Top Attractions for…
Families
If you’re visiting Milwaukee with kids in tow, there are plenty of family-friendly things to see and do. The Milwaukee County Zoo is a must with over 2,000 animals to visit. Walk through the aviary and see everything from penguins to camels. The Milwaukee Public Museum is another great spot for kids and adults, featuring an interactive European village as well as exhibits on regional history. For some hands-on learning, take the kids to the Discovery World Science and technology museum downtown. And don’t miss a performance at the historic Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, home of the First Stage children’s theater company.
First-Timers
Take a walk or bike ride down the Hank Aaron State Trail. This scenic path runs along the shore of Lake Michigan and offers beautiful views of the waterfront. Stop at Bradford Beach to enjoy some sun and sand. Tour the Pabst Mansion and learn about the history of the famous brewing family. Don’t miss the ornate Flemish Renaissance Revival architecture. Ride the elevator to the top of the U.S. Bank Building for a panoramic view of Milwaukee from the observation deck. On a clear day you can see all the way to Chicago! Explore the historic Third Ward district and its charming shops and art galleries. It’s also a great place to grab lunch at an authentic German restaurant. Bar hop on Old World Third Street in downtown between modern sports bars and traditional German beer halls. Prost!
Wine & Beer Connoisseurs
If you love wine, beer, or both, then Milwaukee is a must-visit. The city has a long brewing legacy, and brands like Pabst, Schlitz, Miller, and Blatz got their start here. Take a brewery tour and tasting at Lakefront Brewery, MobCraft Beer, Good City Brewing, or Enlightened Brewing Company. For wine lovers, schedule a tour of Wollersheim Winery in nearby Prairie du Sac. And if you’re here in summer, don’t miss the Wisconsin Beer Garden that transforms downtown Estabrook Park into a lively, open-air hotspot.
Sports Fans
Home to the Brewers and the Bucks, Milwaukee is a great sports city. Watching a baseball game at the classic American Family Field is a summer tradition for locals and visitors alike. Make sure to arrive early to tailgate! The Bucks at Fiserv Forum also promise exciting pro basketball action. If college sports are more your speed, catch the Marquette Golden Eagles take on Big East rivals during basketball season. Soccer fans can also see forward-thinking Milwaukee Torrent at Uihlein Soccer Park. And racing enthusiasts will love the action at Milwaukee Mile Speedway.
Foodies
Milwaukee’s dining scene has something to satisfy every palate. The city’s German heritage means schnitzel, spaetzle, and other specialties are in abundance here. Usinger’s is the place to sample authentic sausage, and Mader’s Restaurant serves up classic Bavarian fare. But that’s just the beginning. You’ll also find farm-to-table restaurants, tapas bars, superb steakhouses, and some of the Midwest’s best Indian and Vietnamese food. The Milwaukee Public Market downtown is a great place to sample many local flavors under one roof.
Shopaholics
If retail therapy is how your group likes to spend free time, Milwaukee will not disappoint. Find big-name shops and department stores in and around Mayfair Mall. Or browse for local boutiques, antiques, and art galleries in the Historic Third Ward. The Milwaukee Public Market is also a treasure trove of locally made foodstuffs, baked goods, arts and crafts, and more. You can find specialized retail districts scattered around the city, including Brady Street (known for dining and nightlight), Lincoln Village/West Allis (for antiques), and S. Cesar Chavez Drive (for Hispanic groceries and goods).
How to Get Around Milwaukee
Steering through Milwaukee is a great way to explore the charm of this city with its efficient transportation options:
Light Rail
Milwaukee has a single, two-line light rail system called The Hop that can take you to spots downtown and along the lakefront. It’s cheap and convenient but has limited reach. If you want to venture out to a Brewers game or to neighborhoods beyond downtown, you’ll need to drive or call another ride.
Biking
It’s easy to explore the city on two wheels. All city buses are equipped with a bike rack so you can decide how far you ride. If you didn’t bring a bike, take advantage of Milwaukee’s bike share program, Bublr Bikes. Stations are located throughout downtown and in neighboring Shorewood, Wauwatosa, and West Allis. Milwaukee is a Biycle city, so use your home pass to check out a bike and start riding.
Electric Vehicles
Whether you are renting an electric vehicle or driving down with one, knowing where you can recharge is important. Milwaukee has charging stations located all throughout the city. Plugshare, Charge Finder, and Charge Hub are helpful tools to keep your vehicles at full charge during your stay.
Taxis and Rideshares
Cabs and rideshare cars are plentiful in Milwaukee and can provide quick transport all over the city. But these options work best for small groups, not larger parties. You’ll spend a lot more piecing together multiple rides vs. a single bus rental. Plus, you won’t have the same space or comfort afforded on a charter bus.
Charter Bus
A charter bus rental through Charter Bus Company Milwaukee is often the most convenient and cost-effective way for medium to large-size groups to get around the city. Our fleet includes motorcoaches and mini-buses that can accommodate anywhere from 18 to 56 passengers or more. Your professional driver will take you directly wherever your group wants to go, from Miller Park to the Milwaukee Art Museum. And you’ll enjoy comfortable seats, climate control, TVs, WiFi and more onboard – amenities not found in rideshares or light rail trains.
Ready to Explore Milwaukee With Us?
Now that you’ve got an overview of top things to do in Milwaukee, it’s time to start planning your group trip! Charter Bus Company Milwaukee has the transportation solution your group needs. Call 414-214-0265 now for a free quote on buses and shuttles of all sizes – fully equipped with the amenities your group prefers. We serve thousands of happy customers in Milwaukee and are ready to help with your door-to-door travel needs. Let our experts explain your transportation options for upcoming events and attractions throughout Wisconsin. Call anytime – we’re here 24/7!