Milwaukee is an ideal destination for stops on a Great Lakes cruise with its two-dock experiences just minutes from a vibrant, walkable downtown. It is just an 8-mile drive from downtown to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, making it an easy trip no matter where you are coming from. There are plenty of unique experiences to enjoy during your stay on shore and a wide range of diverse activities.
Probably not the first place that comes to mind when thinking about spring break or winter break destinations in Milwaukee. It should be, though, since it is an industrial boomtown! The people of Milwaukee and its world-famous beer make it one of the best cities to visit.
Milwaukee is a top beer city known for making some of the world's best beers. Even though Milwaukee is known for the famous Miller Brewery, there are many excellent microbreweries and craft breweries in the city. If you're in the city, you should also check out Sprecher Brewing Company (Lakefront Brewery).
You won't regret attending Milwaukee's festivals if you love music or just want a new experience. The Summerfest line-up comes out every year, and many people plan their entire year around it. The Summerfest grounds are also the site of numerous cultural festivals, which celebrate the city's incredible diversity.
A wide variety of restaurants is available in Milwaukee, from budget-friendly to James Beard award-winning. AJ Bombers and Sobelman's are clear favorites. Still, Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro and Harbor House are upmarket restaurants well worth checking out. Oakland Gyros or Ma Fischer's will surely satisfy if you are craving late-night hole-in-the-wall food.
If you're looking for meeting ideas beyond the "box," here's what you need to know. When you plan an unforgettable gathering, your attendees will rave about your next event. The Milwaukee Art Museum, with its 90-foot-high atrium and giant wings that open and close daily, is home to the world's only Harley-Davidson Museum, or Villa Terrace, a spectacular 1920s Italianate mansion offering incredible views of the lakefront. Many new craft breweries with great event spaces provide all the fun of Milwaukee's old beer halls.
These guides will give you our picks for the best food, drinks, attractions, shopping, and entertainment for the ultimate Milwaukee vacation, whether you're looking for brunch spots, active activities, or a bachelorette weekend planned like a pro.
Milwaukee City Hall still dominates the city's skyline despite its proximity to numerous taller and more modern buildings. As one of the tallest skyscrapers of the 19th century, the building, at 393 feet, was built over several years and completed in 1895. It was the tallest habitable building in the country when it was completed, combining Flemish and German Renaissance Revival styles. During the summer, you can climb the tower and view its beautiful interior during free tours held in Milwaukee's historic East Town district every second and fourth Wednesday.
Milwaukee's RiverWalk, which stretches for two miles along the Milwaukee River, is a great way to get to know the city. While traveling along the way, you can check out some great restaurants and brewpubs. You can see the current trends in art in the town on the RiverWalk, thanks to several public art exhibitions. The Riverwalk is lined with colorful signs explaining the city's history. In addition to River Rhythms and the Milwaukee River Challenge, the Riverwalk area hosts many annual city events. Three of Milwaukee's most exciting districts are linked by the Riverwalk area: Downtown, Historic Third Ward, and Beerline B.
The compositional outline of Miller Park will blow your mind. It's a baseball park, so you won't be disappointed with the live entertainment here when you visit your family and friends the next time. Many onlookers from every corner of the world flock to this park, which a Milwaukee-based expert baseball group owns. The venue also hosts shows, including music competitions that bring together artists from various walks of life.
It's always a good idea to talk to an insider if you want to understand what Milwaukee offers. Milwaukee Food & City Tours will show you locals' hidden gems that many people are unaware of. While you sample the city's best pizza or try the city's most popular beers, the company gives tidbits of information, anecdotes, and historical details about the city. Explore different neighborhoods on foot and sample typical neighborhood foods such as German, Polish, Italian, or Irish food while taking one of the six tours. If you prefer, you can ride a luxury bus. It is also a good idea to bring an appetite, as you will eat a lot in both cases. It's easy to get lost in the wonders of Milwaukee.
When German immigrants came to Milwaukee before Prohibition, Milwaukee Beer Gardens became popular. Milwaukee Beer Gardens are #4 on our list of places to visit Milwaukee! During the great weather, they served as gathering spots for the community. A permanent location has recently been set up in Milwaukee, generating money for the county and providing a relaxed place for people to unwind.
There is no doubt that the summer season is the best time of year to visit Milwaukee! Mid-July and August are hot and humid, averaging highs from mid-70s to mid-80s (even hitting the low 90s).
Ready for a new adventure? Cruises from Milwaukee in 2025 offer a fresh way to explore the Great Lakes and beyond. While you're in town, enjoy the Milwaukee Art Museum or stop by a local brewery for a taste of the city's famous craft beer. Whether you're looking for a scenic cruise or a journey through North America's waterways, there's something for everyone. Visit CruiseBooking.com and start browsing your options from Milwaukee today!
