Milwaukee is a huge beer city. But, what if you hate beer? Read on to learn the best things to do in Milwaukee that don’t involve beer.
The city of Milwaukee is a big metropolis filled with hundreds of fun little tourist spots and intriguing wonders.
While the city is well known for its breweries, if that is not your thing, you don’t have to worry. There is so much more to explore!
Curious what sites and attractions you should keep an eye out for while visiting Milwaukee? We’ve got a nice guide on things to do in Milwaukee.
Let’s explore!
Music and Festivals
Music festivals come in all shapes and sizes. From the annual big festivals that take up the local stadiums and parks to the weekly corner shows at the popular bars and clubs. Milwaukee does not skip out on good music.
- Colectivo Back Room Shows
To help avoid being in booze-filled bars, Colectivo has partnered with Pabst Theater Group to create a large host of national musical talent. Combine with a local opener to give a great blend of local sound and national quality.
- Jazz Visions on the Lake
An annual event, Jazz Visions on the Lake takes place in the ever pleasant Henry Mair Festival Park. This event gives a free and thorough glimpse into the wide range of powerful local Milwaukee jazz talent.
- Summerfest
Going strong since 1968, Summerfest brings in a massive variety of musical talents of all levels of fame. Summerfest is one of the biggest music festivals in the world and is the major cornerstone of any summer visit to Milwaukee.
Museums and Culture
Milwaukee is a city ripe with culture and exciting history. From art pieces and science exhibits, you can find a little bit of culture and education in these great places.
- Milwaukee Art Museum
First put together in 1888, this museum is a powerhouse of well-curated art and fantastic experiences. See the iconic “wings” on the Calatrava or browse the rotating galleries and other collections. The Milwaukee Art Museum is not one to skip.
- Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
For those with kids tagging along, there is no better place to stop than the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum.
With a wide range of interactive and educational exhibits, the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum aims to provide a wholesome, educational, and delightful experience to all museum lovers young and old.
- Discovery World
While on the outside it may seem like another children’s museum, Discovery World is so much more.
Discovery World aims to take a fun, hands-on approach to showcase the many wonders of the world around us. From a number of learning labs to the Reinman Aquarium, there is so much you dive right into and get involved with.
Fun and Games
Looking for something more modern and exciting? How about one of the greatest escape room experiences you can find.
Breakout Games is a Milwaukee company that brings the excitement and thrill of a modern escape room combined with great local flair.
Wisconsin State Fair
State Fairs are some of the biggest and most iconic events in any region of the United States.
Whether you come there for the decadent and simple food, the classic and local music, or the fun-filled atmosphere, the Wisconsin State Fair is no different.
Milwaukee plays host to the State Fair every year. There you can find agricultural exhibits for the curious and all the wild rides you can handle down in the midway.
With a whole weekend of delightful items to taste and experience, you can’t go wrong with the State Fair.
Cheese and Other Foods
Milwaukee’s fame may be in part for its breweries, but Wisconsin’s fame comes from its cheeses. It would be a shame to visit the “Cream City” itself and not taste some of its dairy products.
There are a vast number of fine places to find and try some of the best cheese in the United States. From the famous Milwaukee Public Market to several local restaurants like the Crafty Cow, you will be hard-pressed to not stumble on some good Wisconsin cheese.
If you want to see where it all started, Cheese Mart was the first and biggest cheese retailer in all of Wisconsin!
If you want a bit more than cheese, Milwaukee’s German influences show in a variety of places. Try out the host of delightful restaurants in the Old World Third Street for good sausage and delightful sights.
Historic Third Ward
The Historic Third Ward is Milwaukee’s fashion and art district. For a real taste of culture and class, you will find no better in the area than this wonderful ward.
When you are eager to take in some of the best theater and oddball shops and restaurants, it is the Third Ward you need to look for. The architecture and beautiful scenery gives you an entire day’s worth of relaxing wandering as you take in the sights and sounds of the city.
The Third Ward is even near Henry Maier Festival Park, so if you have some interest in the many music festivals talked about before, you can enjoy two wonderful pieces together.
Milwaukee’s Natural Splendor
If you are looking for a bit more taste of the natural, there is none other than the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, also affectionately referred to as “The Domes”.
Three geodesic domes come with their own biosphere of ecology and natural wonder. Explore the different terrain, from deserts to the tropics, and see how wonderful the natural world can be.
Looking for a more simple and relaxing pleasure? The many river walkways of Milwaukee provide a peaceful and beautiful environment for a relaxing or romantic afternoon stroll.
Things to Do in Milwaukee: Have Your Pick!
The bright and beautiful city of Milwaukee plays host to a wonderful variety of people, places, and sources of entertainment. With this guide on things to do in Milwaukee, you won’t have to fill your journey with the bland or boring ever again!
Keep exploring our blog for more travel insights.
