Wisconsin’s Iconic Cities: Milwaukee

Wisconsin’s largest city, Milwaukee, is always buzzing with good energy. From the bright blue Lake Michigan waterfront to award-winning craft tastes to the cheers at festivals and sports stadiums, this city has something for everyone. Bring your friends, bring your family, and enjoy all things Milwaukee! To get a taste of the Cream City, here are a few iconic highlights.

Summerfest, Milwaukee’s Giant Music Festival

Join in the revelry of Milwaukee’s Summerfest. Known as the “The World’s Largest Music Festival,” this three-weekend event features more than 1,000 live performances. The celebration attracts more than 850,000 guests every year thanks to the combination of top musical acts and an unbeatable location right on the lake. Check the latest lineup and come see for yourself why travelers come from near and far for this amazing fest.

The Deer District, Home to NBA Champions

While the NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks and their thriving Deer District may have put Milwaukee in the national spotlight, the area around Fiserv Forum is always a must-explore. Discover restaurants, beer gardens, shopping and all kinds of events in this thriving district.

Bronzeville, a Place That's Changed the World

Named by the New York Times as one of 52 places that changed the world, Milwaukee’s Bronzeville Cultural and Entertainment District is home to a cultural revival and many must-visit Black-owned businesses. After the thriving African-American neighborhood was displaced in the 1960s, the district is now being reenergized and reorganized by local Black leaders and business owners. Be sure to check out the Bronzeville Collective to shop for gifts and art by local artists, and visit America’s Black Holocaust Museum.

Holiday Lights and Downtown Ice Skating

You’ll know the holiday season has arrived when Milwaukee’s Cathedral Square comes alive with one of the city’s best light displays. After you’ve seen the lights and dropped off your letters to Santa, head over to Red Arrow Park downtown to cap off a festive family evening with outdoor ice skating.

Craft Beer and Unique Restaurants

Whether you and your fellow adventurers are looking to discover a craft beer or experience new flavors at a trendy restaurant, Milwaukee has something tasty to try. Lakefront Brewery for a seasonal craft brew and Don's TV & Repair for a retro speakeasy experience are both great places to start. Discover hundreds of delicious Milwaukee spots to dine in our directory.

Unforgettable Festivals & Celebrations

Milwaukee is always up for a party. Cultural celebrations like Irish Fest, Mexican Fiesta, Juneteenth and Bastille Days offer delicious food and traditional music and dance. Art festivals such as the Milwaukee Film Festival and Lakefront Festival of Art display local and national talent.

Bradford Beach, One of the Nation’s Most Accessible Beaches

Beaches aren’t always welcoming for people with mobility challenges, but Bradford Beach is for everyone. You can tell by the free-to-check-out beach wheelchairs and the wheelchair-accessible Mobi-Mat that extends all the way to the water. (And the mat brings you to the beach’s outdoor bar too!)

Museums in Milwaukee

Milwaukee is home to over 20 museums that span almost every topic imaginable. Marvel with your young ones at the largest dinosaur skull in the world at the Milwaukee Public Museum. Stroll hand-in-hand through colorful exhibits at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Soak up American culture and release your free spirit at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Or drink in local history at an eclectic gem like the Historic Pabst Brewery. 

Hiking & Biking

Thanks to Milwaukee’s 120-plus miles of trails, you can easily find a great place to exercise, even in the lively downtown area. Two of the best trail systems for urban hikes and rides are the Oak Leaf Trail and the Hank Aaron State Trail. You can pick both up right from the lakefront. 

Looking for more? Keep exploring Milwaukee or check out these rooftop patios in the city.