Michelle & Rob
Exploring Milwaukee - Things to Do!
Lakefront Brewery
Known for their brewery tour that is as entertaining as the beer is delicious, we can't recommend this place enough. Be sure to book a tour in advance and don't miss out on the award-winning fried cheese curds!
Milwaukee Public Market
Within walking distance of both wedding hotels, this market is a must-visit to stock up on local coffee, brews, cheddar + cheese curds to-go, and a great meal. This market rivals the acclaimed Redding Terminal of Philadelphia, DC's Union Market and Boston's Faneuil Hall - and we look forward to this debate during cocktail hour at the wedding!
Historic Third Ward
The Third Ward is one of our favorite places to spend a day in Milwaukee. Nestled between Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee River, the Third Ward is one of the city’s creative hubs, home to art galleries and studios in former warehouses, and performing arts venues. Restaurants are upscale and trendy, and patio dining is popular. The Historic Third Ward boasts Milwaukee's "highest concentration of art galleries in the city, numerous antique shops, restaurants, unique specialty stores, architects, advertising agencies, graphic designers, artists, the Broadway Theatre Center, the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design as well as condominiums, office buildings, and industrial space.
BREWS!
You may have heard that Milwaukee knows a thing or two about making good beer! Below are our power rankings for breweries across the city (We could only fit 4). 1) Lakefront Brewery - https://lakefrontbrewery.com/ The first brewery we went to together as a couple...oddly on August 21, 2016. Anyways, fantastic beer, superb cheese curds, and they even have a stage for live polka. 2) Indeed Brewing Company - https://www.indeedbrewing.com/visit/milwaukee Minnesota Brewery, so this is a little controversial. Very cool space and great beer...very close to the Chef's Table. 3) Broken Bat Brewing Co. - https://brokenbatbrewery.com/ Solid beers and the owners went to high school with Michelle, so if you spend enough you may be able to get some dirt on her. 4) Hacienda Beer Co. - https://bit.ly/3lhlKbS In the Northern portion of Milwaukee, so it's a little ways away from the Third Ward. New brewery with some very funky beers. If you like IPAs, this is the place for you.
Milwaukee Lakefront & Water Activities
If you're looking to get some fresh air and enjoy the temperate Wisconsin summer weather, within walking distance from both hotels is a 3 mile walking loop trail that will bring you by the Art Museum, Discovery World, and beaches. Don't feel like walking, the city has bike and scooter rentals that are easily accessible to help you see the sites. Activities -Milwaukee River Cruise Line - Milwaukee's premier boat company featuring complete tours of downtown along the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan shoreline. 414-276-7447 -Milwaukee Boat Line - Sightseeing & cocktail cruises of rivers & lake on VISTA KING & VOYAGEUR. 414-294-9450 -Milwaukee Kayak Company - Locally-owned & dedicated to the sport of paddling on the MKE River. 414-301-2240. -Riverwalk Boat Tours and Rentals - Sunset themed cruises, weekend brewery tours, Sunday Bloody Mary Cruise. 414-283-9999 -Milwaukee Paddle Tavern - Bring your own beer, wine and snacks for this 100 minute waterfront tour. 414-241-4349
Milwaukee Art Museum
The 341,000-square-foot Museum includes the War Memorial Center (1957) designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, the Kahler Building (1975) by David Kahler, and the Quadracci Pavilion (2001) created by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. On Exhibit: Americans in Spain: Painting and Travel, 1820–1920 is the first major exhibition to focus on the influence of Spanish art and culture on American painting. The exhibition features artists and movements that expand upon areas of particular strength in the Museum’s collection, including artists of the Ashcan Circle and the Eight, as well as major canvases by Mary Cassatt, William Merritt Chase, Robert Henri, and John Singer Sargent. Also among the highlights are Sargent’s famous Carmencita (1890) from the Musée d’Orsay; a newly discovered painting by Mary Cassatt from a Madrid private collection never before shown in the United States; and Spanish old masters on loan from the Prado Museum that American painters copied.
Milwaukee Irish Fest
Since 1981, Milwaukee Irish Fest has been dedicated to celebrating and sharing our rich Celtic heritage with the world. We are passionate about preserving the history and tradition of Irish, Irish American and Celtic cultures throughout Milwaukee Irish Fest and other programs all year long with our parent company, CelticMKE. True to its mission statement: "To promote and celebrate all aspects of Irish culture and to instill in future generations an appreciation of Irish heritage," Irish Festivals, Inc. is much more than a festival. Outreach endeavors include an active foundation, several scholarship and grant opportunities, a summer school, school of music and the Irish Fest Choir. The Irish Fest Center also houses the John J. Ward Irish Music Archives. Milwaukee Irish Fest, the world's largest celebration of Irish/Celtic music and culture, is held annually on the third weekend in August on the shore of Lake Michigan at the Henry W. Maier Festival Park, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Discovery World
Discovery World is Milwaukee’s premier, non-profit science and technology center for the whole family. The 120,000 sq. ft. center offers fun and educational experiences and features interactive exhibits, the Reiman Aquarium, educational labs and programs, and other exciting activities. Their unique, hands-on exhibits and programs focus on two areas – technology and freshwater sciences. We have eight learning labs that alone comprise of more than 10,000 sq. ft. of space! We also offer our award-winning Summer Camp, Boy Scout and Girl Scout programs, community partnership programs, and learning experiences aboard Discovery World’s tall ship (and Wisconsin’s Flagship) the Sailing Vessel (S/V) Denis Sullivan. Located right on Lake Michigan and right next to the Art Museum. $20 for adults and $16 for children 3-17 (Kids 2 and under are free).
Bradford Beach
Bradford Beach has been voted as one of the top 10 urban beaches in the nation by USA Today readers. Play a few rounds of beach volleyball on the sand courts, splash in the lake, sunbathe or just enjoy some concessions in the tiki huts.
Pabst Mansion
When Captain Frederick and Maria Pabst began construction of their new family mansion in June 1890, they could not have anticipated that it would survive and thrive into the twenty-first century as a testament to America’s Gilded Age. Designed by George Bowman Ferry and Alfred Charles Clas, construction at 2000 Grand Avenue lasted for two years and was completed in July of 1892 at a cost of just over $254,000 – including the house, furnishings and artwork. As leading figures in Milwaukee society, both Captain and Mrs. Pabst became consummate art collectors, filling their mansion with priceless treasures. During the years of the Pabst family’s ownership, the house was the scene of many fine parties and receptions, a wedding and, in the end, Captain and Mrs. Pabst’s funeral. Guided and self-guided tours are available and they just re-opened their beer garden.
Harley-Davidson Museum
The Harley-Davidson Museum is an American museum located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin celebrating the more than 100-year history of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The 130,000-square-foot three building complex on 20 acres along the Menomonee River bank contains more than 450 Harley-Davidson motorcycles and hundreds of thousands of artifacts from the Harley-Davidson Motor Company's 118-year history. The museum attracts an estimated 300,000 visitors annually