Milwaukee is a city that has certainly made its mark, from the roar of Harley-Davidson engines to countless amazing beers, which led to the city being known as Brew City. Whether you’re due to visit Milwaukee soon or just curious to know about this endlessly interesting Wisconsin city, here’s a look at the people, places, and ideas that have helped put MKE on the map.
And if you are in town, please consider joining us for an Unforgettable Milwaukee Sightseeing Tour.
Harley-Davidson’s Hometown
In 1903, a small shed in Milwaukee gave birth to one of the most iconic motorcycle brands in the world. Harley-Davidson is more than just a company for Milwaukee residents; it is a brand that is intertwined with the city’s attitude and culture. The Harley-Davidson Museum attracts visitors from all over the globe, celebrating the evolution of two-wheeled freedom and the glorious machines that this company continues to churn out. Whether or not you ride, Harley is undeniably an American icon!
The Milwaukee Art Museum
Sleek, soaring, and unmistakable, the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Quadracci Pavilion, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is a striking lakefront landmark. However, it offers more than just aesthetic appeal. The museum is home to over 30,000 works of art, featuring a diverse collection that ranges from European masterpieces to bold contemporary pieces. Its wings open and close with the breeze, mirroring the ebb and flow of Lake Michigan just beyond its doors.
Brew City’s Beer Legacy
Milwaukee earned the nickname Brew City for good reason. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was home to four major beer giants: Pabst, Schlitz, Blatz, and Miller, each of which has left a lasting impression on the city. Today, the tradition continues with dozens of independent craft breweries and historic tours that connect the past to the present. Whether you are enjoying an IPA from a young microbrewery or exploring old tied houses, the city’s rich beer culture offers the traveler lots to explore.
If you’re passionate about beer and want to take a deep dive, book a place on our Milwaukee Brewery Tour.
Summerfest: The World’s Largest Music Festival
For eleven days each summer, Milwaukee’s lakefront transforms into a thumping, guitar-slinging, genre-blending celebration of live music. Summerfest holds the Guinness World Record for the largest music festival, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans and featuring acts ranging from up-and-comers to global headliners. The backdrop is stunning views of Lake Michigan and nightly fireworks. Past headliners have included legends like Pearl Jam, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, and Paul Simon.
Cream City Brick
No, it’s not about dairy. Milwaukee’s famous Cream City brick derives its color from the local clay used in the 19th century, resulting in a pale golden hue that gives many of the city’s historic buildings their signature warmth. You’ll spot it everywhere, from churches to breweries to warehouses converted into lofts. It’s a beautiful reminder that Milwaukee was built quite literally from the ground beneath its feet!
The Bronze Fonz & Milwaukee on TV
Milwaukee made a significant impact on television with popular shows like Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, and That ’70s Show (which is set in Wisconsin, even if not always filmed there). The Bronze Fonz, a life-size statue of Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli, proudly stands along the RiverWalk with his thumb raised and his leather jacket timeless. It’s certainly kitschy, but it also serves as a tribute to how Milwaukee became a part of America’s television history.
Pabst Mansion
Once home to beer baron Frederick Pabst, this 1892 Flemish Renaissance Revival mansion is a showstopper. From hand-carved woodwork to Tiffany glass, every room tells a story of Milwaukee’s Gilded Age ambition. Preserved with great care, the Pabst Mansion offers guided tours and seasonal displays and serves as a reminder of just how much wealth beer brought into the city.
Cheese Curds and Frozen Custard
If you’re visiting Milwaukee and don’t try both, you’re doing it wrong! Cheese curds, whether squeaky or fried, are everywhere, and locals will fiercely debate who does them best. And frozen custard? It’s thicker, creamier, and richer than ice cream and practically a religion here.
To learn more, read our Best Places to Get Frozen Custard in MKE. Or get more inspiration by reading What Are Some Famous Wisconsin Foods?.
The Rise of Lakefront Brewery
In 1987, brothers Russ and Jim Klisch began brewing beer in a Milwaukee bakery. Today, Lakefront Brewery is a local powerhouse, known not only for its beers, which include the country’s first certified organic ale, but also for its hilarious and high-energy tours. The brewery played a pivotal role in launching the city’s modern craft beer boom and remains a favorite among both locals and tourists.
Cream City’s Industrial Reinvention
Milwaukee’s industrial past is reflected in its skyline, featuring smokestacks, warehouses, and rail lines. What’s remarkable is the city’s ability to repurpose its historical architecture. Old factories have transformed into breweries and art spaces, bringing new life to historic neighborhoods. From Walker’s Point to the Third Ward, the shift from rust to revival is not merely aesthetic; it’s a celebration of creativity.
If you’re visiting MKE for the first time, our popular Iconic Milwaukee Tour is a great way to get your bearings.
Black Cat Alley
Tucked between two buildings on Milwaukee’s East Side, Black Cat Alley is a vivid burst of color in an otherwise quiet stretch. This ever-evolving street art corridor features large-scale murals by both local and international artists. It’s free, walkable, and photogenic — and has helped spark a broader appreciation for public art in the city. What began as a community project now stands as one of Milwaukee’s most Instagrammed spots.
Discovery World
Right on the lakefront, Discovery World blends hands-on science exhibits with sleek architectural design, and it’s as much for curious adults as it is for kids. With an aquarium, innovation labs, and interactive STEM zones, it celebrates Milwaukee’s ties to water, industry, and invention.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fingerprints
While nearby Racine often gets the architectural spotlight, Milwaukee quietly boasts several Frank Lloyd Wright homes, including six in the Burnham Block. These American System-Built Homes were Wright’s answer to affordable housing – all clean lines, clever use of space, and elegant simplicity. They’re a lesser-known treasure, tucked into an unassuming neighborhood, but they offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s design legacy.
This brings our list to an end, though we hope you’ll continue exploring our Milwaukee Travel Blog. And remember, there’s no better way to see the city through the eyes of a local than by joining a guided tour experience – explore our Milwaukee City Tours.