Milwaukee – More than just Beer & Brats

Milwaukee – More than just Brats & Beer… though we do those pretty well!

Great Place on a Great Lake
On the southwest shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee boasts miles of lakefront walking/ jogging/ biking paths and on a beautiful, sunny day, there’s no better place to be! Don’t miss Discovery World or the Milwaukee Art Museum for stunning lake views and some pretty cool indoor views as well! The hands-on fun of Discovery World will entertain the whole family for a good couple of hours and the “wings” of the Art Museum actually open & close twice each day. Last summer, Bradford Beach earned Blue Wave certification and is once again receiving rave reviews as a great place to hang out on summer days.

City of Festivals
With dozens of large and small festivals taking place every summer, visitors soon discover why Milwaukee’s been dubbed the “City of Festivals”. Whether you’re headed here for Summerfest, “the world’s largest outdoor music festival”, or perhaps to celebrate your ethnic heritage at German Fest, Festa Italiana, Arab World Fest, or more, Milwaukee is ready to celebrate with you.

Home of Harley
For over 100 years Milwaukee’s been home to Harley-Davidson and motorcycle enthusiasts (and the rest of us!) have a great time poking through Harley’s history in the new Harley Davidson Museum. This is not your typical, stuffy museum; there’s fun buttons to push, cool architecture and amazing stories to learn about motorcycles & their riders. Be sure to also leave enough time to hop on all the different styles of motorcycles in the Experience Gallery!

Westward Ho!
Keep heading west for even more fun: Potawatomi Bingo Casino features blackjack tables, craps, roulette, video poker, slots, bingo & more. (Adults only, must be 18 for bingo and 21 for the rest of the casino games.) For full family fun – & even a little education- check out the Mitchell Park Domes.  This year-round conservatory consists of an arid dome, tropical dome and a “show” dome which changes throughout the year. Finally, only 10 minutes west of downtown is the Milwaukee County Zoo. Situated on about 200 acres, even the Zoo gets into the Festival spirit, hosting Zoo a la Carte every August.

Home of an IDOL
Well, there’s been the Fonz & Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, and in 2009 Milwaukee produced season 8 finalist Danny Gokey (click image to see a short video of Danny sharing his Milwaukee highlights):

Eat, Drink & Be Merry!
With four 2010 James Beard Award semi-finalists, Milwaukee knows good food! Check out Outstanding Restaurant nominee Sanford‘s for a delicious, upscale meal (Entrees in the $30-$40 range). Ready Made magazine says: “Make a beeline for Milwaukee. Don’t stop until you get to County Clare Irish Inn…. Pull sips off a pint of Guinness, share an order of fish and chips at their Friday Fish Fry ($12) and listen to Irish music makers.” Best place in the city for martinis and more? Blu, on the 23rd floor of the Pfister Hotel, offers great drinks plus an amazing view. Also gaining popularity as a hip hangout: Branded inside the Iron Horse Hotel. Finally, if out-of-the-ordinary, intriguing and slightly wacky is more your style, locals always recommend the Safe House. You’re SURE to enjoy yourselves – if you can find it… (Entrees from $10-$30)

Just can’t leave without your beer & brat fix though?
Sprecher Brewery Tours– $4 per adult gets you four samples of beer, a souvenir glass, plus samples of all seven flavors of their soda. Be sure to check their site before you go for tour dates & times.

Although Milwaukee is no longer the headquarters for Miller Brewing/ MillerCoors, you can still take a free tour of their “Miller Valley”. Check out their site for tour times or ask about a private tour after-hours (small fee applies).

Lakefront Brewery Tours– Sample four different beers and get a coupon for another free beer at one of a dozen different local establishments all for $7 per person. Recently released: their Wheat Monkey Ale.

For a true Milwaukee sausage experience, head to Usingers, still located on Old World Third Street, the site of the original store.

We invite you to find great places to stay in Milwaukee & throughout Wisconsin by clicking over to WisconsinLodging.info.