Fun Things to Do When Visiting Milwaukee

First settled by French Canadians shortly after America declared her independence, Milwaukee has grown to become one of the most significant cities in our nation’s heartland. Home to approximately 600,000 people, Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin. There are number of fun things to do when visiting the city, including the following.

Harley-Davidson Museum

America’s most famous motorcycle manufacturer is Harley-Davidson. The company calls Milwaukee its home and has a museum there to showcase its legendary rides.

Plan to spend between one and four hours at the Harley-Davidson Museum to take everything in. Bring your camera with you and if you get hungry there is an on-site motor restaurant available.

The museum features exhibits tracing Harley-Davidson’s history from its founding to the present day. The museum features more than 450 motorcycles and artifacts, never before seen archives you can tour, related products and an inspiring view of the Milwaukee riverfront.

Milwaukee County Zoo

The Milwaukee County Zoo says that it is “where nature and wonder meet.” Spread out on 200 wooded acres, the zoo offers more than 2,000 mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles for your viewing pleasure.

The Milwaukee County Zoo has more than 330 species. Animals from all over the world are featured with every continent represented. Among its most popular stops or exhibits are those for penguins, big cats, small mammals and a family farm.

Pabst Mansion

The Pabst Mansion was once the home of beer baron Capt. Frederick Pabst. Featuring a Flemish Renaissance design, the mansion is composed of 37 rooms, 12 bathrooms and 14 fireplaces.

Located on the city’s Grand Avenue of Mansions, the Pabst Mansion stands out as the finest of them all. No reservations are required to tour this site. A behind-the-scenes grand tour is also available. That tour will take you from the attic to the basement and cover areas of the mansion not typically visited. Alas, cameras are not permitted.

North Point Lighthouse

Located on the southwest shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has its own historic lighthouse for you to take in. The North Point Lighthouse is located on the grounds of Lake Park, one of first public parks in that city.

The lighthouse was originally constructed in 1855 and is one of the oldest structures built and still standing in the area. Public tours are available and are held on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. You can climb the 74-foot lighthouse as well as explore the park and the lake. Lighthouse buffs who enjoy visiting similar structures along America’s oceans will find the Northpoint Lighthouse a truly enjoyable experience.

Milwaukee RiverWalk

San Antonio is not the only city with a famous riverside walking area. The Milwaukee RiverWalk is every bit as enchanting as its better-known southern companion.

Spanning nearly three miles, RiverWalk follows along the Milwaukee River and cuts through the city’s downtown. Launched in 1988, Riverwalk is divided into three distinct sections: Beerline RiverWalk to the north, downtown RiverWalk at its center and the Third Ward RiverWalk at its south. The area has attracted new development including many retail establishments and restaurants. Best of all, RiverWalk is free.

Milwaukee Happenings

If time permits, there are numerous other places to visit while in Milwaukee. The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum is ideal for children 10 and under, a fun place to visit where much hands-on activity is encouraged.

There are also historic churches in the area including the St. Joan of Arc Chapel and Basilica of St. Josaphat. The Milwaukee Art Musuem, Miller Park, the Oriental Theater and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra are also places of interest to residents and visitors alike.