Known as the “Original Brew City”, Milwaukee Wisconsin is not only home to tons of breweries but provides home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, plus culinary delights. From boasting the nation’s oldest bowling alley to decadent Bloody Marys and sweet, homemade pies, here are our top 10 fun, cool, and unique things to do in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Colectivo has proudly been serving its community for 30 years, and though the specialty coffee café has multiple locations, the Colectivo, Lakefront location is truly unique. As the former Milwaukee River Flushing Station, the venue was built in 1888, has tranquil views of Lake Michigan, and is located right by the Oak Leaf Trail. The café has plenty of outdoor seating to drink your Pistachio Matcha Latte or Salted Caramel Latte as you enjoy a sunset.
The hip, Comet Café is located in the Lower East Side neighborhood of Milwaukee, and its diner décor is all the vibes. With Gluten-Free items on the menu and a decadent list of pies, stop in for a signature Artichoke Melt Sandwich and then take a delicious bite of a handmade pie from the Honeypie Bakeshop. Pie flavors vary by day but include creamy flavors like Salted Caramel and fruity flavors like Mixed Berries.
Located on Lake Michigan, the Milwaukee Art Museum will surprise and enthrall art lovers of all ages. The impressive architectural structure the venue is in is known as the Quadracci Pavilion, designed by Santiago Calatrava. The “wings”, or Burke Brise Soleil, are also open and close, which is a delight to see and capture. Wander the galleries to find pieces by iconic artists like Wisconsin native, Georgia O’Keefe, and Picasso, Monet, and Degas.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin was once known as the “Brewing Capital of the World”, as it was home to four of the biggest US breweries. Today, ask any local which Milwaukee brewery is their favorite, and they’ll reply to go to the award-winning Lakefront Brewery. The brewery brews craft beer that’s enjoyed by locals and travelers alike. With both a beer hall and patio area, Lakefront Brewery is “a vibe” for beer enthusiasts and it’s no wonder it’s highly recommended.
Feeling nostalgic for the ‘80s and ‘90s? Transport back to the good ‘ole days at Up-Down Milwaukee. The ‘80s and ‘90s arcade-themed bar has more than 60 arcade games, plus a Nintendo 64 and skeeball.
The famous Bloody Mary’s at Sobelman’s are like national treasures – big, bold, and exciting. The decadent and outrageous Bloody Mary’s include ingredients like cheeseballs, and shrimp, which eventually evolved into an entire fried chicken. “It all started with a few pickled garnishes to support our neighbor, Bay View Packing,” says Dave Sobelman on their website. “And the next thing I knew, I was putting entire fried chickens in my Bloody Marys. A full-out garnish war in Milwaukee has ensued.” Go to Sobelman’s for a taste of their outrageous concoctions.
Street art is plentiful in Milwaukee, and Black Cat Alley showcases much of it. Located on the east side of Milwaukee, Black Cat Alley has over 20 murals by various global muralists and artists; it is an outdoor art gallery that started in 2015. As home to countless selfies and photographs, immortalize your own memories at Black Cat Alley with a pic.
Leon’s Custard is almost a hundred years old, and this family-owned retro restaurant has been serving up frozen custard in Milwaukee, Wisconsin since 1942. As “Home of the World’s Finest Frozen Custard”, it’s no wonder why locals crave the frozen treats year-round. Choose from staple vanilla, chocolate, and butter pecan frozen custard flavors, plus special rotating flavors, too.
Located within walking distance of American Family Field and your stay at Best Western Plus Milwaukee West, The 4th Base Restaurant has been serving up delicious fare since 1977. As one of the oldest sports restaurants in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, it has been even featured in scenes like the baseball movie, “Major League”.
Did you know the oldest bowling alley is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin? Head over to Holler House
to knock down some pins and grab a drink a century-old tavern. Holding the title of “One of the Top 10 Best Bars in America”, as dubbed by Esquire magazine, Holler House is definitely a unique venue for having a good time.
If you love baseball and the Milwaukee Brewers®, you will have the perfect stay when booking your room at Best Western Plus Milwaukee West. Walk a few blocks to American Family Field to enjoy a baseball game, or easily get to downtown Milwaukee to enjoy all the arts and culture, only a few miles away. With the National Pizza Pub & Grille on-site, complimentary breakfast, and an indoor heated swimming pool, you can easily call Best Western Plus Milwaukee West your home base for all Milwaukee, Wisconsin adventures.
From cheese curds to cheeseheads, there’s plenty to explore in “America’s Dairyland”. Uncover the charm of small towns and brews of the big cities when you stay at one of the 40+ properties with Best Western® Resorts & Hotels Wisconsin now.