Diversity and energy
Milwaukee has an uncanny ability to balance 21st-century energy with 19th-century German heritage. In just one weekend, you can explore an 1892 beer baron's mansion, throw calorie counts away at a Friday night fish fry, browse a high-end art festival along Lake Michigan, go for a virtual ride on a vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycle and nibble stuffed grape leaves on leather couches at a Turkish restaurant.
And that's just the beginning. Milwaukee's diversity--and its ability to turn gritty warehouses into condos and storefronts--gives it an authentic city feel. But its relatively small size and compact downtown make it easy for first-timers to navigate.
The next slides have information on our top picks for what to do, where to eat and where to stay in the Milwaukee area.
Hands-on science and music
Discovery World In an airy white building that juts out into Lake Michigan, this museum provides hands-on ways to learn about science and the environment. Les Paul's House of Sound, a recent addition to the museum, explores the history of the electric guitar and lets visitors craft their own songs (left).
Climb on a Harley
Harley-Davidson Museum This 20-acre campus is a must-see for riders and a worth-the-trip spot for the curious (left). It tells the story of a scrappy Milwaukee company that began in 1903 as a motorcycle innovator and has evolved into a brand that embodies the feeling of wind in your hair. Hands-on exhibits let gearheads tinker with old engines, a "Rebels and Outlaws" display shows how riders gained that rep, and a movie room lets you board one of 10 Harleys and "ride" along Midwest farms and rivers.
Motorcycle fans also can take a free one-hour tour of the famed Harley-Davidson Factory in nearby Wauwatosa; you'll see powertrains being assembled and tested.
Art takes flight
Milwaukee Art Museum More than 20,000 works take visitors on a chronological tour of art from the 13th century to the present. The postmodern Quadracci Pavilion, completed in 2001, houses a grand reception hall (left), temporary exhibits and a cafe. The pavilion's 217-foot exterior wings, which open twice a day, have become the city's visual icon.
Brewing legacy
Pabst Mansion Beer baron Frederick Pabst built this 1890s Flemish Renaissance mansion (left); the restored home hosts exhibits and tours.
MillerCoors Milwaukee Brewery Take a free one-hour walking tour to see the steps of the brewing process. The brewery, one of the world's largest, is on land originally purchased by Miller founder Frederick J. Miller in 1855.
Explore and shop
RiverWalk This 3-mile area has evolved into a great place to grab a bite in a brewpub, admire the city's architecture and shop along the Milwaukee River (left). RiverWalk also cuts through Pere Marquette Park, which has summertime fireworks and weekly concerts.
Historic Third Ward A 12-square-block neighborhood of 1890s warehouses now holds boutiques, galleries, cafes and the Broadway Theatre Center. A highlight: Milwaukee Public Market, a collection of specialty food growers and shops selling goods and serving lunch and dinner.
Old World Third Street This former German community has restaurants, 19th-century storefronts and cobbled streets. Two highlights: Usinger's, a fourth-generation business selling 70 sausage varieties, and the Spice House, a purveyor of high-quality spices and herbs.
A city of festivals
Milwaukee is a party town. The city's largest and best-known festival is Summerfest (left), which brings hundreds of rock, pop, country and blues acts to play on 11 stages. The Wisconsin State Fair near Milwaukee also is a big draw (be sure to sample a cream puff, a state fair tradition). And Milwaukee hosts many annual festivals that celebrate the city's diversity, including Polish Fest, Bastille Days, Greek Fest, Festa Italiana, German Fest, African World Festival, Arab World Fest, Irish Fest and Mexican Fiesta.
For baseball fans
Miller Park Catch the Milwaukee Brewers in this major-league ballpark (left) with a retractable dome and reasonable tickets. Also, behind-the-scenes tours take visitors to the dugout, luxury suite level and other areas.
Where to eat: fast and fun
Alterra You'll love the balance between old and new at this coffee spot on the lake (left). Baked goods and yogurt parfaits are great, too.
Kopp's Frozen Custard Locals call this frozen custard their fave.
Milwaukee Ale House Microbrews are cold and live music is hot at the Historic Third Ward restaurant.
Tulip Turkish flavors and decor give this Third Ward spot a Mediterranean feel. Try crispy phyllo cheese rolls, hummus and lamb kebobs.
Tulip (414/273-5252)
Where to eat: destination dining
Hinterland Hand-crafted beers and seasonal Wisconsin cuisine (left) make this gastropub a welcome fine-dining spot.
Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro Chef Adam Siegel, a 2008 James Beard award winner, delivers seasonal French cuisine at this pastoral spot along Lake Michigan.
Elsa's on the Park This is the place for burgers, pork chop sandwiches and sinful desserts.
Karl Ratzsch's Dirndl-skirted waitresses serve authentic German specialties.
Where to stay
InterContinental Milwaukee The sleek lobby and contemporary furnishings ooze cool at this building near the RiverWalk (left). Dine at Kil@wat, the hotel's hip restaurant.
Best Western Inn Towne Hotel Near the RiverWalk, remodeled rooms and the Speakeasy Grill make this a great budget option.
Hotel Metro A 63-suite Art Deco boutique lodging downtown offers a variety of accommodations including pet-friendly suites, spa suites and conference suites.
Pfister Hotel Pampering guests since 1893, this restored lodging has an opulent Victorian feel, a new spa and 23rd-floor martini lounge.
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