The city of Milwaukee draws in countless visitors from all over the country and beyond thanks to its fascinating museums, lush natural preserved areas, and fun beaches and areas. You'll find plenty to do in town no matter what you're interested in, so don't hesitate to start exploring.

You can dive deep into a history museum or venture through a butterfly garden. You'll find beaches and trendy areas alike, often within walking distance of each other. Make the most out of your trip with the 10 best things to do in Milwaukee.

  • 1

    Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory

    Explore the domes

    Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
    • Families
    • Photo

    The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory consists of 3 massive domes that showcase a wide variety of flora with a unique environment in each. The tropical dome displays plants like the avocado, cacao, ackee, and papaya. In fact, one of the cacao trees is more than 60 years old.

    Meanwhile, the arid dome features numerous plants native to the deserts of America and Africa like cacti, crassulas, and even the fascinating Welwitschia plant. The 3rd dome is a show dome where you can see seasonal and holiday shows typically based on a historical, cultural, or literary theme. You can find this conservatory a few miles southwest of city centre.

    Location: 524 S Layton Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53215, USA

    Open: Wednesday–Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

    Phone: +1 414-257-5600

    Map

    photo by Sulfur (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 2

    Miller Park

    Catch a baseball game

    Miller Park
    • Families

    Miller Park is the home of the Milwaukee Brewers and thrilling baseball games you can see underneath the only fan-shaped convertible roof in North America. This stadium offers more than just baseball games as well, as you can also take tours, see concerts, and even attend film premieres.

    Be sure to check the schedule to see what's happening during your trip so you don't miss out on some of the best experiences Milwaukee has to offer. You can find the stadium on the west side of town just past the Menomonee River.

    Location: 1 Brewers Way, Milwaukee, WI 53214, USA

    Phone: +1 414-902-4452

    Map

    photo by UCinternational (CC BY-SA 2.5) modified

  • 3

    Milwaukee County Zoo

    See exotic and lovable animals

    Milwaukee County Zoo
    • Families
    • Photo

    The Milwaukee County Zoo is home to more than 2,100 animals from 354 different species that are on display across the zoo's 190 acres. You'll find quite a few exhibits at this zoo, with everything from aviaries to reptile centers and a penguin exhibit. The big-cat and ape areas are truly a sight to behold.

    Don't forget to visit the small mammals area as well, where you'll find all sorts of adorable creatures like the fennec fox that's native to the Sahara and other parts of North Africa. You'll find the zoo about 8 miles west of city centre.

    Location: 10001 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA

    Open: Daily from 9.30 am to 3 pm

    Phone: +1 414-771-3040

    Map

    photo by Mark Baylor (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 4

    Discovery World

    Discover innovation and technology

    Discovery World
    • Families

    Discovery World is a major science and technology museum with interactive exhibits showcasing various aspects of the world and technology from aquariums to science labs. No matter what your interests are, you're sure to find something worthwhile at Discovery World. The Les Paul exhibit is particularly popular, as you can learn not only about the art of guitar playing but also about how electric guitars work.

    Don't forget to check out the S/V Denis Sullivan as well, a 19th-century seaworthy schooner that offers rides. You'll find this science centre on the coast of Lake Michigan just north of Lakeshore State Park.

    Location: 500 N Harbour Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA

    Open: Wednesday–Sunday from 9 am to noon and 1 pm to 4 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

    Phone: +1 414-765-9966

    Map

    photo by Dori (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 5

    Schlitz Audubon Nature Centre

    Explore the outdoors

    Schlitz Audubon Nature Centre
    • Adventure
    • Families

    The Schlitz Audubon Nature Centre is a protected area of natural splendour where you'll find fascinating wildlife and lush and alluring nature trails you can traverse. You'll find 185 acres of land comprising shoreline, ponds, prairies, and the forests that are so common throughout Wisconsin.

    They even have a raptor programme that has 15 birds of prey like hawks and bald eagles. You can also enjoy a relaxing stroll through its 6 miles of hiking trails. The nature centre is located just 15 minutes north of the city centre area.

    Location: 1111 E Brown Deer Rd, Bayside, WI 53217, USA

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 10.30 am to 5 pm, Friday–Sunday from 10.30 am to 4 pm

    Phone: +1 414-352-2880

    Map

    photo by NaturesFan (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 6

    Milwaukee Public Museum

    Venture back into history

    Milwaukee Public Museum
    • Families
    • History

    The Milwaukee Public Museum is a human history museum with both permanent and travelling exhibits focused on the natural and cultural history of humanity. After you walk into the atrium, the first thing you'll notice is the massive skeleton of a hebior mammoth. This immense beast dates back 14,500 years.

    Inside the museum, you'll find numerous artefacts detailing the historic wildlife and cultures of the area. You'll even find an enclosed butterfly wing where butterflies fly around freely and don't hesitate to land on the hands of visitors. You'll find this museum just west of the Milwaukee River in the Westown area.

    Location: 800 W Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA

    Open: Thursday–Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm (closed Monday–Wednesday)

    Phone: +1 414-278-2728

    Map

    photo by Sulfur (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 7

    Bradford Beach

    Visit Wisconsin's top urban beach

    Bradford Beach
    • Adventure
    • Budget
    • Families

    Bradford Beach is a popular urban beach located on the edge of the Upper East Side that features soft sands, cabanas, and numerous volleyball courts. You can enjoy virtually endless fun in the sun with a trip to Bradford Beach, whether you're looking to go for a swim in Lake Michigan, play some sports, or just relax on the sand.

    You'll even find several classes you can take part in at the beach like yoga and even CrossFit if you're looking for a challenge.

    Location: 2400 N Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA

    Open: Daily from 6 am to 10 pm

    Phone: +1 414-257-7275

    Map
  • 8

    Basilica of St. Josaphat

    See a Renaissance-style church

    Basilica of St. Josaphat
    • History
    • Photo

    The Basilica of St. Josaphat is a towering church that's crafted in a Renaissance style reminiscent of Polish cathedrals and modelled specifically after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. When you visit this church, you'll be visiting one of just 82 minor basilicas found in the entire country and a designated landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.

    Whether you want to marvel at the exterior or take a tour inside, the feeling of awe tends to dominate all others when you visit this impressive architectural masterpiece. You'll find it in the Baran Park area just outside of the Kosciuszko Park & Community Centre.

    Location: 2333 S 6th St, Milwaukee, WI 53215, USA

    Open: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 5.30 pm, Sunday from 8 am to 1 pm

    Phone: +1 414-645-5623

    Map

    photo by Sulfur (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 9

    Estabrook Park

    Relax on the greens

    Estabrook Park
    • Adventure
    • Families

    Estabrook Park is a green space that's perfect for a relaxing day outside, whether you want to take a stroll, play sports, or enjoy a drink at the beer garden. You'll find several picnic areas within the park that have tables and benches, and that's just the beginning. You'll also find playgrounds for kids and several football fields.

    The park is even dog friendly, so you can take your pup along as well. You'll find Estabrook Park on the east side of the Milwaukee River in the village of Shorewood.

    Location: 4400 N. Estabrook Dr., Shorewood, WI 53211, USA

    Open: Daily from 6 am to 10 pm

    Phone: +1 414-257-7275

    Map

    photo by AndrewDressel (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 10

    Historic Third Ward

    Explore trendy shops in the warehouse district

    Historic Third Ward
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Shoppers

    The Historic Third Ward is a area bounded by Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee River that is a transformed warehouse district with trendy shops and restaurants. The boutique shops are particularly popular, and the area near the Milwaukee Public Market is always the most popular with its unique local and niche offerings like art galleries.

    Think about when you want to visit as well, as this area is also home to numerous festivals during the summer, especially around the lakefront.

    Map

    photo by Doug Olson (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified