The city of Milwaukee lies some 90 mi. north of Chicago on the west side of Lake Michigan at the inflow of the Milwaukee River, which is joined within the city area by two tributaries, the Menomenee and the Kinickinnic. The town grew out of a trading post established in the 18th c. near the Indian village of Melleoki. Much of the population is of German origin, and the city has been called the German Athens of America.
German influence is still apparent in many features of the city. Its greatest claim to fame is as the home of Harley Davidson, the legendary motorcycle. Milwaukee has an important port, accessible all year round on the Street Lawrence Seaway.
Milwaukee's City Hall is a grand old building. Built over a number of years and finished in 1895, the City Hall is one of the tallest remaining skyscrapers of its design left in the world. The 393 ft/ 108 m tall building has been, and continues to be, a important symbol of the city. The building was designed and built by Henry Koch and is of the German Renaissance Revival style.
This Milwaukee church is like no other. Built and designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Greek Orthodox Church is circular in nature. It has a large blue dome with a gold cross on top. Out front is a water fountain and wide, perfectly tended lawns.
Address: Annunciation Church, 9400 West Congress Street, Milwaukee, WI 53225, United States
Phone: 1 (414) 461-9400, Fax: 1 (414) 461-9468
The world-famous Harley Davidson motorcycle came into being at the corner of Highland Boulevard and 38th Street. Here in 1901 William S. Harley, Arthur and Walter Davidson and a German engineer produced the first Harley Davidson. They went into mass production in 1903, and thereafter the fame of the Harley Davidson spread round the world.
Address: Harley Davidson, 11310 West Silver Spring Road, Milwaukee, WI 53225, United States
Phone: 1 (414) 461-4444, Fax: 1 (416) 461-9044
The Mitchell Park Conservatory in the western part of town has three gigantic glass domes containing plants from the tropics and from desert areas. To the north-west, on the outskirts of the city is Milwaukee County Zoo.
The Pabst Theatre is one of Milwaukee's architectural gems. Built at the turn of the 20th Century, this performing theater is built just like the Europe's best opera houses. It has a Baroque interior and boasts of a spectacular chandelier and an Italian Carrara marble staircase. The Pabst Theater is on the National Register of Historic Places.
To the west of the Civic Center is the Public Museum, with fascinating natural history displays of life-size dinosaurs and a reconstruction of a tropical rainforest, as well as a presentation of Milwaukee's past in the "Streets of Old Milwaukee".
Traditional Wisconsin Woodland Powwow, part of Native American collection of Milwaukee Public Museum.
Address: Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 West Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233, United States
Phone: 1 (414) 278-2702, Fax: 1 (414) 278-6100
Those with a sweet tooth should be sure to visit the Honey Acres Museum located in Asshippun. Here visitors are treated to a fascinating look at the production of honey. Historical dioramas provide an overview of the process and history of honey making. Honey tasting is included in the tour.
Address: Honey Acres Museum, North 1557 State Route 67, Ashippun, WI 53003, United States
Phone: 1 (920) 474-4411, Fax: 1 (920) 474-4018
Hours:
May 15 to October 31: 9am-3:30pm; Sun:12pm-4pm; Sat:12pm-4pm
November 1 to May 14: 9am-3:30pm; Closed: Sun, Sat
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Disability Access: Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
The Betty Brinn Children's Museum located in Milwaukee provides interesting and interactive displays to children 10 years and younger. The museum has three galleries, the North Gallery containing the exhibits of "It's Artistic" and "My Body Works", the South Gallery containing exhibits "A Trading Place", "WBB TV", and "Betty's Busy Backyard". The East Gallery contains the exhibit "Raceways and On a Roll".
Address: Betty Brinn Children's Museum, 929 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202-5406, United States
Phone: 1 (414) 390-5437, Fax: 1 (414) 291-0906
Hours:
June 1 to August 31: 9am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm
September 1 to May 31: 9am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm; Closed: Mon
While most churches are known for their decor or architecture, the Central United Methodist Church in Milwaukee is known for something different; energy efficiency. The church is partially built underground to save heating costs and utilizes its bell tower for solar electricity. Regular services are held every Sunday and throughout the week.
The heart of Downtown West is the Civic Center with the Milwaukee Exposition and Convention Center and Arena (MECCA), built in 1974, linked by covered walkways to the multi-storey Grand Avenue Mall.
The Milwaukee Civic Center is the main venue in town for the multitude of performing artists that visit. It is the frequent host to a variety of conventions and has rooms of varying sizes that can be rented for just about any purpose.
Milwaukee's Discovery World Museum, also known as the James Lovell Museum of Science, Economics, and Technology has a wide variety of exhibits. Many of the displays are interactive and suitable for children, teenagers, and adults alike. The museum also presents a changing roster of traveling exhibits related to the disciplines in its name.
Address: Discovery World Museum, 815 North James Lovell Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233-1423, United States
Phone: 1 (414) 765-9966, Fax: 1 (414) 765-0311
Hours:
9am-4pm; Sun:10am-5pm; Sat:10am-5pm; Closed: Mon
Always closed on: American Independance Day (July 4), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Parking: Pay
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
At Eagle, south-east of Milwaukee is the Old World Wisconsin open-air museum, where 65 historic buildings have been constructed, many of them showing where their inhabitants came from: Germany, Denmark, Norway and Finland.
The large complex of restored buildings at Old World Wisconsin recreates life in the days of the pioneers. Costumed performers undertake duties of yesteryear and answer questions from visitors.
Address: Old World Wisconsin, S103 W37890 Highway 67, Eagle, WI 53119, United States
Phone: 1 (262) 594-6301, Fax: 1 (262) 594-6342
Hours:
May 1 to June 12: 10am-3pm; Sun:12pm-5pm; Sat:10am-5pm
June 13 to September 5: 10am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm
September 6 to October 31: 10am-3pm; Sun:12pm-5pm; Sat:10am-5pm
Always opened on: Memorial Day - USA (last Monday, May ), Labor Thanksgiving Day - Japan (November 23)
Tips: Admission include an all-day tram transportation pass.
Disability Access: Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
The East Troy Electric Railroad offers train rides from East Troy to Mukwonago in southeast Wisconsin. Passengers can board the train either at the Elegant Farmer Station or at the East Troy Depot.
In operation since 1957, the Webster House Museum in Elkhorn, provides visitors with a history of the life and times of composer Joseph Webster. The house is furnished according to the time period of the early 1800's and contains relics from the US Civil War. The Walworth County Historical Society manages the house and museum.
Hours:
May 15 to October 15: 1pm-5pm; Closed: Sun, Mon, Tue
Milwaukee's General Mitchell Airport operates 24 hours a day and is the largest airport in Wisconsin. The airport has the usual services and restaurants visitors would expect, including a Starbucks and a Harley Davidson Shop. One feature families will appreciate is the Family Room complete with changing stations and a play area.
It is as if time has stopped at Ten Chimneys, once the home of Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne in Genesee Depot. The home is furnished in the style of the 1930 and 40's and is chock full of photos and memorabilia from these actors lives. The home does indeed have ten chimneys and is located on a beautiful piece of property with several outbuildings.
Address: Ten Chimneys, Box 225, Genesee Depot, WI 53127, United States
Phone: 1 (262) 968-4161, Fax: 1 (262) 968-4267
Hours:
May 1 to November 15: am-am; Closed: Sun, Mon
Tips: Children 12 and under not permitted on the tour.
The Haggerty Museum of Art in Milwaukee has an extensive collection of over 2,000 pieces. There are paintings from Old Masters and some very unique contemporary video sculptures. The Haggerty Museum of Art hosts traveling exhibits of art on a regular basis and is located on the Marquette University Campus.
Car buffs should head directly to the Hartford Heritage Auto Museum. Visitors will find many fine examples of perfectly restored automobiles. Of particular note are the collections of Kissel cars and the one dedicated to the Nash. The Hartford Heritage Auto Museum is the largest auto museum in Wisconsin.
Hours:
May 1 to September 30: 10am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm
October 1 to April 30: 10am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm; Closed: Mon, Tue
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Beyond I 43 is the campus of the private Marquette University, founded in 1864, with two notable sacred buildings, the 15th c. St Joan of Arc Chapel, transferred here from its original site in eastern France, and the Gothic-style Gesu Church, modelled on the original Gesu in Rome.
The Milwaukee County Historical Center is the storehouse of all things related to Milwaukee and Milwaukee County. The center has a variety of exhibits and displays on the history and culture of the city. The Historical Center is housed in a building constructed in 1913, currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Address: Milwaukee County Historical Society, 910 North Old World 3rd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53203, United States
Phone: 1 (414) 273-8288, Fax: 1 (414) 273-3268
The Milwaukee Zoo is one of the largest in the United States, and has some truly unique and rare animals. The zoo has an active education program and is always planning a fun seasonal event. It also has an animal petting area, a raptor show, a sea lion show, camel rides and a train that runs throughout the complex.
A brown bear in the water at the Milwaukee County Zoo.
A hippo laid out at the Milwaukee County Zoo.
Address: Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 West Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226-4346, United States
Phone: 1 (414) 256-5412, Fax: 1 (414) 256-5410
Hours:
March 1 to May 27: 9am-4:30pm
May 28 to September 5: 9am-5pm
September 6 to October 31: 9am-4:30pm
November 1 to February 28: 9:30am-2:30pm; Sun:9:30am-4:30pm; Sat:9:30am-4:30pm
Always opened on: Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: Reduced admission rates during winter months. Every Wednesday, Milwaukee County residents with I.D. are admitted at a reduced rate.
On the west bank of the Milwaukee River is the Pare Marquette Park, commemorating the French Jesuit who was the first European to reach this part of America (1674). Here too is the Milwaukee County Historical Museum.
The Pettit National Ice Center is one of the United States Premier training centers. Located in Milwaukee, the center has a number of skating rinks and a speed skating oval. The United States Olympic teams train here but the center is also open to the public for skating at regularly scheduled times.
Address: Pettit National Ice Center, 500 South 84th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53214, United States
Phone: 1 (414) 266-0100, Fax: 1 (414) 266-0122
The Green Meadows farm in Waterford makes a great outing for a family with small children. The farm offers a petting zoo, hayrides, and all manners of farm animals to smell, touch, and see. Green Meadows Farm has over 200 animals. One of the highlights is the opportunity to hand milk a cow.
Hours:
May 4 to September 5: 10am-1pm; Sat:10am-2pm; Closed: Sun, Mon
September 24 to October 31: 10am-1pm; Sun:10am-3pm; Sat:10am-3pm; Closed: Sun, Mon
Tips: Closing time is the deadline for arrival, once inside you may stay as long as you like.
The Octagon House in Watertown was built in the mid 19th Century and is an unusual design. As the name suggests, the home is built in an octagon and has four stories with a central staircase. The Octagon home has been open to the public since 1938 when it was sold for $1.00 to the Watertown Historical Society.
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Ashippun - Honey Acres Museum, Wisconsin
Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee
Kenosha, Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Zoo, Milwaukee
Racine, Milwaukee
Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee
Kenosha, Milwaukee
Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee
