Milwaukee is a town with working class roots, that made working class things and working class beer. Like many industrial cities the last few decades took a bit of a toll but Milwaukee. Industrial giants crumbled and took parts of the city with them, but they never took Milwaukee’s spirit. Laverne and Shirley schlemiel and schlemazeled their way through the city and Harley-Davidson produced an American icon here. I have extended family who live nearby who have been telling me for years what a fun town Milwaukee is and it was high time I see what the buzz is about.
So what did I find in Milwaukee?
I found a city with a new energy, factories and warehouses once abandoned are finding a new life as vibrant neighborhoods housing a growing creative class. The historic Third Ward, just south of downtown is where I found independent boutiques, trendy restaurants and local artists that would be equally at home in Chicago. Craft breweries and farm-to-table restaurants, old German taverns and Sicilian family bakeries; there’s room at Milwaukee’s table for everyone.Sitting on the shores of Lake Michigan I found in the Milwaukee Art Museum one of the most architecturally striking museums I’ve seen with a world class collection that rivals some of Europe’s best museums.
I found a city with plenty of green space and a love of the water. Sailboats dot Lake Michigan and kayaks glide along the Milwaukee River. Milwaukee also wears its working class heritage with pride. The Pabst Brewery has been re-imagined as the Brewhouse Inn and Suites, hands down one of the most unique city hotels I’ve stayed in with two story copper brew tanks and exposed brick. You can see this again and again throughout the city; instead of tearing down the old, buildings are invigorated with a new sense of purpose.
Perhaps what I liked most about Milwaukee was that despite being a big city with all that entails, to my East Coast sensibilities it never felt crowded. That includes my visit to Summerfest, one of the biggest music festivals in the country. As with any festival of this size there were thousands of visitors but the vibe here was far more relaxed than frenetic. There is also just so much to do in Milwaukee.
As Alice Cooper once said, Milwaukee is Algonquin for “the good land”.Perhaps it’s because I have family that live just an hour away, or perhaps its because its the mix of German, Polish and Italian immigrants similar to the small Pennsylvania town where I grew up; but Milwaukee instantly felt comfortable and familiar. Milwaukee is a city with industrial cool and a huge dose of Midwest nice, with an eye on the future and a hand on the past. Just one visit and you too will know why Milwaukee is cooler than you think.
I was graciously hosted by Visit Milwaukee but as always all opinions remain my own.
Carol Colborn says
Visited the city in 2011. Loved the Art Museum, too. Didn’t get to Pabst. But sure had great German food at Mader!
Brianna says
der’s is great!
Polly says
Went to school in southern WI and Milwaukee has always been my favorite city that’s I’ve spent practically no time in! I’ve been there for a few short day trips and absolutely love it nonetheless!
Brianna says
It’s definitely an easy town to fall in love with!
Brenda Tolentino says
I loved Laverne and Shirley during my childhood days and have always thought of the show whenever I think of Milwaukee. I’d love to visit this city very soon and experience the cool art museum and all the new restaurants as well. I enjoy a city with an eye for the future and a hand in the past, well said.
Brianna says
Lots of good food for you guys too!
Natalie Deduck says
I have the feeling that travelling inside US is a big adventure, full of surprises… Each town with a different heritage and history.
Milwaukee looks like a lovely place and that museum, what gorgeous architecture.
Cheers,
Nat
Brianna says
The museum, along with the rest of the city, was such a great surprise!
Hannah Finch says
I read your other blog post of Milwaukee and fell in love with that industrial vibe! I can imagine it being much cooler than most people initially think. I’ll have to keep that hotel in mind for when I return to the US because it looks like a unique experience!
Brianna says
The Brewhouse Inn was definitely one of the coolest city hotels I’ve ever stayed in.
Tamara says
Great photos Bri! I feel like I’ve only really explored American cities on the coasts- I’ll have to start heading inland I think!
Brianna says
Thanks Tamara! I’m a bit guilty of sticking to the coasts myself, I need to head out to the middle states more often!
Jenna says
I was just in Milwaukee, as well, and really had a great time! I totally agree with you–it’s such a cool city with so much to offer. I loved the huge variety of restaurants we visited and one of my favorite adventures was kayaking on the river downtown. I would have loved to check out the hotel in the old Pabst building–it looks so awesome! Glad you had a great visit!
Brianna says
It looks like you had a great visit too Jenna!
Julie says
As a Midwesterner who grew up in a time when all of the big cities were really feeling a downward pull, it is fantastic to see that Milwaukee is revitalizing in such a cool way. Being a center for the creative crowd always seems like a good bet to me, and it’s fab to see such a strong resurgence there!
Jesper, The Biveros Effect says
It actually sounds like an interesting place 🙂
Megan says
Milwaukee has been entirely under my radar. Great to learn a little more about it. Didn’t think of it as a ton on the water but it entirely is! Thanks for sharing.
Brianna says
Hopefully you can get out for a visit sometime!
Veronika says
Milwaukee is charming town! I hope to get to visit US soon – I guess this can be interesting stop of a road trip! Thanks for your trips, I will make sure to get into the museum then.
Brianna says
Glad you liked the post!
Vicky and Buddy says
I love the architecture of the Milwaukee Art Museum! I never realized how much Milwaukee had to offer, but it really does seem to have a lot to do. I’d love to try the Sicilian bakeries! 😉
Brianna says
The canollis are ridiculously good!
Barbara says
For more to see in Milwaukee, get The Milwaukee Bucket List at Amazon
Brianna says
Great recommendation!
Patti says
I am a bit ashamed to admit I have only driven through Milwaukee even though I live so close (Chicago). Your posts made me realize that I need to spend some time there as it looks like a cool city with tons of things to do.
Stephen Garone says
I thought it was cool, too!
Brianna says
Great minds think alike!
Carly Moore says
I’ve actually heard a lot of great things about Milwaukee – which surprised me at first, because most people like talking about places like NYC or Chicago or LA or Miami etc. Looks like you found some great things to do while you were there!
Brianna says
That’s the great thing about the US, each city has its own personality!