There’s a lot to do in Brew City, but if you’ve been here for a while, it might seem like you’ve done it all. From brewery tours to Brewers games, the fun never stops… but can get repetitive if you fall into a routine. We’ve picked out over a dozen more ideas so you never stop seeing our beautiful city in new ways.
- Take a stroll down Brady Street and try every single restaurant.
Facebook/Garage Brady Street is always bustling with excitement, but have you tried all of the restaurants? From empanadas to Italian and anything in between, there are so many to choose from!
- Learn about Milwaukee’s history at the totally underrated Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear.
Facebook/Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear This hidden Milwaukee gem is a unique little museum within an old neighborhood house. The little-known spot is actually a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the history of Milwaukee during the World Wars and displays items from the 1910s-1940s. This amazing collection shows off all walks of life in Milwaukee’s past. It’s truly a sight to be seen!
- Behold an art experience like never before.
Facebook/Friends of Mary Nohl’s Art Environment The “Witch’s House,” as some call, it is actually an amazing work of art by Mary Nohl. This interesting house is a National Registered Landmark, and although there are currently no tours offered, it’s a fascinating sight to see from the sidewalk. This eclectic home in Fox Point has been watched, loved, and talked about for decades, and we hope it continues for many more.
- Learn more about Lake Emily and feel way cooler while walking downtown.
Wikimedia Commons/Library of Congress Did you know there’s a lake hiding under our city streets? If not, the history is fascinating and is a tale to tell next time you’re strolling down Wisconsin Avenue. You can learn all about in our previous article right here. You’ll never look at downtown Milwaukee the same way again!
- Listen to some Jazz for free.
Facebook/Cathedral Square Friends Jazz In The Park is a free summer concert series and one of the most beloved summer activities in MKE. Did we mention it’s free? Get up and dance every Thursday this summer in the beautiful Cathedral Square Park.
- Cruise the river like never before.
Riverwalk Boat Tours & Rentals This fireworks riverboat tour will light up the night and show you the city in ways you’ve never experienced. The cruise runs during all of Milwaukee’s most popular fireworks shows from Polish Fest to the July 3rd U.S. Bank show. You may have adored these shows from the beach, but they are so much more beautiful from the water!
- Pretend you’re in the ’20s and discover this hidden speakeasy.
Facebook/Bugsy’s Back Alley Speakeasy Bugsy’s Back Alley Speakeasy might not be easy to find, but once you’re there, you’ll feel like you’re in a completely different era! If you’re looking to step out of this decade, dress to the nines, and dance the night away, Bugsy’s is your top choice. We’ll even let you in on it’s secret location here.
- Say cheers at the city’s best - and oldest - cocktail lounge.
Facebook/Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge Not only is it the best, it’s also the oldest cocktail lounge in the entire state! Bryant’s has been serving up elegant cocktails since 1938 and is still going strong! Ask your bartender for recommendations; they know what they’re talking about, and you’re sure to have a drink unlike any you’ve ever had.
- Swing life away.
Foursquare/Joseph A. City living can get tiring, so why not stop and enjoy yourself for a bit? This hidden swing park is right in the middle of the city, and it has us feeling like a kid again! The Swing Park is located under the Marsupial Bridge Media Garden and the Holton Street Bridge. There are swings for everyone and it’s a perfect place to stop, take a break, and have some fun.
- Visit a cigar bar with a creepy past.
Facebook/Shakers Milwaukee Shakers Cigar Bar is the only licensed cigar bar in the city and is well-known for their hand-rolled cigars and impressive drink list. However, those aren’t the only spirits you can find here; this haunted Milwaukee bar might have the creepiest history of any restaurant in the city. They offer ghost tours for inquiring minds!
- Go to the most weirdly wonderful store you’ll ever find.
Foursquare/Joe C. Brady Street is full of eclectic shops, and this one is no exception. Whether you’re looking for juggling supplies, darts, boomerangs, yo-yos, disc golf gear, or a rubber chicken, Art Smart’s Dart Mart is absolutely one of a kind! (Plus, the name is fun to say.)
- Dine in (a very unique) style at Milwaukee’s quirkiest restaurant.
Facebook/Hamburger Mary’s MKE This Walker’s Point restaurant is anything but boring. With hamburgers the size of your head, an upbeat atmosphere, and bingo for a good cause, there’s simply nowhere like Hamburger Mary’s on 5th Street.
- Stroll through an alley made for cool cats like you.
Facebook/Black Cat Alley This street alley art gallery on the east side is a popular photo-op and full of incredible murals. Whether you’ve strolled by, snapped a few photos, or felt upset over the vandalism that’s happened, Milwaukeeans know and love Black Cat Alley. If you haven’t wandered through this art alley yet, now is a perfect time to visit this community-driven gallery!
Have you done any of these things yet? What did we miss? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share photos from your adventures with us on Instagram by tagging #onlyinmilwaukee for a chance to be featured!
Facebook/Garage
Brady Street is always bustling with excitement, but have you tried all of the restaurants? From empanadas to Italian and anything in between, there are so many to choose from!
Facebook/Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear
This hidden Milwaukee gem is a unique little museum within an old neighborhood house. The little-known spot is actually a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the history of Milwaukee during the World Wars and displays items from the 1910s-1940s. This amazing collection shows off all walks of life in Milwaukee’s past. It’s truly a sight to be seen!
Facebook/Friends of Mary Nohl’s Art Environment
The “Witch’s House,” as some call, it is actually an amazing work of art by Mary Nohl. This interesting house is a National Registered Landmark, and although there are currently no tours offered, it’s a fascinating sight to see from the sidewalk. This eclectic home in Fox Point has been watched, loved, and talked about for decades, and we hope it continues for many more.
Wikimedia Commons/Library of Congress
Did you know there’s a lake hiding under our city streets? If not, the history is fascinating and is a tale to tell next time you’re strolling down Wisconsin Avenue. You can learn all about in our previous article right here. You’ll never look at downtown Milwaukee the same way again!
Facebook/Cathedral Square Friends
Jazz In The Park is a free summer concert series and one of the most beloved summer activities in MKE. Did we mention it’s free? Get up and dance every Thursday this summer in the beautiful Cathedral Square Park.
Riverwalk Boat Tours & Rentals
This fireworks riverboat tour will light up the night and show you the city in ways you’ve never experienced. The cruise runs during all of Milwaukee’s most popular fireworks shows from Polish Fest to the July 3rd U.S. Bank show. You may have adored these shows from the beach, but they are so much more beautiful from the water!
Facebook/Bugsy’s Back Alley Speakeasy
Bugsy’s Back Alley Speakeasy might not be easy to find, but once you’re there, you’ll feel like you’re in a completely different era! If you’re looking to step out of this decade, dress to the nines, and dance the night away, Bugsy’s is your top choice. We’ll even let you in on it’s secret location here.
Facebook/Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge
Not only is it the best, it’s also the oldest cocktail lounge in the entire state! Bryant’s has been serving up elegant cocktails since 1938 and is still going strong! Ask your bartender for recommendations; they know what they’re talking about, and you’re sure to have a drink unlike any you’ve ever had.
Foursquare/Joseph A.
City living can get tiring, so why not stop and enjoy yourself for a bit? This hidden swing park is right in the middle of the city, and it has us feeling like a kid again! The Swing Park is located under the Marsupial Bridge Media Garden and the Holton Street Bridge. There are swings for everyone and it’s a perfect place to stop, take a break, and have some fun.
Facebook/Shakers Milwaukee
Shakers Cigar Bar is the only licensed cigar bar in the city and is well-known for their hand-rolled cigars and impressive drink list. However, those aren’t the only spirits you can find here; this haunted Milwaukee bar might have the creepiest history of any restaurant in the city. They offer ghost tours for inquiring minds!
Foursquare/Joe C.
Brady Street is full of eclectic shops, and this one is no exception. Whether you’re looking for juggling supplies, darts, boomerangs, yo-yos, disc golf gear, or a rubber chicken, Art Smart’s Dart Mart is absolutely one of a kind! (Plus, the name is fun to say.)
Facebook/Hamburger Mary’s MKE
This Walker’s Point restaurant is anything but boring. With hamburgers the size of your head, an upbeat atmosphere, and bingo for a good cause, there’s simply nowhere like Hamburger Mary’s on 5th Street.
Facebook/Black Cat Alley
This street alley art gallery on the east side is a popular photo-op and full of incredible murals. Whether you’ve strolled by, snapped a few photos, or felt upset over the vandalism that’s happened, Milwaukeeans know and love Black Cat Alley. If you haven’t wandered through this art alley yet, now is a perfect time to visit this community-driven gallery!
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