Here at the City Tours MKE Milwaukee Travel Blog, we’ve written a heap of articles looking in detail at our favorite things to do in Milwaukee and things we love about Wisconsin culture. Today, we’re undertaking something a little different — we’re listing no less than 50 suggestions for things you can do when traveling in Milwaukee!
If you’re spending time in Milwaukee and have been looking for things to do, look no further; we have you covered. We hope the following blog provides you with many exciting activities for your trip. And remember, several of the suggestions can be enjoyed on a Guided Milwaukee Tour with City Tours MKE.
Enjoy a night of Karaoke
Belt out your favorite tunes at one of Milwaukee’s vibrant karaoke bars. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just looking for some fun, there’s a stage waiting for you.
Our Cruisin’ Karaoke Tour in Milwaukee is one of our most popular tour experiences. Cruise the streets of beautiful Milwaukee while singing your favorite hits!
Take a Haunted Pub Tour
Discover the spooky side of Milwaukee with a haunted pub tour. Hear chilling tales and visit haunted locales, all while enjoying a drink or two.
Our Milwaukee Haunted History Tour is suitable for all ages. It’s a fantastic way to learn the story of the city while enjoying some spooky thrills along the way.
Meanwhile, if you’d like to combine a ghost tour with drinks in stylish locations, our Milwaukee Haunted History Pub Crawl is for you!
Visit the Harley-Davidson Museum
Dive into the history of an American icon at the Harley-Davidson Museum. With exhibits showcasing classic motorcycles and memorabilia, it’s a must-visit for bike enthusiasts.
Take a tour of the key sights
Explore Milwaukee’s landmarks on a guided city tour. From historic neighborhoods to modern marvels, see the best the city has to offer. Our Iconic Milwaukee Tour is an excellent introduction to the city. We’ll enjoy planned and unplanned stops based on your group’s interests and as photo opportunities present themselves. Our giant sweep through the city covers the Brewery District, famous museums and hotels, the stunning lakefront, iconic architecture, the Historic Third Ward, Harley-Davidson HQ, and more!
Visit Milwaukee Public Museum
Explore natural history at the Milwaukee Public Museum. With dioramas, exhibits, and even a butterfly garden — children will especially love the museum’s dinosaur exhibits!
Visit the North Point Lighthouse and Museum
Climb the North Point Lighthouse for stunning views of Lake Michigan. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into maritime history on the Great Lakes.
Enjoy a Food-Tasting Experience
Treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure with a food-tasting tour. Sample local delights from cheese curds to gourmet dishes at top eateries. Our own Wine Tasting and Chocolate Tour in Milwaukee features nine first-class wines and chocolate pairings from Indulgence Chocolatiers.
Visit the Jewish Museum Milwaukee
Learn about the rich history and culture of the Jewish community in Milwaukee at the Jewish Museum. Exhibits include artifacts, photographs, and personal stories. It’s also worth checking out the museum’s events listings as they regularly host exceptional events for history and art lovers.
Try Local Specialties Like Bratwurst, Frozen Custard, and Cheese Curds
Indulge in Milwaukee’s iconic foods. Savor a bratwurst, delight in creamy frozen custard, and enjoy fresh cheese curds. Want to learn more about local specialties? Read our blog on Famous Wisconsin Foods.
Explore the City’s Historic Beer Culture
Milwaukee’s beer heritage is legendary. Take a brewery tour, visit beer halls, and sample craft brews that put this city on the beer map. For a memorable guided experience, consider booking a place on our MKE Brewery Tour.
Or, if exploring on your own, consult our Guide to Milwaukee’s Breweries for inspiration.
Play a Round of Milwaukee Mini-Golf
Challenge friends and family to a fun game of mini-golf. Milwaukee’s courses offer creative themes and a great way to spend an afternoon.
Our Mini-Golf Brewery Tour is the perfect activity for those wanting to enjoy a fun activity while socializing with friends or colleagues.
See the Christmas Lights During the Holiday Season
Experience the magic of the holidays with Milwaukee’s dazzling Christmas light displays. From downtown to local neighborhoods, the festive lights are a sight to behold.
For an extra special experience, join City Tours MKE’s Christmas Light Tour in Milwaukee.
Trick-or-Treat in Jackson Park During Halloween
Celebrate Halloween in Jackson Park with trick-or-treating fun. The park’s spooky decorations and friendly atmosphere make it a hit with families. We’re particularly fond of ghostly experiences as our Haunted Milwaukee Pub Crawl was the first tour we ever organized. (We also have a Haunted History of MKE that’s suitable for all ages.)
Visit Milwaukee Art Museum
Marvel at the Milwaukee Art Museum’s impressive collection. With over 25,000 works of art and the iconic Quadracci Pavilion, it’s a cultural treasure.
Spend Time at Lake Michigan
Enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Michigan. Whether you’re walking along the shore, boating, or simply relaxing, the lake offers endless recreation opportunities. If you love spening time outdoors and get good weather during your stay, give our Best Summer Spots in MKE a read.
Stroll Through the Milwaukee RiverWalk
The Milwaukee RiverWalk offers a scenic pathway along the Milwaukee River, perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride. Lined with public art, shops, and restaurants, it’s a wonderful way to get to know the city. Read our full Guide to Milwaukee’s RiverWalk for more information.
Attend a Brewers Game at American Family Field
Experience the thrill of Major League Baseball by attending a Milwaukee Brewers game at American Family Field. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, delicious ballpark food, and the famous Sausage Race during the seventh-inning stretch. Find more suggestions with our blog on Things to Do in Milwaukee if You’re Here for Baseball.
Explore the Milwaukee County Zoo
The Milwaukee County Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals, representing more than 300 species. Spend a day observing wildlife, enjoying educational exhibits, and even taking a ride on the zoo’s train.
Discover the Historic Third Ward
The Historic Third Ward is Milwaukee’s arts and fashion district, known for its beautifully restored buildings. Explore galleries, boutique shops, and enjoy dining at some of the city’s best restaurants. Learn more with our blog on Milwaukee’s Historic Neighborhoods.
Take a Brewery Tour at Miller Brewery
Learn about the brewing process on a tour of the iconic Miller Brewery. The tour includes a visit to the historic Caves, and the modern brewing facilities, and ends with a refreshing beer tasting.
Enjoy Summerfest, the World’s Largest Music Festival
Summerfest is a must-visit event, featuring hundreds of artists across diverse genres. Held along the lakefront, this massive music festival offers great food, entertainment, and an unforgettable summer experience.
Visit the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (The Domes)
The Mitchell Park Domes are a unique Milwaukee attraction, featuring three distinct climate-controlled domes: the Desert Dome, the Tropical Dome, and the Floral Show Dome. Each dome offers a beautiful and educational botanical experience.
Ride the Skyglider at the Wisconsin State Fair
Get a bird’s-eye view of the Wisconsin State Fair by riding the Skyglider. This aerial lift takes you across the fairgrounds, providing stunning views of all the activities below.
Experience the Harley-Davidson Museum Bike Night
Join fellow motorcycle enthusiasts for Bike Night at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Enjoy live music, great food, and the camaraderie of the biking community every Thursday during the summer months.
Catch a Show at the Pabst Theater
The historic Pabst Theater hosts a variety of performances, from concerts and comedy to theatrical productions. Its stunning architecture and intimate setting make for an unforgettable evening.
Tour the Pabst Mansion
Step back in time with a tour of the Pabst Mansion, the former home of brewing magnate Captain Frederick Pabst. This meticulously restored mansion offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Milwaukee’s Gilded Age elite.
Explore the Milwaukee Public Market
The Milwaukee Public Market in the Historic Third Ward is a bustling hub of local vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal foods, and unique gifts. It’s a great place to sample local flavors and pick up souvenirs. To help visitors get the most our of the market, we’ve put together a Milwaukee Public Market Visitor Guide.
Attend a Milwaukee Bucks Game at Fiserv Forum
Cheer on the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum, a state-of-the-art arena in the heart of the city. The energetic atmosphere and top-tier basketball make for an exciting night out.
Visit the Charles Allis Art Museum
The Charles Allis Art Museum, housed in a Tudor-style mansion, features a diverse collection of art spanning several centuries. Enjoy the intimate setting and beautiful architecture while exploring the exhibits.
Check out the Grohmann Museum
The Grohmann Museum is dedicated to the art of industry and labor, showcasing a unique collection of paintings and sculptures. The rooftop sculpture garden offers panoramic views of Milwaukee’s downtown.
Walk through the Lynden Sculpture Garden
Stroll through the Lynden Sculpture Garden, where art and nature blend seamlessly with over 50 large-scale sculptures set on 40 acres of park, lake, and woodland.
Enjoy the View from the Top of the US Bank Center
For a breathtaking panorama of Milwaukee, visit the observation deck of the US Bank Center, the tallest building in Wisconsin.
Take a Boat Tour on the Milwaukee River
Discover Milwaukee from a new perspective with a boat tour along the Milwaukee River, offering views of the city’s architecture and vibrant riverfront.
Visit Discovery World Science and Technology Center
Engage with interactive exhibits at Discovery World, where science, technology, and freshwater ecosystems come to life, making it fun for visitors of all ages. We share more family-friendly suggestions with our Things to Do in Milwaukee with Kids.
Relax at Bradford Beach
Spend a day at Bradford Beach, enjoying the sandy shores, volleyball courts, and the lively atmosphere of Milwaukee’s popular lakeside destination.
Visit the Basilica of St. Josaphat
Marvel at the architectural beauty of the Basilica of St. Josaphat, a stunning example of Renaissance Revival architecture with its impressive dome and intricate interior.
Enjoy live music at The Rave/Eagles Club
Catch a live performance at The Rave/Eagles Club, a historic venue known for hosting a diverse array of musical acts across multiple stages.
Take a Culinary Tour of Brady Street
Explore the eclectic flavors of Brady Street, a vibrant neighborhood filled with diverse restaurants, cafes, and bars offering a variety of cuisines.
Attend the Great Lakes Distillery and Tasting Room Tour
Learn about the art of distilling on a tour of Great Lakes Distillery, followed by a tasting of their handcrafted spirits, including whiskey, vodka, and gin.
Visit the Wisconsin Black Historical Society and Museum
Discover the rich history and cultural contributions of African Americans in Wisconsin at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society and Museum through engaging exhibits and artifacts.
Attend the Milwaukee Film Festival
Experience the best in independent cinema at the Milwaukee Film Festival, showcasing a wide range of films, from local productions to international features.
Walk or Bike the Oak Leaf Trail
Enjoy the scenic Oak Leaf Trail, which offers over 120 miles of paved pathways perfect for walking, biking, and taking in Milwaukee’s natural beauty. For more leafy suggestions, read our Best Green Spaces and Parks in Milwaukee.
Explore the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
Step into the Italian Renaissance at the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, featuring fine and decorative arts within a stunning lakeside villa and gardens.
Visit the Haggerty Museum of Art
Located on the Marquette University campus, the Haggerty Museum of Art boasts an impressive collection of contemporary and historic works from around the world.
Attend a Festival at Henry Maier Festival Park
Join the festivities at Henry Maier Festival Park, home to a variety of cultural and music festivals throughout the year, including the famous Summerfest. Check the site’s MKE Events page for the latest listings.
Take a day trip to Cedarburg, a Historic Town Nearby
Just a short drive from Milwaukee, the charming town of Cedarburg offers historic buildings, quaint shops, and lovely parks, perfect for a relaxing day trip. This is a must-visit Wisconsin destination for those who love indulging in nostalgia.
Explore the Riverwest Neighborhood and Its Art Scene
Discover the creative spirit of the Riverwest neighborhood, known for its vibrant art scene, local galleries, and events.
Participate in a Local Farmer’s Market
Visit one of Milwaukee’s many farmers’ markets to support local vendors, enjoy fresh produce, artisanal goods, and experience the community vibe.
Enjoy a Night at the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Treat yourself to an evening of classical music performed by the acclaimed Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, offering a rich repertoire in a beautiful concert hall.
This brings a close to our long list of things to do in Milwaukee. We hope this has provided you with plenty of inspiration. Please browse our Milwaukee Group Tours before you leave, and be sure to reach out if you have any questions.