This blog post is finally here! I have been wanting to write this post for over a year now because it is very near and dear to my heart. If you don’t already know, I live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I grew up in the suburbs, about 30 minutes west of Milwaukee, and moved to the city for college. I ended up staying in Milwaukee post graduation because I absolutely fell in love with the city. There is so much this amazing, small city has to offer. It has a homey feeling to it even if you’re a tourist here. And, who doesn’t love a dose of Midwest nice?
If you’re traveling to Milwaukee and have never been here this post is for you! And, even if you live near Milwaukee but haven’t had a chance to discover more of the city – I’m here to help. I live for discovering new places and seeing something different each time I go out. Whether that be a new shop, new place to grab drinks, new bite to eat or even a new place to watch the sunset at.
I am so excited to finally be sharing this blog post with all of you. Expect more Milwaukee Guides coming to Mindful Living very soon. + let me know if you tried any of these places out or are visiting Milwaukee anytime soon!
THINGS TO DO IN MILWAUKEE
Bucks Game at the Fiserv Forum
Of course, this is the first thing I have to share! As you probably know, Milwaukee is home to the Bucks NBA team and we praise our love, Giannis Antetokounmpo. You have to catch a game here if you’re in town during the season. The stadium is newly redone and has plenty of yummy food options inside. You can also grab drinks and dinner right out front of the stadium at the Deer District and make it a great night. (More on that below)
2. Dinner & Drinks in the Deer District
- The MECCA Sports Bar & Grill (Casual, drinks & bar food)
- Carson’s Prime Steaks (If you’re feeling a nicer, sit down)
- Who’s on Third (Love the chicken tenders here!)
- Mader’s (#1 rated German restaurant in Mid America by Trip Advisor)
3. Discover Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward
The Third Ward is one of the most visited places in Milwaukee. It’s a perfect area to walk around and shop at local and chain stores, and visit Milwaukee’s Public Market. The Third Ward is filled with beautiful, high end apartments and businesses in Milwaukee’s original Cream City brick.
4. Milwaukee Public Market in the Third Ward
- The Milwaukee Public Market is a must see when visiting Milwaukee. Here, enjoy local favorites such as Anodyne Coffee, Tasty Mexican food at Margarita Paradise Mexican, seafood at St. Paul Fish Company, and my favorite – the vegan chocolate chip cookie at C. Adams Bakery.
- You can also pick up MKE merch and post cards at Brew City Brand Apparel in the Public Market
5. Milwaukee Art Museum
- The Milwaukee Art Museum is a beautiful staple to Milwaukee. If you’re lucky, you’ll stop by on a day when the wings are open, which is a beautiful sight and great for photos.
- Get in free every first Thursday of the month!
6. Discovery Museum (Great if you’re with the kids)
7. Rent a pontoon on Lake Michigan
8. Stroll down the Milwaukee Lakefront
The Milwaukee Lakefront I feel is personally one of the best things about Milwaukee. The fact that Milwaukee is situated on the coast of Lake Michigan alone is what makes Milwaukee such an amazing city. Stop along the Lakefront any day, especially a warm summer afternoon and you’ll see the sidewalks packed with locals running, walking and enjoying the scenery. Here are some stops you should definitely make while walking along the lakefront:
- Grab a cup of coffee at the local coffee shop here in Milwaukee, Collectivo
- Rent a Bublr bike or rollerblade along the sidewalk
- Rent a swan pedal boat on the Veterans Park pond (Wheel Fun Rental)
- Layout a beach towel and get a tan on Bradford beach
- The Oakleaf trail is accessible right across from the Lakefront if you’re looking for a longer walk/run (125 miles)
9. Enjoy a day at the beach!
- Bradford beach: This beach is located right on the Milwaukee Lakefront and gets packed during the summer…and I mean PACKED. The vibe of this beach is definitely more of a younger crowd, especially since the beach has 2 tiki bars on site.
- Atwater beach: If you’re looking for a more relaxed beach, more family oriented and calm, head to Atwater. Atwater is my personal favorite especially since it is located on the beautiful Lake Drive which is lined with Milwaukee mansions. Let’s just say it’s a very scenic drive.
At Water beach
10. Have a picnic & enjoy the views
- Atwater Park at Atwater Beach
- Lake Park
- Mckinley Park
- Kadish Park
11. Chriskringle Market in the Winter
12. Discover Bayview
Bayview is the oldest neighborhood in Milwaukee. Here you’ll find more of a hipster, trendy vibe with local shops and restaurants. Walk down the busiest street in Bayview, Kinnickinnic Avenue. On this walk you will be able to stop into all kinds of different shops and restaurants.
13. Grab Sunday Brunch! Maybe even bottomless?
14. See a film at a local theater
- Oriental (East Side)
- Landmark’s Downer (East Side)
- Avalon Theater (Bayview)
15. Drive past the beautiful, old mansions nestled along Lake Drive
16. See the Milwaukee Skyline
Kadish Park
17. Enjoy arcade games and a drink at Up Down
18. Summerfest
If you haven’t heard of it yet, Summerfest is the world’s largest music festival, and it’s conveniently located right in Milwaukee. The music festival was first held in 1968 and is located at Henry Maier Festival Park, right along Lake Michigan. Come and enjoy all kinds of local bands to popular headliners like Zac Brown Band, The Weeknd, Florida Georgia Line, Dave Matthews Band, Imagine Dragons, and much more!
19. State Fair
If you visit Milwaukee in August, the State Fair is a must! Located in West Allis, you will be completely satisfied by the endless amounts of greasy, deep fried foods of all different combinations our State Fair has to offer. The fair isn’t just about food though, it also has festival rides and games for the family, as well as barns full of livestock.
20. Discover Milwaukee’s East Side
The East Side is home to a young lively crowd, due to it being near The University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and it has a ton of cute food and shopping spots. The busiest street in the East Side is Brady Street. On this street you can enjoy a bite to eat and a fun night out all evening long.
- Grab dinner on the East Side:
- Dorsia (pasta flights)
- Red Light Ramen
- Tavolino
- Lisa’s Pizza (open for over 60 years)
- Zaffiro’s Pizza
- Finish the night off with a drink:
21. Enjoy a swing at the Swing Park
This is a little sand park with different sorts of swings to swing on. Stopping here for a swing makes for a relaxing afternoon and some fun photos.
After take a walk along the Holton Street bridge that is directly connected to the swing park for beautiful views of the Milwaukee River.
22. Kayak along the Milwaukee River
23. Drive out and enjoy a hike at Holy Hill in Hartford, WI
24. Take a walk through the city to see all of the Sculpture Milwaukee exhibitions which span over 5 miles of the city.
25. See a Brewers game at American Family Field
26. Discover MKE’s murals
- Black Cat alley
- Leopard (Location: North wall of Kashou Carpets)
- Heart & Sol
- Gild the Lily (Location: Chase Bank)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo mural
Black Cat Alley
27. Enjoy a cocktail and Milwaukee skyline views at The Outsider at The Journeyman hotel rooftop
28. Enjoy a beer and brewery tour (A Wisconsin staple!)
Lakefront Brewery
29. Pickup fresh produce and local treats at a Farmers Market
30. Kick back at a Beer Garden
31.Enjoy a relaxing walk down the RiverWalk
The RiverWalk is debatably one of the best things the city of Milwaukee created. The RiverWalk is a sidewalk that lines both sides of the entire Milwaukee River. It runs about 3 miles long and can take you from the East Side, through The North End, Downtown, into the Third Ward and ending at Walkers Point.
The Riverwalk travels along the river and behind beautiful apartment complexes, businesses and nearby restaurants. You’ll be able to stop at any time to grab a bite to eat and continue walking.
32. Visit the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
33. Betty Brinn Children’s Museum (Great if you’re with the kids!)
34. See a performance at the Marcus Performing Arts Center
35. Ice Skate or Roller Skate at Red Arrow Park
Ice skating at Red Arrow Park is a Milwaukee classic in the Winter. They also recently constructed the park to be a rollerskating rink in the warmer months.
36. Try Chubby’s The Drive Thru for the best cinnamon sugar donuts (cash only)
37. Enjoy a night out on Water Street
Milwaukee’s entertainment district on Water Street is known to be one of the biggest drinking streets in Milwaukee. Stop here for a night out of non-stop drinking and fun
- Harp Irish Pub
- Brothers Bar & Grill
- Trinity Three Irish Pubs
- McGillycuddy’s
- The Brewery (Inside Water Street Brewery)
38. Make a stop at the Milwaukee County Zoo
39. Visit the Harley Davidson Museum
40. Explore the desert and then the jungle in seconds at the Mitchell Park Domes
40. Enjoy frozen custard – a Midwest favorite
