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Milwaukee Itineraries
- Milwaukee on Tap: Brewery Heritage Tour
- Works of Art: Milwaukee’s Museum Masterpieces
- Family Fun in Milwaukee: Play in the City!
Day 1
Morning
With more than two dozen museums adding to the cultural vitality of the city, patrons are sure to find something to peak their interest. Start out your Milwaukee museum experience along our breathtaking lakefront at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Considered Wisconsin’s premier arts institution and the city’s architectural signature masterpiece, this museum houses more than 20,000 permanent holdings that span antiquity to the present and includes works by renowned artists such as Degas, Monet, Picasso and Warhol. The museum is home to one of the largest Georgia O’Keefe (a Wisconsin native) collections in the world.
Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava’s addition to the Milwaukee Art Museum opened in 2001 and includes the Burke Brise Soleil, a moveable wing-like sunscreen that rests on top of the museum’s glass reception hall. When the wings are open, the structure looks like a bird in flight.
Afternoon
Be sure to head out to the museum’s pedestrian bridge at noon for a front row seat to watch the signature “wings” flap open and closed.
After this unique experience, venture right next door to the recently opened Discovery World. This spectacular 120,000 square-foot museum connects innovation, science and technology with exploration, environment and our Great Lakes freshwater resources through interactive exhibits and experiential learning programs. The museum features fresh and saltwater aquariums, touch tanks, learning labs, high tech interactive displays and digital theaters.
Evening
For dinner enjoy the dramatic lakeside setting of Coast and its superb American cuisine served with flair. This spot is a local favorite for its picturesque views and outdoor patio, romantic setting and unique cocktails.
Day 2
Morning
Spend your second day combining fabulous architecture, world-class art, and gardens that are second to none. The Charles Allis Art Museum, designed by prominent Milwaukee architect Alexander Eschweiler as a house museum, is a Tudor-style mansion that holds Charles and Sarah Allis’ collection featuring 19th century French and American paintings. The collection spans 2,000 years and includes original and antique furnishings. After experiencing this worldwide collection of paintings and objects d’art, step out the door and into English-style gardens.
Just a few minutes down the road is the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum. This Italian Renaissance-style villa, designed and built by architect David Adler in 1923, was originally the residence of Lloyd Smith of the A.O. Smith Corporation and his family. The Villa Terrace features fine and decorative arts dating from the 15th to the 18th centuries, wrought-iron masterpieces by Cyril Colnik and a formal Garden. The stunning project that graces the yard of Villa Terrace as it sweeps down to Lake Michigan recreates the classic elements of a 16th century Tuscan landscape, while accommodating the vagaries of the Wisconsin Climate.
Afternoon
Enjoy a picnic in scenic Lake Park overlooking Lake Michigan. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, the legendry landscape architect behind New York’s Central Park, and is home to one of the few remaining prehistoric Indian burial mounds in Milwaukee, the North Point Lighthouse and keeper’s quarters, and a sporty little pitch-putt golf course.
While down along the lake, take the chance to drive by some of the truly awe-inspiring homes built by Milwaukee’s brewing and industrial giants. Take a glimpse at the outside of Goodrich Mansion. When tire tycoon William O. Goodrich married Marie Pabst, daughter of Frederick, he got quite a wedding present from his father-in-law — this lakeside mansion. Pabst definitely left a mark on the home of his daughter and son-in-law. In the dining room hangs a brass chandelier that reads "All care abandon ye who enter here - Frederic Pabst - Anno Domini - 1892." Right next door is the Gustav Pabst Home. Gustav was the son of beer baron Captain Frederick Pabst. Remain on Terrace Avenue for a look at the Frederick C. Bogk House, an example of a Frank Lloyd Wright “transitional” design, which recalls Prairie and Japanese themes.
A short trip west along Wisconsin Avenue will bring you to the Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion. Home to one of Milwaukee's most famous beer barons, this fabulous three-story mansion is now a historical monument located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. Built in 1892 in classic Flemish Renaissance style, the Pabst Mansion is open year-round for tours.
Evening
Top off the day with a visit to any one of Milwaukee’s great theatres featuring classic and contemporary drama, ballet, symphonic music, opera, and everything from African to Irish dance.
Day 3
Morning
Explore Milwaukee’s diversity with a visit to some of the museums that explore the many facets of this melting pot destination
America’s Black Holocaust Museum’s exhibits educate visitors about the African-American Holocaust — beginning with the capture of millions of Africans for sale as slaves and continuing through modern injustices. The museum will challenge your assumptions about race and racism.
Founded in 1987, the Wisconsin Black Historical Society Museum documents and preserves the historical heritage of African-American decent in Wisconsin. Among the museum’s permanent exhibits is a fourteen panel mural tracing African-American history from ancient Egyptian civilization to early settlers in rural Wisconsin.
Afternoon
Enjoy lunch at any one of our many ethnic restaurants and then head over to the Milwaukee Public Museum to take a look at “A Tribute to Survival.” The centerpiece of this exhibit is titled “Indian Country” and features a modern powwow grand entry scene with 37 life-sized figures in colorful dance attire. Other must see exhibits include “The Streets of Old Milwaukee” and “European Village,” an imaginative recreation of carefully selected homes and shops as they may have appeared about 1875-1925. This setting has been created to promote a better understanding of some of the diverse European heritages in the United States.
Evening
Make a trip to Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley (only minutes from downtown) to experience one of the Midwest’s premiere entertainment destinations. Potawatomi Bingo Casino is a Las Vegas-style gaming and entertainment complex offering visitors a chance to try their luck at gaming, take in a show at a cabaret-style theatre or enjoy award-winning dining in an elegant atmosphere.
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