edit Milwaukee Travel Guide

• Summerfest Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest music festival in the world, Summerfest attracts around 900,000 visitors a year to its twelve stages. Smaller festivals throughout the year celebrate the city's German, Native American, African-American, Italian, Irish, Asian, French and Polish heritage.

• During the summer, the venerable Iroquois offers narrated sightseeing tours of the Milwaukee River, Harbor and Lake Michigan daily at 1PM and 3PM.

• Sea Dog Sailing offers sailing trips out of McKinley Marina. The Edelweiss I and II offer elegant dinner cruises departing from the 3rd Street Pier restaurant.

• The Milwaukee County Zoo is a world class zoo that features 2500 animals representing 300 species on 200 acres. Besides animal showcases, the zoo also features train tours, sea lion shows, and a dairy farm. Check with zoo schedules for fun special events like sleepovers at the zoo or trick-or-treating at the zoo on Halloween.

Milwaukee is the largest city in the state of Wisconsin, United States. The city's population is 596,974 with an estimated total of 1,689,572 in the Milwaukee metropolitan area (2004). The city of Milwaukee is the 22nd largest city in the United States. The city is located in the southeastern portion of the state on the western shore of Lake Michigan. 

Milwaukee has advertised itself as the "City of Festivals," especially emphasizing an annual fair along the lakefront called Summerfest. Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest music festival in the world, Summerfest attracts around 900,000 visitors a year to its twelve stages. Smaller festivals throughout the year celebrate the city's German, Native American, African-American, Italian, Irish, Greek, Latino, Arabic, Asian, French and Polish heritage.

By plane

Milwaukee is served by Gen. Mitchell International Airport (MKE). Midwest Airlines, frequently rated #1 in domestic air service, is based at Mitchell International Airport. Other airlines include: Air Canada, AirTran Airways, American Airlines/American Eagle, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Northwest, United, US Airways/America West , and USA 3000.

Direct international (but some seasonal) flights are offered to Canada, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Other international travelers will have to connect or fly to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and take the shuttle service to Milwaukee Union station.

Like many European airports Mitchell features a rail link to the city, use the Amtrak train to Milwaukee Union Station ($6). Badger Coaches also operates a $6 service to the city where as a more frequent, cheaper $1.75, yet slower normal city bus line(# 80), to downtown is operated by MCTS.

Some air travelers choose to fly into one of Chicago's main airports, O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW). Some passengers find this to be a cheaper solution, particularly, but not necessarily, for overseas travel. There is a direct shuttle from both of the Chicago airports to Milwaukee Union Station (O'Hare to Milwaukee $23, Midway to Milwaukee $36). Increasingly, travelers are may choosing to take an 'eL' train from either of the Chicago airports to Chicago Union Station($1.75-$2) and then go on to Milwaukee with either Megabus.com ($1-$8.50) services or with Amtrak trains ($20); Potentially totaling a savings of up to nearly $30.

By train

Amtrak serves a downtown and a new airport station. The Hiawatha has 7 daily round trips to Chicago, and the Empire Builder has one daily round trip from Chicago through Milwaukee to Seattle/Portland, via Minneapolis and Spokane (among other cities). The Amtrak station is very conveniently located in the middle of downtown.

By car

I-94 comes in from Madison to the west, and continues to Chicago to the south. I-43 will get you to the city from Green Bay from the north, and continues south-west to Rockford.

By bus

Milwaukee features numerous Greyhound services to Chicago, Madison, and the Twin Cities among other place. The Badger Bus makes runs between Milwaukee and Madison.

• Megabus, On 5th street just north of St Paul Avenue (Opposite the Union (train) Station downtown). The cheapest way to get to Milwaukee, offers an eight time daily round trip service to Chicago, and one daily bus from Minneapolis from $2.50 round trip. (After some construction started in 2006 completes, the stop returns to its regular location on the south side of St Paul Avenue between 4th and 5th Streets. There is a second stop at the junction of I-94 and West College Avenue, in the southwestern of the two Park and Ride lots.

• Greyhound (main depot), 606 N James Lovell St. (5 blocks northwest of Union Station), ☎ +1-414-272-2156. Open 24h/day, every day. Greyhound has extensive bus services to most medium and large cities in the region. In addition to the main depot, there are stops on request at 84 & O'Connor, at Milwaukee Mitchell Airport, and at other locations.

• Badger Bus, 635 N James Lovell St. (Between Wisconsin and Michigan Avenues, opposite the Greyhound depot). Operates scheduled service between Milwaukee and Madison, with a few local stops on each end.

By boat

The Lake Express is a high speed ferry that operates across Lake Michigan from (and to) Muskegon, MI.

Getting around in Milwaukee is mostly easy. Block numbers are consistent across the whole city, including most of the suburbs, starting roughly where the Milwaukee and Menomonee rivers meet. All numbered streets run north-south, increasing in number as you go west from 1st Street. Most names streets go east-west, with the notable exception of any street east of 1st Street (the East Side). Standard blocks are 1/8th of a mile long north to south, and 1/12th of a mile east to west. Parking Downtown and on the East Side is a minor hassle, but abundant elsewhere.

By Car

While it is possible to use the bus to go to many suburbs, some tourists prefer driving. Parking outside the Downtown/East Side are is a overall a non-issue. Traffic conditions may vary, especially in the next few years during the reconstruction of the city's main freeway interchanges.

By Mass Transit

Milwaukee's bus system, MCTS, is actually quite good, taking into account the almost complete lack of rail support. You can take a bus from anywhere, to almost anywhere in the city, with minor excursions to the suburbs.

Standard Fares:

• Cash: $1.75
• Weekly Pass: $16.00 (Valid Sunday 5AM - Sunday 5AM)
• 10 tickets: $16.00 (No expiration)
• Reduced Fare: $0.85 (Children 6-11, seniors 65+ with Medicare card.)
• Premium Fare: Applicable fare plus 50 cents. (Freeway Flyers, denoted in green on a bus stop sign)
• Festival Shuttles: $6.00 round trip. (Paid in cash on inbound trip.)

One week passes and ten ride ticket packs are available from outlets displaying an MCTS sticker. (Mostly grocery stores.)

Fare includes one hour transfer, make sure to ask the driver for it if they don't automatically give you one. This transfer will allow you to board as many buses as you wish before the time runs out.

One item of useful note: Drivers have plenty of information, and transfers, but nothing else. They do not carry change, nor do they sell tickets or bus passes. If you do not have exact change, expect to pay a little over. (e.g.: $2 instead of $1.75)

Most of Milwaukee's 500 new low-floor buses feature Transit TV monitors that have a constant display of the upcoming stops along the route, verbally and visually announced approximately half a block in advance. In the event that the displays are not properly functioning alert the operator and ask for your stop to be called. Many operators miss the old days when they got to call the stop and thus enjoy the opportunity. If you are unsure of where you are going they will be happy to help, as well.

Many buses terminate at the MCTS Downtown Transit Center located across from the Betty Brinn Children's Museum, or kitty-corner from the famous Calatrava wing of the Milwaukee Art Museum.

By trolley

Trolley Loop is a frequent scheduled trolley bus service sponsored by local businesses. Rides are free though service is seasonal.

By taxi

While there are plenty of taxis to meet demand, do not expect to simply flag one down. With the notable exceptions of queues at larger hotels, the airport, train- and bus stations, nightclubs, and largely attended events you should call for one. The number one company is Yellow Cab, at +1 414-271-1800, with the phone numbers of other taxi companies available here.

Weather patterns in Milwaukee can fluctuate daily, with often little consistence in temperature or conditions.

Police and Fire Department

Hospitals

Crime

Milwaukee can be a very fun and enjoyable trip, but like any large city, Milwaukee is not free the problems that come with its size. Though virtually all tourist destinations in and around Milwaukee are as safe and accessible during the day and night, common sense should always apply. As a general rule one should be sure to be aware of their surroundings regardless, especially in areas unknown to yourself.

The Downtown, Third Ward and East Side communities are typically the most clean and safe areas within Milwaukee. Also, the Fifth ward continues to experience a urban renewal much due in part to it's relative location to the Third Ward, though some caution is advised after dark.

The west and south sides of Milwaukee also offer interesting tourist opportunities that include Milwaukee's famous Basilica and Frank Lloyd Wright's Greek Orthodox church. Crime can happen anywhere; don't let geographic stereotypes dictate your travels.

Smoking

Landmarks

• The Allen-Bradley Clock Tower is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest four-sided clock. The original clock was constructed in 1962, but was replaced by the current, larger clock in the 1970's. The faces, which are nearly twice the size of London's Westminster Clock Tower ("Big Ben"), has been referred to as the "Polish Moon" because of its prominence in the night sky in the city's traditionally Polish neighborhood. Although, more recently, it has been referred to as the "Mexican Moon" to reflect the current ethnic composition of the neighborhood. The tower is located atop the Rockwell Automotion building (locally referred to as "Allen-Bradley") on South 2nd St. between Scott St. and Greenfield Ave.

• The Domes complex in Mitchell Park is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. The three huge glass domes serve as the city's horticultural gardens, and house a desert habitat, a rainforest, and varying themed exhibits. Mitchell Park is located at the intersection of S Layton Blvd. & W Pierce St.

• The Milwaukee Art Museum's Santiago Calatrava-designed addition is Milwaukee's most recognizable landmark, and the bird-like wings of the building's Quadracci Pavilion open and close several times each day, depending on the weather. The War Memorial which the museum is connected to was designed by the architect Eero Saarinen, and worth a look as well. For more information on the museum, check the Arts & Culture section of this article.

• Milwaukee's City Hall was the city's most important landmark before the completion of the Calatrava addition to the museum. This beautiful building is located at the intersection of N Water St. and E Wells St. The architecture is heavily influenced by that of Germany, which is a symbol of Milwaukee's large German immigrant population at the turn of the century. (N.b., the exterior of the building is being remodeled)

• Sports

  Milwaukee is famous for it's sports teams particularly Baseball & Basketball. Home run slugger Hank Aaron hit most of his home runs in Milwaukee. Additionally, the Bucks are the youngest team to ever win a NBA title. There are a variety of professional and college sport teams in the area.

• Milwaukee Brewers - The Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee's MLB franchise plays at Miller Park just outside downtown.
• Milwaukee Bucks- The Bucks, the NBA team play at the Bradley Center in Downtown.
• Milwaukee Admirals - A AHL hockey franchise, this team shares the Bradley Center with the Bucks.
• Milwaukee Wave - North America's longest continuously operating professional soccer club. They complete in the Major Indoor Soccer League and play home games at the U.S. Cellular Arena.
• College Basketball - A variety of college basketball teams play in the area including the Marquette Golden Eagles of the Big East Conference and the Milwaukee Panthers of the Horizon League.

Neighborhoods

• Juneautown and Kilbourntown/Westown - These two neighborhoods, which sit across the Milwaukee River from each other, form the larger area generally known as "downtown." Juneautown, between the lake and the river, is the financial heart of the city, as well as the place where Milwaukee was born. The city's tallest building, the 601-foot USBank Tower, is located here along the lake, as are a number of the city's most architecturally significant buildings, including the Cathedral of St. John and Milwaukee's City Hall. There are a number of coffee shops and restaurants, but the area mostly closes down after business hours. Across the river, Kilbourntown (or Westown) serves as the city's entertainment center. here you will find attractions such as the Midwest Airlines Center, Milwaukee's primary convention center. Nearby are the Grand Avenue Mall, the Milwaukee Theater, and the Bradley Center. Many of the city's hotels are located here as well, as are a number of excellent restaurants and clubs. While none of the city's tall buildings have public observatories, you can get a fantastic view from Polaris, the revolving restaurant perched atop the Hyatt Regency in the heart of Kilbourntown. The Riverwalk lines both sides of the Milwaukee River through the downtown area, and is home to a number of pieces of public art, as well as some of the city's most popular restaurants.

• Historic Third Ward - This small district, located directly to the south of Juneautown, is Milwaukee's version of the trendy urban "warehouse district." The streets of the Third Ward are lined with 19th and early 20th-century warehouse buildings which have been converted into lofts and offices. At street level, chic shops and restaurants are commonplace. The area is also an entertainment hub. The Eisner Museum of Advertising and Design is located at 208 N. Water Street, just blocks from the Broadway Theater Center, home of the Skylight Opera. On the ward's southern boundary--the Milwaukee River--one can find the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (or just MIAD), which is the centerpiece of the city's art scene. On Gallery Night, which occurs once every three months, the Third Ward hums with activity, as it is home to the city's largest collection of art galleries. The Third Ward is also home to the newest section of the Riverwalk, which offers some fantastic views of the downtown skyline.

• Martin Luther King Drive - A period of urban renewal has revitalized this neighborhood with brand new restaurants, coffee houses and jazz, blues and neo-soul lounges. It is known as the epicenter of African-American commerce in Wisconsin. From downtown, simply continue north on Old World 3rd Street which turns into Martin Luther King Drive. The #19 bus runs the entire lenght of the street.

• Walker's Point

• The East Side - This neighborhood stretches from downtown to the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. It is home to elegant mansions, college students, and everything in between. http://www.theeastside.org/

• Riverwest - A neighborhood of transition. It was once, in part, the Puerto Rican area. Milwaukee used to be segrageted by the river, Riverwest is west of it and thus was a largely Black and Latino neighborhood. As Milwaukee has intigrated, Riverwest has become an increasingly diverse neighborhood now known for its counter-culture vibe and is favored by much of the local hipster population.

From downtown take a number 10 bus north or east in the direction Bayshore or Capitol (or #14 in the direction Capitol) north to Locust or Center St. (or anywhere around there). Exit there and head west (east from the #14). If the weather is nice, just walk north from downtown with the river in the corner of your right eye until you reach Humboldt St. or Holton St. take one of these north.

• Bayview - A vibrant area on the city's south shore with lots of neighborhood bars and restaurants. Number 15 bus south from downtown.

• Historic Mitchell Street - The once Polish center is now home to some of Milwaukee's most vibrant hispanic culture. From downtown take any #54 bus and get off after it has turned onto Mitchell and gone over the freeway.

Parks

Because of Milwaukee's socialist past, it had one of the best public parks systems in the country. Unfortunately, funding for them has eroded in recent years, but there are still many great parks around the Milwaukee area!

Downtown

• Cathedral Square Park - This park is a square towards the center of the city, bordered by Kilbourn on the North, Wells on the South, Jackson on the the East and Jefferson on the West. It is most notable for Jazz In the Park, free outdoor Jazz concerts on Thursday evenings during the summer.
• Veteran's Park - This park is located by the lakefront, just north of the Art Museum and War Memorial. Veteran's Park includes a lagoon where you can rent a paddleboat, a kite store, and bike rentals.

East Side

• McKinley Marina & Beach - McKinley Park is a great place for people who want to fish or relax on the beach. Many people also love to stroll out on the giant breakwater that goes out into Lake Michigan. During the summer, there are plenty of fishermen here as well. An easy way to get to McKinley Park is to take the Brady Street pedestrian bridge over Lincoln Memorial Drive (from the Brady Street area), or just walk North from Veteran's Park.
• Bradford Beach - This is one of the larger beaches in the Milwaukee area, although it has been neglected in recent years due to budget cuts.
• Lake Park - Lake Park was designed and built by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same man who built Central Park in New York. It is one of Milwaukee's most beautiful parks and can be found by going up the hill (West) on the North end of Bradford Beach.

• Milwaukee is known for its Beer. In several spots around the city, the smell of yeast from the beer factories is quite strong.
• • Miller Brewery offers excellent tours. The tour begins with a short video of famous Miller commercials, continues to the original brewery to demonstrate the growth and progress of the company, and finishes at a pub for a little beer-tasting.
  • Sprecher (maker of beer and rootbeer) is a smaller brewery in Glendale just outside of the city's northern border. They also offer tours.
  • Lakefront Brewery is another small, locally-owned microbrewery specializing in handmade beers in the tradition of early Milwaukee brewers. Located along the Milwaukee river just north of downtown.
• The Petit National Ice Center is a renowned Olympic training center. It has a full ice-racing track and two hockey rinks. Public skate hours vary, but are usually in the evening. Skate rentals are available for a good price.
• Milwaukee is known as "The City of Festivals." To this day, there is a festival almost every weekend at the Henry Maier Festival Park, from various ethnic festivals, to Summerfest that holds the Guinness World Records title as the "World's Biggest Music Festival" since 1999.

in downtown Milwaukee there are many shopping opportunities such as grand avenue but to get best products head to the third ward