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Milwaukee is the Trip You Never Knew About Me

You Wanted to Take I’m
February 5, 2019 / By Becky / wisconsin
Beck
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At rst glance, Milwaukee seems like any other American city: a few travel is more meaningful
things to check out, but not enough to y across the country for. I had no when you’re immersed and
idea how special it was until I had to go anyway for a conference and engaged! If you’d rather be
decided I may as well search for unique things to do in Milwaukee. Before
sightDOING than
long, I had more ideas than I had time for!
sightseeing, you’re in the
Thank goodness I gave Milwaukee a second look. It’s full of the unusual, right place. My goal is to
if you know where to nd it. Just like buried treasure, sometimes it’s share stories, travel tips, and
worth the e ort.
inspiration so you can plan
your own adventures around
10 Unique Things to Do in Milwaukee WI
the globe.
#1: Get an Overview of the City at Full Speed
When I’m not traveling,
you’ll nd me hiking,

cooking, practicing yoga,

and cuddling with my puppy.
Learn more about me.

The mileage and pacing

aren’t quite right because
of all the starts and stops,
but it’s a great route!

You don’t have to be a marathoner to take a running tour of Milwaukee.

In just an hour, I saw downtown Milwaukee icons like Gertie the Duck,
the original Blatz and Schlitz breweries, parks, and the lakefront.

Not only is it a great way to see several neighborhoods in one quick tour,
but you’ll learn about city history and today’s local trivia, too. Be
prepared for about a 10-minute mile pace, but you’ll only need to keep it
up for 3-5 minutes at a time thanks to plentiful stops for stories and
street crossings.

#2: Kayak to a Brewery

Of course you know Milwaukee’s on Lake Michigan, but did you know
there’s also a river right downtown? Hitting the water is a must-do,
assuming the weather cooperates. Combine that with another must-do
— BEER! — and you’ve got a great afternoon.

···

Rent a kayak and paddle your way to Lakefront Brewery. Although

Milwaukee has tons of brewery tours to choose from, Lakefront has
hilarious tours that step it up a notch. You’ll drink during the tour and
sample a few beers afterward, too. My pick: the Eastside Dark.

BONUS POINTS: The Milwaukee sh fry is famous.

Lakefront has an o cial sh fry every Friday night,
complete with cod, shrimp, perch, and live music. If
you’re not there on Friday, you’ll have to settle for
just the cod (and a side of cheese curds). Delish!

#3: Glow in the Dark Art

You know those wine and paint nights that every city has these days?
Splash Studio puts their own twist on things with a monthly glow-in-
the-dark paint night. I used neon colors to paint under black lights, all
while listening to music t for a night dancing with my girlfriends. It’s
super fun and I love that my design was inspired by Milwaukee’s
own Mitchell Park domes. What makes me the most sad is it didn’t t in
my suitcase so I’ll have to go back and paint again!

···

#4 Scuba Dive a Shipwreck

AJ Dive Charters runs 2-tank trips to shipwrecks ranging from 15-95 feet
deep, which de nitely classi es as one of the most unique things to do in
Milwaukee. You can explore the intact machinery, cargo, and equipment
in some of them or swim around these massive structures. Some dives
are even conducted at night.

I didn’t get a chance to try this one out as a newly certi ed diver since my
visit was too early in the season, so I guess I’ll be going back to
Milwaukee one summer to give it a shot.

#5: Try your Hand at Hammerschlagen

Grab a nail and pound it in while playing hammerschlagen.

In the category of things that sound like a bad idea is Milwaukee’s

favorite bar game: hammerschlagen.

Basically, you drink, then pass a hammer around to try and hit a nail into
a log, and then drink some more. Anytime the rules include disclaimers,
you know it’s going to be good: “If you smash one of your digits with the
hammer because you are drunk, uncoordinated, or maybe both, do not
contact the Old German Beer Hall and ask us to pay for your medical
bills.”

···

It gets busy at the Old German Beer Hall on Friday

nights, when beer is free. If you want to play
hammerschlagen, go during lunch time. You’ll get
right in AND if you buy a half liter of beer, you’ll get a
famous Usinger’s sausage for free!

#6: Take a hike

Walking in Lion’s Den Gorge, just north of Milwaukee

On my rst day in Milwaukee, I remarked about how much green space

there was downtown. Little did I know how much it gets better with a
short drive! You don’t have to go all the way to Door County to enjoy a
good hike.

My vote goes to Lion’s Den Gorge, about twenty- ve minutes north of

Milwaukee, for a good look at the blu s overlooking the lake. Go hungry,
so you can stop at Kopp’s Frozen Custard on your way back to town.

···

I still regret not waking up at 4am to join the Brew

City Safari, an urban hiking trip that heads out
sporadically. What could be cooler than a nighttime
hike with a bunch of new friends, ending with
sunrise as seen from a cemetery? THAT’S the
unusual Milwaukee I’m talking about.

#7: Yoga at the MAM

Setting up for yoga at the Milwaukee Art Museum.

Most people are inspired by the art at the Milwaukee Art Museum, but as
a self-proclaimed museum-hater, I was more inspired by the
architecture and lake view at MAM. That alone was reason enough to
drop in for their morning yoga class (check the website for available
dates). It was such a treat to practice in such a beautiful space and your
ticket also includes same-day admission to museum exhibits afterward.

I do a lot of yoga when traveling, so it’s great to have

a foldable yoga mat for classes like this one or even
just in your hotel room. If space is tight in your
carry-on, you can make do with just a pair of yoga
socks instead.

···

#8 Bake a Pie

Don’t stress over your avor choice.

Milwaukee loves its comfort food and you can get hands-on with a pie-
making workshop Monday nights at the Honeypie Cafe. I almost signed
up, until I realized that $45 was a lot of money to learn how to make
something I already bake perfectly. So, instead I sampled a slice that was
already made.

I’m not sure it matters if you choose a fruit pie or a cream pie. Mine was
fabulous, but they all looked good.

#9 See a Movie

Bublr bike shares start at $3/ride

You’re about to ask me…Becky, how is seeing a movie a unique activity?

Well, hop on a Bublr bike and ride over to the Swing Park under Holton
Bridge.

···

The area becomes a FREE outdoor movie theatre during the summer and
rumor has it, you don’t want to miss it. Nothing was showing during my
dates (don’t worry, I’ll do it when I go back for scuba diving!), but I did
ride the Bublr bikes and you can’t beat the convenience or the price.

#10: Ride the Latest Harley

If you have a motorcycle license, you can try out a demo ride at the Harley
Davidson museum on summer weekends. You’ll hop on a 2020 model
and take it for a spin through Menomonee Valley — making this the most
interactive museum exhibit I ever heard of!

If you don’t have a motorcycle license, don’t worry: the museum is full of
cool things to see and their calendar has several special events and
extended evening hours that make it easy to add to your Milwaukee
plans.

BONUS!
SightDOING is always the focus of my trips, but I’ve got a few
suggestions in addition to things to do in Milwaukee.

Along the Milwaukee WI riverfront

First of all, introduce yourself to anyone and everyone you meet.

Wisconsinites are friendly people and I only found out about some local
favorite spots because of their help.

···

Then, carve out some time during your trip to eat at Uber Taproom. Their
cheese plates are legendary and you’ll love the local beer on tap. If you’re
still hungry, or even if you’re not, order a ight of ice cream at Purple
Door…but skip the beer and pretzels avored ice cream. It was gross!

For a meal with a touch of sightDOING, the Safe House spy restaurant is a
blast. You’ll nd puzzles, quizzes, and incredible decor all over the
restaurant to keep you busy during your visit. It’s a Milwaukee must-do,
but go early. After about 9pm, the sta gets busy and you’ll miss out on
some of the spy games.

I stayed at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center. The hotel itself is ne, but
next time I go, I want to stay in Walker’s Point. I loved the semi-
industrial feel and I’d love to walk to the restaurants, co eeshops, and
swing dance classes. If that sounds great to you, check out the Iron Horse
Hotel.

···

* * *

This post contains a liate links. If you’re planning a trip to Milwaukee

and found this post helpful, thanks for supporting this site by making
bookings from this site!

Special thanks to VISIT Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Art Museum for
organizing my sunrise yoga.

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19 thoughts on “Milwaukee is the Trip You Never

Knew You Wanted to Take”

PILAR
MAY 6, 2017 AT 11:10 AM

Awesome! I’ve never been to Milwaukee but it seems you can de nitely
make the most of the visit and do a lot of things! When I go I’ll de nitely
do yoga at the MAM!

Reply

BECKY
MAY 8, 2017 AT 9:45 AM

@Pilar, You absolutely should – a great space!

Reply

JANET FROST
MAY 6, 2017 AT 1:09 PM

Nice summary of MKE. The scuba divers in Milwaukee are a hardy bunch.
While it is interesting to see the wrecks, it is not like diving a warm
destination.
There are many “sightdoings” west of the city with hiking, biking,
kayaking, and of course more beer.
I highly recommend the Iron Horse Hotel! Very original site.

Reply

BECKY
MAY 8, 2017 AT 9:47 AM

@Janet, Thanks for stopping by! I bet those divers are hardy…I imagine
that even in the right equipment, the lake is chilly!

Reply

BRIANNA
MAY 6, 2017 AT 8:33 PM

I visited Milwaukee last summer and feel in love, it is really an

underrated city. Next time check out the, Brewhouse Inn and Suites in the
old Pabst Brewery Complex, it’s one of the best city hotels I’ve been too.

Reply

BECKY
MAY 8, 2017 AT 9:47 AM

@Brianna, Ironically I almost stayed there for a night because it looked

so fun but then decided to stay closer to the conference. There’s always
a next time!

Reply

KNYCX.JOURNEYING
MAY 8, 2017 AT 1:38 AM

Thanks for the introduction and there are some cool things to do in
Milwaukee, and of course the city is not necessary a highlighted travel
destination but I am sure it’s a place worth dropping by on route!

Reply

BECKY
MAY 8, 2017 AT 9:22 AM

@knycx.journeying, Absolutely cool! Worth a dedicated visit if you’re

not in the area anyway.

Reply

PRIYA VIN
MAY 8, 2017 AT 12:42 PM

Sounds fun, would love to try the glow in the dark art for sure… and the
hike sounds like something our family would enjoy!

Reply

BECKY
MAY 8, 2017 AT 8:10 PM

@Priya, Something for everyone in Milwaukee.

Reply

ELAINE J MASTERS
MAY 8, 2017 AT 10:03 PM

I missed so much while busy with WITS! What a great list. I’d go diving
and now you’ve got me curious about the Iron Hotel. Love quirky places
like that. Milwaukee is so much fun.

Reply

BECKY
MAY 13, 2017 AT 5:45 PM

@Elaine, It was such a pleasure to meet you! Lots more to see in

Milwaukee…hope we can go back someday!

Reply

CHANEL
MAY 19, 2017 AT 10:48 PM

As a person living in Wisconsin I really loved this article! I agree that Safe
House is amazing- it’s a must every time I head that way. The Milwaukee
Zoo is something lovely if you’re into that sort of thing, as it’s quite large
and family friendly. Both of the malls are kind of fun if you want to spend
time shopping, too.

Reply

BECKY
MAY 22, 2017 AT 9:49 AM

@Chanel, Thanks for adding in your recommendations!

Reply

WISE2U
AUGUST 1, 2017 AT 12:37 AM

My sister in-law lives there and turned me on to the best event in

Milwaukee…SUMMERFEST….look it up.
Safe house is a lot of fun…..if you have time for a day trip to northern WI,
The House on the Rock is the most incredible collection of stu you will
ever see.

Reply

BECKY
AUGUST 1, 2017 AT 6:09 PM

@Wise2u, Yes, Summerfest is popular with all the locals — didn’t work
out on the timing for my trip but it’s always good to have a reason to go
back.

Reply

VINCE UPTON
MARCH 28, 2018 AT 9:05 AM

You had me at Hammerschlagen. This looks like one of the coolest things
for 1) people who enjoy a drink; 2) fans of Vikings; and 3) fans of the
Marvel comic superhero Thor. What a concept. Sure, there could be some
smashed digits, but games like beer pong and quarters are for Sissy Mary
crybabies compared to this game of true heroes. Your place in Valhalla
(and possibly the nearest emergency room) is guaranteed with this game.
Becky, you list some wonderful things to do in Milwaukee, but I keep
coming back to Hammerschlagen.

Reply

BECKY
MARCH 28, 2018 AT 10:21 AM

@Vince, Well said! Be sure to try it!

Reply

TRISHA
APRIL 12, 2019 AT 10:19 AM

I agree with this one, others doesn’t know that there’s a lot of things to
do here in Milwaukee. Others, especially tourist must consider adding
Milwaukee in their bucket list of places to visit.

Reply

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