12 Things To Do In Milwaukee When You Thought You’ve Done Everything
By E Jamar|Updated on July 25, 2023(Originally published June 01, 2018)
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E Jamar
Author
E Jamar is a published writer based in Milwaukee, WI. Despite being a Midwesterner at heart, you can often find them trekking throughout the states and discovering new hidden gems. When they're not traveling, you can find them discussing disability issues, cuddling their pug puppy, and checking out new local spots.
There’s a lot to do in Brew City, but if you’ve been here for a while, it might seem like you’ve done it all. From brewery tours to Brewers games, the fun never stops… but can get repetitive if you fall into a routine. From adventures for nature lovers to urban gems, we’ve picked out over a dozen more unique things to do in Milwaukee so you never stop seeing our beautiful city in new ways!
1. Take a stroll down Brady Street and try every single restaurant.
East Brady Street, E Brady St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA
Brady Street is always bustling with excitement, but have you tried all of the bars and restaurants? From empanadas to Italian and anything in between, there are so many to choose from! Check out Garage, Twisted Plants, Jack's American Pub, and so many more! (Pro Tip: this is THE place for a bar crawl!)
2. Learn about Milwaukee’s history at the totally underrated Cedarburg History Museum.
Cedarburg History Museum, N58W6194 Columbia Rd, Cedarburg, WI 53012, USA
This Milwaukee hidden gem is a unique little museum within a historic neighborhood. The little-known museum is actually a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the history of Milwaukee during the World Wars and displays items from the 1910s-1940s. This amazing collection shows off all walks of life in Milwaukee's past. It's truly a sight to be seen!
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3. Behold an art experience like never before.
Mary Nohl House, 7328 N Beach Dr, Fox Point, WI 53217, USA
The "Witch's House," as some call, it is actually an amazing work of art by Mary Nohl. This interesting house is a National Registered Landmark, and although there are currently no tours offered, it's a fascinating sight to see from the sidewalk. This eclectic home in Fox Point has been watched, loved, and talked about for decades, and we hope it continues for many more.
4. Learn more about Lake Emily and feel way cooler while walking downtown.
Did you know there's a lake hiding under our city streets? If not, the history is fascinating and is a tale to tell next time you're strolling down Wisconsin Avenue. Lake Emily has quite a few stories to share. You'll never look at downtown Milwaukee the same way again!
5. Listen to some jazz for free.
Cathedral Square Park, 520 E Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA
Jazz In The Park is a free summer concert series and one of the most beloved summer activities in MKE. Did we mention it's free? Get up and dance every week during the summer in the beautiful Cathedral Square Park.
6. Cruise the river like never before.
Riverwalk Boat Tours & Rentals, 950 N Old World 3rd St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA
This fireworks riverboat tour will light up the night and show you the city in ways you've never experienced. The cruise runs during all of Milwaukee's most popular fireworks shows from Polish Fest to the July 3rd U.S. Bank show. You may have adored these shows from the beach, but they are so much more beautiful from the water!
7. Say cheers at the city’s best - and oldest - cocktail lounge.
Bryant's Cocktail Lounge, 1579 S 9th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA
Chic, romantic, and full of history, not only is Bryant's the best, it's also the oldest cocktail lounge in the entire state! Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge has been serving up elegant cocktails since 1938 and is still going strong. Ask your bartender for recommendations - they definitely know what they’re talking about. You're sure to have a drink unlike any you've ever had!
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8. Swing life away.
Holton Street Bridge, N Holton St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA
City living can get tiring, so why not stop and enjoy yourself for a bit? This hidden swing park is right in the middle of the city, and it has us feeling like a kid again! The Swing Park is located under the Marsupial Bridge Media Garden and the Holton Street Bridge. There are swings for everyone and it's a perfect place to stop, take a break, and have some fun.
9. Visit a cigar bar with a creepy past.
Shaker's Cigar Bar, 422 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA
Shakers Cigar Bar is the only licensed cigar bar in the city and is well-known for their hand-rolled cigars and impressive drink list. However, those aren’t the only spirits you can find here; this haunted Milwaukee bar might have the creepiest history of any haunted restaurant in the city. They offer ghost tours for inquiring minds!
10. Go to the most weirdly wonderful store you'll ever find.
Art Smart’s Dart Mart & Juggling Emporium, 1695 N Humboldt Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA
Brady Street is full of eclectic shops, and this one is no exception. Whether you’re looking for juggling supplies, darts, boomerangs, yo-yos, disc golf gear, or a rubber chicken, Art Smart's Dart Mart is absolutely one of a kind! (Plus, the name is fun to say.)
11. Dine in (a very unique) style at Milwaukee's quirkiest restaurant.
Hamburger Mary's Milwaukee, 730-734 S 5th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA
This Walker’s Point restaurant is anything but boring. With hamburgers the size of your head, an upbeat atmosphere, and bingo for a good cause, there’s simply nowhere like Hamburger Mary's on 5th Street.
12. Stroll through an alley made for cool cats like you.
Black Cat Alley, E Ivanhoe Pl, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA
This street alley art gallery on the east side is a popular photo-op and full of incredible murals. Whether you've strolled by or snapped a few photos, Milwaukeeans know and love Black Cat Alley. If you haven’t wandered through this art alley yet, now is a perfect time to visit this community-driven gallery!
Of course, these hidden gems in Milwaukee are just the start of everything this city (and our state) has to offer!
Have you checked any of these off your bucket list? What are some of your favorite things to do in Milwaukee or around Wisconsin that get overlooked? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to share photos from your adventures with us on Instagram by tagging #onlyinmilwaukee for a chance to be featured.
For more of the best things to do in Wisconsin, venture outside the city to explore! These unique places to visit in Wisconsin also make for some of the best day trips and are definitely worth checking out. You can even rent an RV to make your getaway extra sharable!
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