Things to Do in Milwaukee
Whether you’re visiting Milwaukee for the hundredth time or the first, there’s plenty do to in this city on the lake. Comprehensive lists of attractions can be found at www.milwaukee.org, but below are a few of our personal recommendations:
Milwaukee Art Museum (www.mam.org)
The Milwaukee Art Museum has been one of Sarah’s favorites since she was child. The MAM has started receiving worldwide attention when its new white gullwing addition, designed by famous architect Santiago Calatrava, was completed in 2001. The museum not only features great permanent collections and special exhibitions, but it also has the best lake views in the city. The Museum is open every day 10 to 5.
Milwaukee Public Museum (www.mpm.edu)
This is the local natural history and anthropology museum. It has dinosaur bones, animal specimens, and an IMAX theater, but the most popular exhibits are probably the rainforest, butterfly enclosure, and “The Streets of Old Milwaukee,” a recreation of downtown at the turn of the 20th century. The Museum’s hours are Saturday from 9 to 5 and Sunday noon to 5.
Milwaukee County Zoo (www.milwaukeezoo.org)
Trust us—you’re never too old to go to the zoo! The Milwaukee County Zoo is one of the best in the country. The Zoo is open 9 to 5 on Saturday and 9 to 6 on Sunday.
Historic Cedarburg (www.cedarburg.org)
Just a few miles north of Milwaukee, Cedarburg is full of classic small-town charm. It’s a great place to shop, grab lunch, or just stroll around.
Pabst Mansion (www.pabstmansion.com)
This is one of the most beautiful historic homes in Milwaukee. Guided tours are available daily. The home is open Saturday from 10 to 4 and Sunday noon to 4 pm.
The Milwaukee Brewers—Major League Baseball (www.milwaukeebrewers.com)
The “Brew Crew” plays a home stand at Miller Park in Milwaukee against the Houston Astros the weekend of August 19-20th. Friday night’s game starts at 7:05 pm and Sunday’s afternoon game starts at 1:05 pm.
Brewery Tours
Miller Brewing (www.millerbrewing.com)
(414) 931-BEER
Lakefront Brewery (www.lakefrontbrewery.com)
(414) 372-8800
Sprecher Brewing Company (www.sprecherbrewery.com)
(414) 964-2739
Irish Fest (www.irishfest.com)
The Henry W. Maier Festival Grounds
200 North Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI
Throughout the summer, there are numerous cultural festivals on the lakefront. The weekend of our wedding, Milwaukee will be celebrating Irish Fest with food, drink, and music aplenty.
Boat Tours
The waterfront culture is a huge part of Milwaukee’s identity. See it for yourself on a river or lake tour.
Mondo Brothers Riverwalk Boat Tours
(www.cafevecchio.com/riverwalkboats/)
Iroquois Boat Line (www.mkeboat.com)
Restaurants
Below are our restaurant recommendations in Mequon, Cedarburg, and downtown Milwaukee:
In Mequon (near the hotels and Audubon Center)
The Centennial Bar & Grille (www.foodspot.com/centennial/)
10352 North Port Washington Road
Mequon, WI
This restaurant is right next door to the Best Western on the corner of Port Washington and Donges Bay Roads. They serve sandwiches, burgers, steak, seafood, etc., either dine-in or carryout. Sunday brunch is also available.
Ferrante’s (www.foodspot.com/ferrantes/mequon)
10404 North Port Washington Road
Mequon, WI
Also on the corner of Port Washington and Donges Bay Roads, Ferrante’s is best known for their pizza and pasta. It’s a bit of a dive, but the location is convenient and it’s reasonably priced.
The Chancery (www.thechancery.com)
11046 North Port Washington Road
Mequon, WI
This local chain has an enormous menu. Think TGI Friday’s.
The Highland House (www.highlandhouse.ws)
12741 North Port Washington Road
Mequon, WI
Judging by the name you might this was a Scottish restaurant. If so, you’d be wrong. This is by far the best place in the area for Mexican and Southwest cuisine, and, of course, margaritas.
In Cedarburg (a few miles up the road)
Cream and Crepe Café (www.foodspot.com/creamandcrepe)
N70 W6340 Bridge Road
Cedarburg, WI
If you have the time, I highly recommend making the trip a few miles north to historic Cedarburg. The Cream and Crepe Café is located in a converted mill with lots of small boutiques and even a winery. The restaurant’s specialty, not surprisingly, is crepes. They have a wide selection of both savory crepe entrees and sweet dessert crepes. Their cream of broccoli soup is legendary.
In Downtown Milwaukee
Water Street Brewery (www.waterstreetbrewery.com)
1101 N. Water Street
Milwaukee, WI
If you’re able to make it downtown, this is a great place to see the city and sample beers brewed on the premises.
Third Street Pier (www.wegmke.com/thirdstreet)
1110 N. Old World Third Street
Milwaukee, WI
This is the most expensive restaurant we’re recommending, but do they know how to cook a cow! Fantastic place to go for steak, great wine list too. And the restaurant’s downtown, riverfront location is hard to beat.
The Safe House (www.safe-house.com)
779 N. Front Street
Milwaukee, WI
Where do you go if you’re a spy on the run in downtown? The Safe House, of course. This is where Drew’s dream girl Rachel Ray (of Food Network fame) came when she was in Milwaukee. The unmarked restaurant is set up like a safe house for spies and yes, you do need the secret password to get in, and no I’m not going to tell you what it is! No worries, though, the “control agent” can usually be persuaded to let you in after passing a series of “tests.”
Authentic German Dining
Mader’s (www.maderrestaurant.com)
1041 N Old World 3rd St
Milwaukee, WI
Karl Ratzsch’s (www.karlratzsch.com)
320 E. Mason Street
Milwaukee, WI
When in Rome… German immigrants brought Milwaukee its famed bratwurst and beer, and there are still plenty of ways to experience this part of the city’s heritage. There are two main options for authentic German dining in the city: Mader’s—the better known of the two—where you’ll be served by waiters and waitresses in lederhosen, or Karl Ratzsch’s, which is more of the local favorite with an edge on food quality.