Explore Milwaukee

Milwaukee has a way of surprising first-time visitors. Beyond the convention floor, you'll find a city with world-class museums, a thriving food scene, championship sports teams, and a lakefront that rivals any in the Midwest. Whether you have an evening free or a full day to explore, you won't run out of things to do.

Museums & Culture

The Milwaukee Art Museum is worth the trip for the architecture alone - its signature "wings" open and close daily over Lake Michigan. Inside, nearly 25,000 works span centuries of art history. Nearby, Discovery World offers hands-on science exhibits and a freshwater aquarium, while the Milwaukee Public Museum features everything from dinosaur fossils to the beloved Streets of Old Milwaukee exhibit.

For something uniquely Milwaukee, the Harley-Davidson Museum traces over a century of motorcycle history just south of downtown - essential viewing even if you've never thrown a leg over a bike. And beer lovers shouldn't miss Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery, where you can tour the original brewing complex and sample the city's liquid heritage.

Sports

Milwaukee punches above its weight in professional sports. The NBA's Milwaukee Bucks play at Fiserv Forum in the Deer District, just minutes from downtown - and yes, that 2021 championship banner is still hanging from the rafters. The Milwaukee Brewers call American Family Field home, where the retractable roof means baseball happens rain or shine. Both venues regularly host major concerts when the teams are on the road.

Historic Third Ward & Dining

The Historic Third Ward is Milwaukee's most walkable neighborhood, packed into a few blocks of converted 19th-century warehouses. Start at the Milwaukee Public Market for local vendors, fresh seafood, and excellent coffee. From there, the cobblestone streets lead to some of the city's best restaurants: Tre Rivali for Mediterranean-inspired fare, Saffron for modern Indian, Bavette La Boucherie for locally sourced small plates, and DanDan for Chinese-American comfort food.

The neighborhood also anchors the Milwaukee RiverWalk, a three-mile path lined with public art, patios, and views of the city's striking architecture.

Old World Third Street

For a taste of Milwaukee's German heritage, head to Old World Third Street along the Milwaukee River. This is where you'll find traditional beer halls, schnitzel, and the kind of hospitality the city was built on. It's an easy walk from most downtown hotels and convention venues.

Lake Michigan

Milwaukee sits on one of the Great Lakes, and the lakefront is worth exploring. Stroll the path from the Art Museum to Veterans Park, grab a seat at a waterfront patio, or just take in the view. In summer, the Henry Maier Festival Park hosts Summerfest - billed as the world's largest music festival - along with dozens of other cultural celebrations throughout the season.

Getting Around

Downtown Milwaukee is remarkably walkable, and The Hop streetcar connects key destinations for free. The Baird Center Convention Center is accessible from The Marc via direct skywalk, and most major attractions are within a short walk or rideshare.