, Native American, African-American, Italian, Irish [4], Greek, Latino, Arabic, Asian, French and Polish heritage.

Travel to Milwaukee & Visa Requirements

There is an array of almost every transportation mode thinkable to get in. The cheapest way is by bus, but many travelers prefer the comfort and convenience of air, train or boat travel.

Flights and airtickets to Milwaukee

Milwaukee is served by Mitchell International Airport (IATA: MKE), [5].

Midwest Airlines [6], frequently rated #1 in domestic air service, is based at Mitchell International Airport.

Other airlines include: Air Canada [7], AirTran Airways [8], American Airlines/American Eagle [9], Continental [10], Delta [11], Frontier [12], Northwest [13], United [14], US Airways/America West [15], and USA 3000 [16].

Direct international (but some seasonal) flights are offered to Canada, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Other international travelers will have to connect or fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport and take the shuttle service to Milwaukee Union station.

Like many European airports Mitchell features a rail link to the city, use the Amtrak train to Milwaukee Union Station ($6), Badger Coaches [17] also operates a $6 service to the city where as a more frequent, cheaper $2, yet slower normal city bus line (# 80), to downtown is operated by MCTS [18].

Some air travelers choose to fly into one of Chicago's main airports (O'Hare-ORD or Midway-MDW). Some passengers find this to be a cheaper solution, particularly, but not necessarily, for overseas travel. There is a direct shuttle from both of the Chicago airports to Milwaukee Intermodal Station (O'Hare to Milwaukee $23, Midway to Milwaukee $36). Increasingly, travelers are may choosing to take an 'eL' train from either of the Chicago airports to Chicago Union Station($2) and then go on to Milwaukee with either Megabus.com($1-$12) services or with Amtrak trains ($22).

By Train

Amtrak [19] serves downtown and an airport station. The Hiawatha [20] has 7 daily round trips to Chicago, and the Empire Builder [21] has 1 daily round trip from Chicago through Milwaukee to Seattle/Portland, Via Minneapolis and Spokane (among other cities). The Empire Builder only stop at the Milwaukeee Intermodal Station downtown, passengers wishing to travel from Mitchel Airport northbound on this train should first take a Hiawatha train to the Intermodal Station downtown. The Intermodal station is located downtown a short distance from many attractions and hotels.

By Car

I-94 comes in from Madison to the west, and continues to Chicago to the south. I-43 will get you to the city from Green Bay from the north, and continues south-west to Rockford.

By Boat

The Lake Express [22] is a high speed ferry that operates several daily trips across Lake Michigan to Muskegon, MI. The ferry docks on the south side of the port near Bayview. No winter service.

Buses to Milwaukee

Milwaukee has a fast growing bus market. Over the past three years the number of carriers and capacity has more than doubled. Most buses stop at the Milwaukee Intermodal Station (also the Amtrak Station) on St Paul Street. Many chartered tour of Milwaukee are also arranged from cities in the region. There are also casino charters from across the Midwest.

  • Badger Bus, 635 N James Lovell St.(Between Wisconsin and Michigan Avenues, '''This service is the only company NOT departing from the Intermodal station. Be sure to know where you are going.''''), [23]. Operates six scheduled services to and six scheduled services from Milwaukee and Madison daily, with a few local stops on each end. edit
  • Greyhound, (Located at the Intermodal Station.), ☎ +1-414-272-2156, [24]. Open 24h/day, every day. Greyhound has extensive bus services to most medium and large cities in the region. In additionally there are stops on request at 84 & O'Connor, at Milwaukee Mitchell Airport, and at other locations. edit
  • Indian Trails, (Located at the Intermodal Station), [25]. Daily service from Milwaukee to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Onward connections are available. edit
  • Jefferson Lines, (Located at the Intermodal Station), [26]. Operates daytime scheduled service between Milwaukee and Minneapolis, with interim stops across the state. The Milwaukee Service is operated with efficient new coaches. Connections are available at Minneapolis. edit
  • Megabus, On 5th street just north of St Paul Avenue(Opposite the Intermodal Station downtown), [27]. Megabus offers an eight time daily round trip service to Chicago, and twice daily bus from Minneapolis. (After some construction started in 2006 completes, the stop returns to its regular location on the south side of St Paul Avenue between 4th and 5th Streets. There is a second stop at the junction of I-94 and West College Avenue, in the southwestern of the two Park and Ride lots.$1-$30.  edit

Tours & Getting around Milwaukee

Getting around in Milwaukee is mostly easy. Block numbers are consistent across the city, including most of the suburbs, starting roughly where the Milwaukee and Menomonee rivers meet. All numbered streets run north-south, increasing in number as you head west from 1st Street. Most named streets go east-west, with the notable exception of streets east of 1st Street (the East Side). Standard blocks are 1/8th of a mile long north to south, and 1/12th of a mile east to west. Parking Downtown and on the East Side is a minor hassle, but abundant elsewhere.

By Public Transit

Milwaukee's bus system, MCTS [28], is actually quite good, taking into account the almost complete lack of rail support. You can take a bus from anywhere, to almost anywhere in the city, with minor excursions to the suburbs.

Standard Fares

  • Cash: $2
  • Weekly Pass: $16 (Valid Sunday 5am - Sunday 5am)
  • 10 tickets: $16 (No expiration)
  • Reduced Fare: $1 (Children 6-11, seniors 65+ with medicare card.)
  • Premium Fare: Applicable fare plus 50 cents. (Freeway Flyers, denoted in green on a bus stop sign)
  • Festival Shuttles: $6.00 round trip. (Paid in cash on inbound trip.)

One week passes and ten ride ticket packs are available from outlets displaying an MCTS sticker. (Mostly grocery stores.)

Fare includes one hour transfer, make sure to ask the driver for it if they don't automatically give you one. This transfer will allow you to board as many buses as you wish before the time runs out.

One item of useful note: Drivers have plenty of information, and transfers, but nothing else. They do not carry change, nor do they sell tickets or bus passes. If you do not have exact change, expect to pay a little over.

Most of Milwaukee's 500 new low-floor buses feature Transit TV [29] monitors that have a constant display of the upcoming stops along the route, verbally and visually announced approximately half a block in advance. In the event that the displays are not properly functioning alert the operator and ask for your stop to be called. Many operators miss the old days when they got to call the stop and thus enjoy the opportunity. If you are unsure of where you are going they will be happy to help, as well.

Many buses terminate at the MCTS Downtown Transit Center located across from the Betty Brinn Children's Museum, or kitty-corner from the famous Calatrava wing of the Milwaukee Art Museum.

Tourist 'Trolley'

Trolley Loop [30] is a frequent scheduled trolley bus service sponsored by local businesses. Rides are free though service is seasonal.

By taxi

While there are plenty of taxis to meet demand, do not expect to simply flag one down. With the notable exceptions of queues at larger hotels, the airport, train- and bus stations and largely attended events you should call for one. The number one company is Yellow Cab, at 414-271-1800, with the phone numbers of other taxi companies available here: [31].

By Car

While it is possible to use the bus to go to many suburbs, some tourists prefer driving. Parking outside the Downtown/East Side are is a overall a non-issue. Traffic conditions may vary, especially in the next few years durning the reconstruction of the city's main freeway interchanges.

Milwaukee attractions and sightseeing

Milwaukee is a vibrant city with plenty to see and explore.

  • During the summer, the venerable Iroquois offers narrated sightseeing tours of the Milwaukee River, Harbor and Lake Michigan daily at 1PM and 3PM.
  • Sea Dog Sailing offers sailing trips out of McKinley Marina. The Edelweiss I and II offer elegant dinner cruises departing from the 3rd Street Pier restaurant.
  • The Milwaukee County Zoo is a world class zoo that features 2500 animals representing 300 species on 200 acres. Besides animal showcases, the zoo also features train tours, sea lion shows, and a dairy farm. Check with zoo schedules for fun special events like sleepovers at the zoo or trick-or-treating at the zoo on Halloween.

  • The Fonz Statue, (located at east side of the Milwaukee River, just south of Wells Street. On the RiverWalk), [32]. His hair will always be in place, he doesn’t mind if you touch the leather and he’s far too heavy to jump the shark. Thought Arthur Fonzarelli couldn’t get any cooler? Meet the bronze Fonz. Free.  edit

Landmarks

  • The Pabst Brewery sits on the north east side of downtown, adjacent to the Milwaukee Country Courthouse and overlooking I43. Though the brewery is no longer in operation and has fallen into a state of disrepair, it still remains an icon of the city and what it once was. Currently, the facility is largely fenced off to visitors. Slated for renovation in the near future, the Pabst Brewery is targeted to be developed into restaurants, entertainment venues, stores, housing and offices. The $317 million project is has been subject of much debate in Milwaukee.
  • The Domes complex in Mitchell Park [33] is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. The three huge glass domes serve as the city's horticultural gardens, and house a desert habitat, a rainforest, and varying themed exhibits. Mitchell Park is located at the intersection of S Layton Blvd. & W Pierce St.
  • Milwaukee is also home to Lakefront Brewery. Home of the renowned 'river west stein' beer which can be found on tap in bars all over Wisconsin and in the Chicago area. They offer tours (21 and up or with a parent) which cost $8. It is an all you can drink tour, and gives visitors the opportunity to taste a wide variety of Lakefront Brewery's beers.
  • The Milwaukee Art Museum's Santiago Calatrava-designed addition is Milwaukee's most recognizable landmark, and the bird-like wings of the building's Quadracci Pavilion open and close several times each day, depending on the weather. The War Memorial which the museum is connected to was designed by the architect Eero Saarinen, and worth a look as well. For more information on the museum, check the Arts & Culture section of this article.
  • Milwaukee's City Hall was the city's most important landmark before the completion of the Calatrava addition to the museum. This beautiful building is located at the intersection of N Water St. and E Wells St. The architecture is heavily influenced by that of Germany, which is a symbol of Milwaukee's large German immigrant population at the turn of the century. (N.b., the exterior of the building is being remodelled)
  • St. Josaphat Basilica on the city's south side was built from the dismantled materials of the Old Chicago Customs House and Post Office. Each block was carefully measured and numbered for a best fit in the new design so that hardly any stone was re-cut or went to waste. In the end even the original ornamental bronze railings, lighting fixtures, and doorknobs of the customs house were used to furnish St. Josaphat. Opulently decorated and designed, it is perhaps one of the finest examples of the so called "Polish Cathedral" style of church architecture in North America.

Arts & Culture

  • Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, [34]
  • Pabst Theater, [35]
  • Milwaukee Theater, [36]
  • Milwaukee Repertory Theater, [37].
  • Oriental Cinema Theatre, [38]
  • Downer Cinema Theatre, [39]
  • Milwaukee Art Museum, [40].
  • Eisner American Museum of Advertising and Design, [41]
  • America's Black Holocaust Museum, [42].
  • Milwaukee Public Museum, [43].
  • Discovery World Museum at Pier Wisconsin, [44].
  • Betty Brinn Children's Museum, [45]
  • Charles Allis Art Museum, [46]

Sports

Milwaukee is famous for its sports teams, particulary Baseball & Basketball. Home run slugger Hank Aaron hit most of his home runs in Milwaukee. Additionally, the Bucks are the youngest team to ever win a NBA title. There are a variety of professional and college sport teams in the area.

  • Milwaukee Brewers - The Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee's MLB franchise plays at Miller Park just outside downtown. [47]
  • Milwaukee Bucks - The Bucks, the NBA team play at the Bradley Center in Downtown. [48]
  • Milwaukee Admirals - A AHL hockey franchise, this team shares the Bradley Center with the Bucks. [49]
  • Milwaukee Wave - North America's longest continuously operating professional soccer club. They complete in the Major Indoor Soccer League and play home games at the U.S. Cellular Arena. [50]]
  • College Basketball - A variety of college basketball teams play in the area including the Marquette Golden Eagles [51] of the Big East Conference and the Milwaukee Panthers [52] of the Horizon League.

Neighborhoods

  • Juneautown and Kilbourntown/Westown - These two neighborhoods, which sit across the Milwaukee River from each other, form the larger area generally known as "downtown." Juneautown, between the lake and the river, is the financial heart of the city, as well as the place where Milwaukee was born. The city's tallest building, the 601-foot USBank Tower, is located here along the lake, as are a number of the city's most architecturally significant buildings, including the Cathedral of St. John and Milwaukee's City Hall. There are a number of coffee shops and restaurants, but the area mostly closes down after business hours. Across the river, Kilbourntown (or Westown) serves as the city's entertainment center. here you will find attractions such as the Midwest Airlines Center, Milwaukee's primary convention center. Nearby are the Grand Avenue Mall, the Milwaukee Theater, and the Bradley Center. Many of the city's hotels are located here as well, as are a number of excellent restaurants and clubs. While none of the city's tall buildings have public observatories, you can get a fantastic view from Polaris [53], the revolving restaurant perched atop the Hyatt Regency in the heart of Kilbourntown. The Riverwalk lines both sides of the Milwaukee River through the downtown area, and is home to a number of pieces of public art, as well as some of the city's most popular restaurants.
  • Historic Third Ward - This small district, located directly to the south of Juneautown, is Milwaukee's version of the trendy urban "warehouse district." The streets of the Third Ward are lined with 19th and early 20th-century warehouse buildings which have been converted into lofts and offices. At street level, chic shops and restaurants are commonplace. The area is also an entertainment hub. The Eisner Museum of Advertising and Design [54] is located at 208 N. Water Street, just blocks from the Broadway Theater Center, home of the Skylight Opera [55]. On the ward's southern boundary -the Milwaukee River - one can find the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (or just MIAD [56]), which is the centerpiece of the city's art scene. On Gallery Night, which occurs once every three months, the Third Ward hums with activity, as it is home to the city's largest collection of art galleries. The Third Ward is also home to the newest section of the Riverwalk, which offers some fantastic views of the downtown skyline.
  • Martin Luther King Drive - A period of urban renewal has revitalized this neighborhood with brand new restaurants, coffee houses and jazz, blues and neo-soul lounges. It is known as the epicenter of African-American commerce in Wisconsin. From downtown, simply continue north on Old World 3rd Street which turns into Martin Luther King Drive. The #19 bus runs the entire lenght of the street.
  • Walker's Point
  • The East Side [57]. This neighborhood stretches from downtown to the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. It is home to elegant mansions, college students, and everything in between.
  • Riverwest - A neighborhood of transition. It was once, in part, the Puerto Rican area. Milwaukee used to be segrageted by the river, Riverwest is west of it and thus was a largely Black and Latino neighborhood. As Milwaukee has intigrated Riverwest has become an increasingly diverse neighborhood. Amongst the many hipsters one still find plenty of Puerto Rican families and grandmothers who can remember when it was even sometimes litterly forbidden for them to cross the bridge over the river. Now, one can even find expensive condos here and there too.

From downtown take a number 10 bus north or east in the direction Bayshore or Capitol (or #14 in the direction Capitol) north to Locust or Center St. (or anywhere around there). Exit there and head west (east from the #14). If the weather is nice, just walk north from downtown with the river in the corner of your right eye until you reach Humboldt St. or Holton St. take one of these north.

  • Bayview - A vibrant area on the city's south shore with lots of neighborhood bars and restaurants. Number 15 bus south from downtown.
  • Historic Mitchell Street - The once Polish center is now home to some of Milwaukee's most vibrant hispanic culture. From downtown take any #54 bus and get off after it has turned onto Mitchell and gone over the freeway.

Parks

Because of Milwaukee's socialist past, it had one of the best public parks systems in the country. There are many great parks around the Milwaukee area!

Downtown

  • Cathedral Square Park - This park is a square towards the center of the city, bordered by Kilbourn on the North, Wells on the South, Jackson on the the East and Jefferson on the West. It is most notable for Jazz In the Park, free outdoor Jazz concerts on Thursday evenings during the summer [58].
  • Veteran's Park - This park is located by the lakefront, just north of the Art Museum and War Memorial. Veteran's Park includes a lagoon where you can rent a paddleboat, a kite store, and bike rentals.

East Side

  • McKinley Marina & Beach - McKinley Park is a great place for people who want to fish or relax on the beach. Many people also love to stroll out on the giant breakwater that goes out into Lake Michigan. During the summer, there are plenty of fishermen here as well. An easy way to get to McKinley Park is to take the Brady Street pedestrian bridge over Lincoln Memorial Drive (from the Brady Street area), or just walk North from Veteran's Park.
  • Bradford Beach - This is one of the larger beaches in the Milwaukee area, and has recently seen an influx of money, upgrading the facility and increasing the quality of the experience.
  • Lake Park - Lake Park was designed and built by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same man who built Central Park in New York. It is one of Milwaukee's most beautiful parks and can be found by going up the hill (West) on the North end of Bradford Beach.

Milwaukee city tours

  • Milwaukee is known for its Beer. In several spots around the city, the smell of yeast from the beer factories is quite strong.
    • Miller Brewery offers excellent tours. The tour begins with a short video of famous Miller commercials, continues to the original brewery to demonstrate the growth and progress of the company, and finishes at a pub for a little beer-tasting. To set up a tour call (800)944-LITE or go to [59].
    • Sprecher [60] (maker of beer and rootbeer) is a smaller brewery on Milwaukee's north side. They also offer tours.
    • Lakefront Brewery [61] is another small, locally-owned microbrewery specializing in handmade beers in the tradition of early Milwaukee brewers. Located along the Milwaukee river just north of downtown.
  • The Petit National Ice Center is a renowned Olympic training center. It has a full ice-racing track and two hockey rinks. Public skate hours vary, but are usually in the evening. Skate rentals are available for a good price.
  • Milwaukee used to be known as "The City of Festivals." To this day, there is a festival almost every weekend at the Henry Maier Festival Park, from various ethnic festivals, to Summerfest that holds the Guinness World Records title as the "World's Biggest Music Festival" since 1999.
  • Harley-Davidson Museum, 400 Canal Street, ☎ 1-877-HD MUSEUM (1-877-436-8738), [62]. At the H-D Museum you can: Walk through a variety of exhibits that tell the stories of the extraordinary people, products, history and culture of Harley-Davidson. In addition to the fantastic motorcycle collection, stories are told through a variety of media - including photographs, videos, apparel, rare documents and other fascinating artifacts. Peek into a portion of the Archives, never before open to the public, and home base to more than 450 motorcycles, and hundreds of thousands of artifacts that the Archives team can pull from for Museum exhibits. Read the various personalized messages created by individuals worldwide on the Living the Legend rivets, found on the Living the Legend walls and plazas. Grab a bold American meal or snack from the on-site Restaurant and Cafe. Stroll around the 20 acre Museum site, enjoy the riverwalk or just sit back along the waterfront taking in the Milwaukee skyline. Check out the unique Museum-inspired items at The Shop. Examine the industrial architecture and attention to detail found both inside and outside of the Museum’s three buildings. Adults $16, Children $10, Seniors $12.  edit
  • Harley-Davidson factory Tour(Powertrain Operations), 11700 W. Capitol Drvie, Wauwatosa, ☎ 1-877-883-1450, [63]. Your tour experience begins as soon as you walk through the door. Designed to immerse you in Harley-Davidson heritage, the tour center features a Harley-Davidson engine timeline - from the classic "Flathead" to the contemporary Twin Cam 88®. You'll also have the chance to sit on the latest Harley-Davidson and Buell models and visit the gift shop which features tour-related merchandise. The tour begins in the theater with a brief video on Motor Company history. Then it's on to the factory floor, where you'll watch Sportster and Buell powertrains take shape on the assembly line and see engines hot-tested to ensure they meet strict Harley-Davidson standards. You'll be guided through the Genuine Motor Parts and Screamin' Eagle® manufacturing processes and stop in the Engine Remanufacturing Department. Powertrain Operations on Capitol Drive is the only Harley-Davidson facility in Wisconsin offering public tours. So make plans today to see the place where Harley-Davidson motorcycles get their rumble. Tours are free and last approximately one hour. Tours begin at regular intervals between 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. It is recommended that you arrive early in the day, as we can experience capacity constraints. Tours are not offered on major holidays, or during production changes and year-end maintenance. Free.  edit
  • Milwaukee Riverwalk, [64]. The Milwaukee RiverWalk covers 3 miles along the Milwaukee River through the city's downtown and the Historic Third Ward. Because of its creation, the Milwaukee River has become a prominent downtown development area with a mix of high-end residential, commercial and recreational uses. Many Business, Bars, and Restaurants are located along the RiverWalk. Free.  edit
  • The Pabst Mansion, 2000 W. Wisconsin Avenue(...just west of the Marquette University Campus.), ☎ 414-931-0808, [65]. In 1892, the Flemish Renaissance Revival Mansion of Captain Frederick Pabst, world famous beer baron, accomplished sea captain, real estate developer, philanthropist and patron of the arts, was completed. From the day the house was inhabited, it was considered the jewel of Milwaukee's famous avenue of mansions called Grand Avenue and represented the epitome of America's Gilded Age Splendor in Milwaukee. The Pabst Mansion is a testament to Pabst's success, his love of life and his German heritage. Boasting stunning interiors, elegant original furnishings, elaborate wall coverings, the finest wood craftsmanship, intricate ironwork, brilliant stained glass, and rare art, the Mansion helped make the 1890's the "Pabst Decade" in Milwaukee. Step back in time with a guided tour of the Pabst Mansion. Learn about the legacy of Captain Pabst, the craftsmanship and artistry of the house, and the history of Milwaukee. The Pabst Mansion is open to the public year round and offers both general admissions and group tour packages. Open year round. Centrally located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Mansion is open daily excluding major holidays. The Mansion is closed Mondays from mid-January through February. Guided and self-guided tours available. Special admission and self-guided tours apply during the Mansion's nationally recognized Victorian holiday celebration. Reservations not needed for general admission. HOURS/ADMISSION Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday noon - 4 p.m. (Closed Mondays mid-January ˆ February, and Easter) Open Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day! Adults: $8.  edit
  • Milwaukee's Water Street, Water Street(Downtonwn Milwaukee), [66]. Head over to the library and dig up any old city directory. If you flip to the page listing businesses on Water Street, you'll find that this main downtown artery has always been home to dozens on taverns and, often, rowdy and raucous nightlife. If you think Water Street is crazy these days, you should have seen it under the administration of Mayor (all the time rosey) Rose.  edit

Learn

The Milwaukee Art Museum along the lakefront is renowned for its new Calatrava addition (2004). The giant bird-like structure juts out towards the lake and has been adopted as the new symbol of Milwaukee, featured on all of the flags and welcome signs. The Calatrava building is free to the public, and going just to appreciate the architecture and great views of the lake is recommended. Exhibits vary.

  • The Milwaukee Public Museum on downtown's westside is excellent for children and adults alike, containing exhibits on numerous topics including large historical dioramas, an IMAX theatre, and the largest planetarium in the state. Well-known permanent exhibits include a "Butterflies Alive" garden and the Streets of Old Milwaukee.
  • Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin, located on the lakefront, is geared towards middle school children, with hands-on science experiments and exhibits.
  • The Betty Brinn Children's Museum is situated right along the lakefront is excellent for young children.
  • Boerner Botanical Gardens and the Mitchell Park Domes offer atmospheric gardens or domes with flora from various climates.
  • Both the Charles Allis Art Museum and the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum [67] are located in repurposed, East Side mansions. They are great stops as you explore the East Side neighborhood.

Work

Milwaukee is home to several Fortune 500 companies; in fact, the metropolitan region (defined as the Milwaukee-West Allis-Waukesha area) was "ranked number five in the nation when measuring the number of Fortune 500 companies as a share of the population - just behind the number four Minneapolis-St. Paul region in Minnesota" [68]. The area has a wide employment base, with companies ranging from high-tech and specialty manufacturing firms (GE Medical, Harley Davidson) to retail and finance corporations (Kohl's, Northwestern Mutual).

Milwaukee Area Fortune 1000 Companies (As of 2004 ranking)

The Milwaukee-Racine metropolitan area was also rated one of the Top 20 Hot Cities for Entrepreneurs in 2005 [83].

Milwaukee souvenirs & shopping

  • Harley Davidson motorcycles are made in Wisconsin, and there are several plants in and around Milwaukee. Whether you are interested in buying a motorcycle or not, the retail stores are definitely places of interest. The House of Harley on Layton Avenue in Greenfield is a giant gallery of motorcycles from the past and present. You can also take a tour of the factory.

Milwaukee Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Milwaukee's Old World Third Street along (and just West of) the Milwaukee River has many of Milwaukee's best restaurants and night-clubbing locations. Brady Street, on the Northeast side, also has many nice restaurants and shops. Brady Street and Old World Third Street are undoubtedly the two best areas to get food in Milwaukee. Brady Street consists of relatively inexpensive but high-quality restaurants, bakeries, and bars. Old World Third Street provides a richer variety and also many of the more upscale restaurants (and clubs) in Milwaukee. Traditional Germanic and Mediterranean foods are the highlights.

America's House of Steaks [84] located in the Four Points by Sheraton Milwaukee Airport Hotel is the newest addition to Executive Chef Axel Dietrich’s long history of exceptional restaurants. He serves only the choicest ingredients including high quality properly aged steak that is hand cut on the premises by his experienced staff and served to his guests. Chef Axel’s special Prime Rib of Beef is hand rubbed with his own special seasoning to guarantee the tenderness and flavor you expect, but he doesn’t stop there. You can choose from equally flavorful items such as Veal Porterhouse, New Zealand Rack of Lamb, Country Style Duck, or Sauteed Scampi.

Budget

Apollo Cafe on Brady Street serves authentic Greek food that the whole family can enjoy: a variety of healthy yet tasty food. It'll make you wonder why these sorts of food aren't more popular. Just North of Brady Street on Farwell, try the "Cheesy Tomato" sandwich at Comet Cafe.

The best place to eat Mexican food on a budget in Milwaukee is Conejito's Place on 6th Street just north of National Avenue. Food is cheap, drinks are cheap and the atmosphere is one of the best in the city as far as Mexican restaurants go. In most cases you can eat and get a couple drinks for $10 dollars.

Mid-range

Located just south of 150 E Wells St, the Safehouse is entered through an alley. It is infamous for requiring a password to enter. It can be entered even without the password, but you will be required to act silly to convince them to allow entrance. Once inside you will find one of the world's greatest museums to spying including numerous gadgets and displays. As you eat you will be able to watch video monitors of other patrons acting silly to gain entrance, just as you once did.

On the East Side, you can head over to the intersection of North and Oakland Avenues, where you'll find local favorites like Beans & Barley (healthy/organic), Pizza Man, Von Trier's (German), the BBC (bar & grill), and the Twisted Fork (pasta). Louisa's is also a great Italian restaurant.

A bit farther up Oakland Avenue near Locust Ave. (near the UW-Milwaukee Campus), you'll find an exciting variety of restaurants like the Oakland Trattoria (Mediterranean), Sharazad (Middle Eastern), Lula's Cafe (East African), Thai Kitchen, and Oakland Gyros (Greek).

Splurge

Mader's, also on Old-World Third, provides traditional German cuisine in a fancy atmosphere. It is expensive but exquisite - well worth it.

Mimma's, on Brady Street, serves the Americanized version Italian cuisine. But it is also incredible, well worth five stars. In addition to every pasta you can imagine it comes with an excellent array of wines, albeit expensive.

Five O'Clock Steakhouse, on State St., is considered to be one of the best steakhouses in America.

Milwaukee nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

There's no shortage of night life in the Brew City. Milwaukeeans spend more (per capita) on entertainment than the citizenry of any other major American city, and you can bet that a good percentage of that entertainment is served in liquid form.

Trendy night life areas include Water Street and Milwaukee Street in the heart of the city's downtown area, Brady Street and North Avenue on the Lower and Upper East Sides, respectively, and National Avenue to the south. RiverWest, a local hipster enclave, also offers a large variety of artsy drinking holes. Finally, Bay View has several bars scattered throughout the neighborhood, but many are located along Kinnickinnic Ave.

The city is also the unofficial Capital of the Corner Bar; no matter where you go in Milwaukee, there's sure to be a neighborhood bar only a few blocks away.

Milwaukee cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

Visitors to Milwaukee will find it easiest to stay downtown, where most of the city's hotels are located. However, if you are looking for cheaper accommodation and don't mind the ride/drive, there is a strip of budget hotels on College Avenue near Mitchell International Airport, as well as in other locations around the cities suburban districts.

  • Hotel Metro - Milwaukee, WI, 411 East Mason Street,Milwaukee, WI, 53202, ☎ (877) 638-7620, [85]. Located at the epicenter of Milwaukee’s entertainment, cultural and financial districts, the downtown Hotel Metro exudes upscale charm and character—from spacious guest rooms to a critically acclaimed on-site restaurant to a variety of packages and specials.Hotel Metro is located in Milwaukee, WI near the Milwaukee Art Museum and Milwaukee Public Market. The hotel is a European-styled boutique, including free internet access, refreshment bar, and is pet-friendly. For more information.  edit

Budget

Cheaper hotels near the airport include MainStay Suites, Exel Inn, Comfort Inn & Suites, and a Radisson Hotel.

Downtown, travelers on a budget will find plenty of options.

  • The Ambassador Hotel [86], which just completed a renovation, is an art deco gem with reasonable rates, and is located just west of Marquette University on Wisconsin Avenue.
  • Best Western [87] (710 N Old World 3rd), Howard Johnson [88] (176 W Wisconsin), Ramada [89] (633 W Michigan), and Holiday Inn [90] (611 W Wisconsin) all have downtown locations. For a bit of old world charm, try the Knickerbocker On The Lake [91] (1028 E Juneau).

Mid-range

  • Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Milwaukee Airport, 1400 W Zellman Crt, +1 414 570-1111, [92]. Milwaukee Airport. Free high speed internet. Free 24 hour airport shuttle. Opened summer 2005.
  • Comfort Suites Milwaukee Airport, 6362 S 13th Street, +1 414 570-1111, Fax: +1 414 570-3333, [93]. Free high speed internet and 24 hour airport shuttle.
  • Four Points Sheraton Milwaukee Airport, [94]. Near the airport.
  • Executive Inn Milwaukee, 2301 West Wisconsin Avenue, +1 414 342-8400, [95]. Free high-speed Internet.
  • Ambassador Hotel in Downtown Milwaukee, 2308 W. Wisconsin Ave., +1 414 342-8400, [96]. Downtown.
  • AmeriSuites Milwaukee/Airport 200 West Grange Avenue, +1 (414) 744-3600, [97]. The AmeriSuites Milwaukee Airport is conveniently located along Interstate 94, a major artery of Milwaukee.
  • AmeriSuites Milwaukee/West, 11777 W. Silver Spring Drive, +1 (414) 462-3500, [98]. The AmeriSuites Milwaukee West is conveniently located along Highway 45, a major artery of Milwaukee.
  • Knickerbocker On The Lake, 1028 East Juneau Avenue, ☎ 1-414-276-8500(knickerb@execpc.com, fax: 1-414-276-3668), [99]. checkin: 3:00pm; checkout: 12:00pm. $100-$200.  edit

Splurge

If you're in the mood to splurge on a hotel in Milwaukee, there are several great places to do so.

The Hotel Metro [100] is Milwaukee's hippest boutique hotel. They offer a variety of different room types (including luxury spa suites, pet-friendly suites, and meeting suites), as well as amenities such as 24 hour concierge and room service, and a great location just blocks from the Water Street entertainment area, downtown museums, the theater district, and the Riverwalk. The Hotel Metro is located in a fabulous 1930's art moderne building at 411 E Mason St.

A few blocks away is the Pfister [101], Milwaukee's most famous and luxurious hotel, which has been serving visiting VIPs since 1893. Like the Hotel Metro, the Pfister is just blocks from all of downtown's most exciting attractions, including the Art Museum and the Historic Third Ward. Even if you can't afford to stay at the Pfister, it's worth your time to take a walk through the building and explore the spectacular lobby, or check out the museum's impressive art collection.

The InterContinental Milwaukee [102] is located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee and in the city’s Arts and Financial District. This property underwent an intensive renovation that extended to all areas of the hotel including lobby, guest rooms, restaurants, meeting and banquet rooms. The hotel’s spacious lobby showcases beautiful marble and woodwork, but with modern feel and amenities that meet the exacting InterContinental brand standards. The hotel’s 220 guest rooms afford spectacular views of the Milwaukee River, the bustling Theater District, or nearby City Hall.

An Art Deco tour-de-force, The Hilton Milwaukee City Center [103], built in 1927, is a grand hotel of legendary proportions. Entering into an opulent marble lobby, guests are awed by the Hilton's sheer expansiveness and scope. The hotel's ballrooms, with their vaulted ceilings, city views, and period fabrics, echo the magnificence evident throughout this showpiece. Fully restored, the Hilton Milwaukee City Center is burnished to its original 1920s classic grandeur with the addition of enhanced infrastructure and state-of-the-art amenities for business and pleasure. With 730 well-appointed guest rooms in the heart of Milwaukee's Westown, the Hilton is adjacent to the Midwest Express Convention Center.

The Iron Horse Hotel [104], a 100-year-old downtown warehouse transformed into a modern luxury boutique hotel, is located just blocks from the Midwest Airlines Convention Center and across the bridge from the new Harley-Davidson Museum, in one of Milwaukee’s last intact warehouse districts. The Iron Horse Hotel is a one of a kind upscale hotel geared for business travelers and motorcycle enthusiasts alike.

Contact

Newspapers

  • The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel [105] is Milwaukee's only major daily newspaper, distributed in the morning. Price: $0.50 daily, $1.75 Sunday Edition.
  • The Shepherd Express [106] is Milwaukee's free-press publication.
  • "The Onion" [107], a very popular satirical newspaper, can be found in many area restaurants and coffee shops, and is free of charge.

There are also many community and neighborhood oriented weekly papers offered for free in cafes and coffee shops.

Stay Safe

Milwaukee can be a very fun and enjoyable trip, but like any large city, Milwaukee is not free the problems that come with its size. Though virtually all tourist destinations in and around Milwaukee are as safe and accessible during the day and night, common sense should always apply. As a general rule one should be sure to be aware of their surroundings regardless, especially in areas unknown to yourself.

The Downtown, Third Ward and East Side communities are typically the most clean and safe areas within Milwaukee. Also, the Fifth ward continues to experience a urban renewal much due in part to it's relative location to the Third Ward, though some caution is advised after dark.

The west and south sides of Milwaukee also offer interesting tourist opportunities that include Milwaukee's famous Basilica and Frank Lloyd Wright's Greek Orthodox church. Crime can happen anywhere; don't let geographic stereotypes dictate your travels.

Cope

Weather patters in Milwaukee can fluctuate daily, with often little consistence in temperature or conditions.

Get out

This page was last edited at 17:37, on 10 November 2008 by Wikitravel user Orestek. Based on work by Jesse Miers, benjamin hoppe, David and Colin Jensen, Wikitravel user(s) Neurotic heart, Marcushotels and Morph, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.

Content on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 1.0 license