Art Museums & Harley-Davidson Heritage in Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI, USA
Tips on renting in Milwaukee
Getting Around
What to Pack
Must-Try Activities
Smart Spending Tips
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, invites families to discover a vibrant city where adventure and relaxation go hand in hand. With a population exceeding 600,000, Milwaukee boasts an array of experiences designed for all ages. Start your family getaway at Discovery World, an interactive science and technology center on the scenic lakefront, where children delight in hands-on exhibits and the wonders of the Reiman Aquarium. Just a short distance away, the Milwaukee Public Museum enchants visitors with its Streets of Old Milwaukee exhibit, immersing families in the city’s storied past with authentic storefronts and charming cobblestone streets.
For those who cherish the outdoors, Milwaukee’s parks offer endless opportunities for recreation. Estabrook Park, set along the Milwaukee River, features inviting picnic areas, a disc golf course, and the Estabrook Park Beer Garden, where parents can unwind as children play nearby. Jackson Park, a city gem since 1907, showcases a picturesque lagoon ideal for boating and skating, along with expansive green spaces perfect for family gatherings. When winter arrives, the park becomes a snowy playground, welcoming families for ice skating and sledding adventures.
No family trip to Milwaukee is complete without sampling the city’s culinary highlights. Zaffiro’s Pizza, a cherished family-owned spot since 1954, serves up classic tavern-style pizza with a thin, crispy crust and sweet sauce, perfect for sharing. For dessert, make your way to the 3rd Street Market Hall, where families can indulge in a variety of cuisines, enjoy interactive games, a top golf simulator, and a lively shuffleboard court. From exploring captivating museums to savoring local flavors and enjoying the great outdoors, Milwaukee promises families an unforgettable escape filled with lasting memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Milwaukee has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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To visit the Milwaukee Art Museum, plan your trip on a Thursday for extended hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., allowing you to avoid the crowds and enjoy the interactive exhibits and events. Take advantage of the pay-what-you-wish admission on Thursday nights or look out for free admission days throughout the year. Spend at least 2 hours exploring the museum’s engaging galleries, and don’t miss the Museum Café for refreshments and the museum shop for unique souvenirs.
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For a seamless and scenic boat launch experience in the Milwaukee River Estuary, head to the River Front Launch Site located at 600 S. Water St. in downtown Milwaukee. This site offers a convenient boat launch, a self-pay station, and seasonal access to portable toilets, making it an ideal spot to embark on your journey. The launch site is part of the Milwaukee Urban Water Trail, perfect for exploring the urban stretches of the Milwaukee River.
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For outdoor enthusiasts near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, several national and state parks offer captivating experiences. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, though a bit farther, is a must-visit, featuring 21 islands, scenic sea caves, and the largest collection of lighthouses in the National Park system, accessible via a 5-hour drive or a flight to the Bayfield area.
Closer to Milwaukee, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail spans 1,200 miles, including sections near the city, allowing hikers to explore Wisconsin’s glacial landscapes. For a more leisurely experience, the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, about a 5-hour drive, offers canoeing, fishing, and hiking along the Saint Croix and Namekagon Rivers, with primitive campsites accessible by boat or canoe, perfect for immersing in nature from May to October.
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For a scenic hike in Milwaukee, head to the Wehr Nature Center, where the Lake Loop and Grasslands trail offers a 2.6-mile loop with a gentle 124-foot elevation gain, featuring a waterfall cascading into the Root River and scenic views around Whitnall Park’s Mallard Lake, all at no cost.
Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve in Grafton is another gem, with a 2.1-mile lollipop trail that includes a 60-foot bridge over the gorge, wetlands, and a cedar grove, offering stunning vistas of Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee skyline on clear days, also free of charge.
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, just 15 minutes from downtown, provides six miles of hiking trails through forests, ponds, and restored prairies along the Lake Michigan shoreline, making it an ideal urban escape.
