Anyone who follows our Milwaukee Travel Blog knows that MKE is an awesome destination for indoor and outdoor activities. The choice of things to do is never-ending and caters to visitors of all ages. The only difficulty is choosing how to spend your time!
Join us as we share a few ideas for getting out and about this spring in Milwaukee. Whether you’re spending time with family and friends or going solo, the selection below should offer plenty of inspiration for making the most of your stay in Milwaukee.
Remember, we have a wide selection of popular Tours in Milwaukee, so do consider joining us. If you have any questions about our tours and services, please get in touch.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in True Milwaukee Style
In March, Milwaukee celebrates its long ties to Ireland! The St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of the oldest in the nation, winds through downtown, featuring bagpipers, Irish dancers, and festive floats that fill the streets with shades of green.
To kick off the festivities, join the Shamrock Shuffle—a lively bar crawl that takes you across Water Street, Brady Street, and Walker’s Point, where Irish music and merriment abound. Our Irish Shuttle provides revelers with transportation options on the big day.
For those who prefer a more relaxed celebration, our own Paddy’s Day Milwaukee Pub Crawl offers a guided pub tour that promises good company, a touch of Milwaukee history, and plenty of Guinness!
Savor Local Flavors at 3rd Street Market Hall
Spring in Milwaukee wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the 3rd Street Market Hall. Located in the heart of downtown, the 3rd Street Market Hall is a feast for all the senses. With food vendors offering everything from local classics to international street foods, there’s something for every foodie to love.
Beyond food, the hall’s vibrant energy is amplified by its unique attractions—a self-serve beer wall lets you pour your craft brews, while interactive games like shuffleboard and giant Jenga make it more than just a meal stop.
A centerpiece of Milwaukee’s thriving culinary scene, the 3rd Street Market Hall captures the city’s reputation for loving good food in good company. Spend an afternoon here sampling local favorites, meeting friends, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Experience the Magic of Live Theater
Milwaukee’s theater scene truly shines in the spring, with the Skylight Music Theatre offering performances that captivate and inspire audiences. Productions like Oliver! and Frankenstein: The Musical are sure to leave a lasting impression.
For a delightful day trip, visit The Fireside Theatre, renowned for its intimate dining-and-show setup. Whether it features a tribute to musical legends or a Broadway classic, The Fireside provides a cozy escape filled with artistry and warmth. Milwaukee is a city with a fantastic theater scene, and spring is as good a time as any to get out and enjoy some memorable shows.
Step Back in Time at Old World Wisconsin
History comes alive each spring at Old World Wisconsin, a large open-air museum that reopens in May. This living history site meticulously recreates the 19th-century immigrant experience.
Visitors can wander through historic farms, engage with costumed interpreters, and participate in hands-on activities such as blacksmithing or baking traditional bread.
The immersive environment offers a unique insight into the challenges and triumphs faced by Wisconsin’s early settlers. It’s not just a visit; it’s an opportunity to step into another era and appreciate the roots that shaped the region. Old World Wisconsin provides a timeless spring adventure for families, history enthusiasts, or curious explorers. (Please note: This attraction is about a 40-minute drive outside of Milwaukee.)
Milwaukee Public Museum
Spring showers? No problem. At the Milwaukee Public Museum, you can wander from ancient civilizations to the streets of old Milwaukee — all under one roof. The museum’s Streets of Old Milwaukee exhibit is a standout, giving visitors the chance to experience the early 1900s with cobblestone paths, vintage storefronts, and even the scent of fresh-baked bread wafting from a recreated bakery.
Nature lovers will enjoy the Butterfly Vivarium, where hundreds of free-flying butterflies flutter around in a tropical setting. The museum’s vast collections also feature everything from prehistoric fossils to cultural artifacts from around the world. Whether you love dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, or exploring Wisconsin’s own history, there’s no shortage of things to discover!
Tour the Grand Pabst Mansion
Take a springtime tour of the Pabst Mansion, the opulent former home of brewing magnate Captain Frederick Pabs, for a glimpse into Milwaukee’s gilded past. Built in 1892, this Flemish Renaissance Revival mansion is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring beautiful woodwork, stained glass, and lavish period furnishings.
Once slated for demolition, the mansion was fortunately saved and meticulously restored. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the Pabst family, Milwaukee’s beer empire, and the social customs of the era.
Stroll Through the Boerner Botanical Gardens
Spring in Milwaukee isn’t complete without a visit to the Boerner Botanical Gardens, a serene spot just minutes from downtown. As the gardens awaken with vibrant blooms, they transform into a kaleidoscope of color, inviting visitors to wander through meticulously curated landscapes.
From the elegance of the rose garden to the enchanting woodland pathways, each area offers a unique experience. In May, the peony and tulip displays take center stage, with their radiant hues and delicate fragrances attracting nature lovers from near and far. Photographers will find endless inspiration here.
Take a leisurely stroll, breathe in the fresh spring air, and let the tranquil surroundings provide the kind of revitalization only found in nature.
Cheer on the Milwaukee Brewers at Opening Day
Spring marks a fresh start, and in Milwaukee, that means it’s time for baseball! The Milwaukee Brewers’ Opening Day is a celebration of camaraderie, nostalgia, and city pride. At American Family Field, fans gather in their signature navy and gold to welcome the new sports season.
Tailgating is a cherished tradition here, where sizzling bratwursts and clinking beer bottles create an atmosphere as electric as the game itself. If you’d like to experience a Milwaukee tailgate with a little logistic support, book our Tailgate Tour Experience in Milwaukee. We take private groups of sports fans directly to the Brewers tailgate at American Family Field so they can enjoy the festivities without the hassle of having to arrange anything themselves.
Even if you’re not a die-hard baseball fan, Opening Day offers a slice of Milwaukee’s culture—a community coming together to share in a timeless pastime.
Go Bird Watching in Milwaukee’s Natural Havens
Milwaukee’s green spaces come alive with the sounds of chirps and calls during spring, attracting bird watchers from all over. The city’s location along migratory pathways makes it an excellent spot for observing species like warblers, sandhill cranes, and great blue herons.
The Schlitz Audubon Nature Center offers six miles of trails that wind through forests, wetlands, and meadows, making it a sanctuary for bird enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Lakeshore State Park, located at the edge of Lake Michigan, is perfect for spotting migratory shorebirds and waterfowl.
For a quieter experience, visit Wehr Nature Center in Whitnall Park, where diverse habitats draw a variety of bird species. Be sure to pack your binoculars, a field guide, and a bit of patience—birdwatching in Milwaukee is as much about enjoying the peaceful moments in nature as it is about the excitement of spotting a rare bird!
Take an unforgettable Tour with City Tours MKE
Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of karaoke, or just someone who loves getting out for drinks with their besties, we’ve got you covered. Browse our Milwaukee Tours and find the perfect activity in MKE for you and your group.