Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Bonnie’s favorite highlights of the city
What do you think of when you think of Milwaukee?
Do you think of Beer? Pabst Blue Ribbon and Miller High Life are sympatico with Milwaukee.
What about Lake Michigan, Harley Motorcycles or cheese curds ?
The Uber Tap Room’s Happy Place beer with cheese curds
Bonnie traveled to Milwaukee for the Women in Travel Summit Conference 2017 in April. She took a day to walk the city and explore it. She was immediately drawn to the architecture.She enjoyed the history, details and character of Milwaukee’s architecture.
Milwaukee is a walk-able city. The city has 17 museums to visit and 25 theaters in the city limits. There is a Downtown nightlife full of bars and restaurants. You are not at a loss for things to do when visiting this city.
Bonnie toured the Historic Ward Neighborhood, the Riverwalk, the Downtown and Lakefront area. Her favorite highlights were the Architecture, Harley-Davidson Museum, The Art Museum, The Park on Lake Michigan, The Riverwalk, The Milwaukee Public Market and the Pfister Hotel.
Architecture
Domes, Clock Towers, and Gothic Cathedrals. Milwaukee is a historians or architects delight. You’ve got a range from the old and historic to the contemporary. The Milwaukee skyline is a blend of old and new. From the City Hall Building to the Modernistic Shiplike Art Museum. You will be able to ogle and awe at the churches, museums, city buildings and theaters.
The Mitchell Building
Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
The Milwaukee City Hall
Harley -Davidson Museum
Bonnie enjoyed looking at the old bikes and didn’t even know Harley-Davidson originated in Milwaukee
The Harley Davidson Museum is a contemporary warehouse-style building along the river. It is one of Milwaukee’s top tourist destinations all set on a 20-acre campus. It is open from 9-6 daily in the summer months May thru September. Summer Thursdays it is open until 8pm. Check the website for the Winter hours. Adult admission is $14 The Harley Davidson Museum sponsored the WITS17 conference. They had a large white tent and the party was happening with a rock band. They also gave us free admission into the museum. Bonnie didn’t even know Harley’s originated in Milwaukee. They have a collection of bikes starting with the original built-in 1903 to modern-day.
World’s Oldest Harley 1903
The Milwaukee Art Museum
The Milwaukee Art Museum ship looks like it’s about to sail on the Lake Michigan. It would be a beautiful event space in Milwaukee with its large glass windows looking out over the park and lake. The admission is $17 for adults. The museum is open Tuesday Sunday from 10am-5pm. On Thursdays, the museum stays open later until 8pm. There are at least 20,000 works of art. Take a walk along the Lakefront and enjoy the views of this beautiful structure.
The Lakefront Park
Take time to enjoy the Milwaukee Skyline. Ride a bike or fly a kite.
One thing that is unique to the city of Milwaukee is the Lakefront area. They didn’t want to have buildings clutter up the lakefront like other cities. It is a park, marina and beachfront. Lake Michigan is so expansive that it almost appears to be an ocean instead of a lake. The park is a great place to ride a bike or simply picnic and fly a kite with the family. You can rent a bike from Bublr Bikes. There are 130 miles of bike trails in Milwaukee. Eat those cheese curds and drink that beer because you can work off those calories biking along the lake.
The RiverWalk
Stroll along the riverfront and take a selfie with the Bronze Fonz. Remember Happy Days? It was set in Milwaukee. The Bronze Fonz is the most popular selfie spot in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee’s most famous place to take a selfie. The Bronze Fonz.
Take in the local art you will approximately 20 art sculptures near the RiverWalk so be on the lookout.
Don’t miss all the art near the Riverwalk
Along the riverwalk, you will find parks, restaurants, brewpubs, and shops along the riverwalk. In the summer they have boat tours too, check out Edelweiss Boat Cruises and Riverwalk Boat Tours. If you love to drink beer on a summer patio hit the Milwaukee Ale House, Lakefront Brewery, Rock Bottom Brewery, Asylum Riverhouse, or Water Buffalo.
Did you know there are 16 bridges along the riverfront?
Bonnie has a thing where she likes to kiss on every bridge. Make it fun and attempt to kiss on every bridge.
The Milwaukee Public Market
The Milwaukee Public Market is located in the warehouse district of Third Ward. Peter the concierge at the Pfister Hotel said, “ Milwaukee isn’t only about beer but the coffee.” He said there are three coffee roasters in town and recommended Anodyne Coffee. Bonnie was recently in Seattle and loves a local public market. Think Milwaukee; Beer, Sausage, Coffee, Wine, and Gifts.
Milwaukee’s Public Market is filled with all kinds of goodies to buy.
It’s a one-stop shop and a great place to get lunch. They even have Seafood and Clam Chowder. This is the place to buy your souvenirs. Bonnie brought coffee home! Local items are always the best souvenirs to bring home!
The Pfister Hotel
This is the place to stay! The hotel is historic dating back to 1893 and it is filled with an European flair.
The Pfister Hotel is the place to stay
It is ornate and the lobby’s painted ceiling is something to see. It doesn’t feel like you are in Milwaukee anymore, it’s like you’ve been transported to Rome. The Lobby bar is the perfect place in Milwaukee to grab a glass of champagne and listen to the piano player next to a beautiful large wood-burning fireplace.
I want this wood burning fireplace in my home. Pfizer Hotel, Milwaukee
On a date? Go up to the 23rd floor these city light views at night are so romantic!
Milwaukee may not be on your bucket list but if you ever get the chance to go, don’t pass it up. It’s the underrated city that everyone will enjoy. There is so much to see and do. Bonnie would have loved to enjoy summer with its sailing and boat scene. Summerfest is a music concert series with major headliners that is worth checking out. Summer would be the perfect time to visit.
It was Bonnie’s first time sitting on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
When in Milwaukee it’s ok to do things you’ve never done before!
Oh, and hey go find a bubbler when you are there!
(that’s Milwaukee slang for a water fountain)
Bonnie
