Whether you’re a foodie with an affinity for brewpubs, an adventure junkie looking for your next escape, or a history buff obsessed with learning the ins-and-outs of the world, Milwaukee’s diversity in culture and economy makes it the perfect city to escape to for your next vacation. Here are the top five things to see/do in Downtown Milwaukee:
Stroll Along the Milwaukee RiverWalk
The crown jewel of the city is none other than the Milwaukee RiverWalk—a two mile-long path along the city which passes everything from galleries and annual events, to trendy stores, brewpubs and unmissable restaurants. The riverwalk links three districts—Downtown, Beerline B, and Historic Third Ward. But more than anything, it offers a great introduction to the city, and boasts some pretty stunning views along the way. For more information, visit www.visitmilwaukee.org.
Appreciate fine art at the Grohmann Museum
History buffs and connoisseurs of fine art—this one’s for you. The Grohmann Museum is home to some of the world’s most remarkable sculptures, paintings and artifacts, with many dating back to as early as 1580. The museum acts as a visual journey through the evolution of work and technology, and it’s a must-visit destination the next time that you’re in Milwaukee. For more information, visit www.msoe.edu.
Visit the Historic Third Ward
Located just south of Downtown Milwaukee is the Historic Third Ward—one of the city’s top attractions and a trendy destination for tourists. While it’s known as Milwaukee’s Arts and Fashion District today, it used to be referred to as the “Bloody Ward” because of the historic brawls that frequently occurred there. This hotspot now features a number of popular restaurants and shops, including the Milwaukee Public Market, the Broadway Theatre Center, and the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. For more information, visit www.historicthirdward.org.
See the North Point Lighthouse Up-Close
If you’re intent on learning the history of Milwaukee, the North Point Lighthouse Museum is a great place to start. Way back when, the city played an imperative role in the regional maritime activities of the Great Lakes. With artwork, artifacts, documentation and unique stories straight from the lighthouse keepers, this is an unconventional and completely beautiful spot that needs to be added to your agenda. For more information, visit www.northpointlighthouse.org.
Get outside at Lakeshore State Park
At Lakeshore State Park, visitors really get the best of both worlds. This urban retreat is nestled right in the city, and offers a refreshing outdoor space with the Milwaukee skyline as its backdrop. Whether you’re embarking on a run along one of the park’s many trails, or are exploring the vibrant wildlife by kayak on the lake, this state park has everything for you, no matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for. For more information, visit www.dnr.wi.gov.