After long being considered Chicago‘s little sibling, Milwaukee has finally come into its own as a travel worthy destination in its own right. In 2024, it made our Readers’ Choice Awards list of the best big cities in the US, ranking third—just behind San Diego and Chicago. Some of the best things to do in Milwaukee also make up the many reasons to visit: A growing restaurant scene, plenty of culture from museums and festivals, overall walkability, and enough city amenities for the Midwest gem to truly feel desirable. This is officially no longer just a small town, and with so many local colleges and a venerated art museum, there is strong curiosity and willingness to embrace the new and cater to the city’s growing younger population that has been steadily growing for the past decade.
For the culturally inclined tourist, there’s the world class Milwaukee Art Museum and architecture buffs will enjoy the Frank Lloyd Wright and Frederick Law Olmsted scattered throughout the city including, Burham Block and Lake Park. Or catch one of the many festivals; Milwaukee is home to one nearly every weekend, the film festival is one of our favorites. Over the past decade, the city has transformed into a culinary paradise as well—if you thought Milwaukee was just beer, brats, and Bucks games, think again: 2024’s Top Chef Season 21 Wisconsin accelerated the already expanding dining scene and a wave of culinary tourism. There’s nowhere better to experience quintessential Midwestern charm.
The day-to-day experience is filled with green space, walkable neighborhoods, and an easy hop-on, hop-off streetcar system (called The Hop) that has expanded to include stops along the picturesque Lake Michigan lakefront, making it easier to get to than ever before. Further to the city’s walkability, the Riverwalk, a 3.7 mile path through the heart of the city and along the Milwaukee River, recently completed an expansion to make it more friendly to aquatic life and ADA accessible. And if you still find yourself lost, effervescently friendly residents will always point you in the right direction. Here are the best things to do in Milwaukee.
The best things to do in Milwaukee in 2025
The Milwaukee Art Museum sits on an escarpment on Lake Michigan, inside a building that’s itself something to marvel at; its airy, light-filled rotunda entrance looks out onto the water for a prime view. Expect rotating exhibitions from artists from around the world and a permanent collection with works from iconic American artists like Andy Warhol, Ed Ruscha, and Sol LeWitt. Throughout 2025, the museum will host exhibitions from artists like Robert Longo, Derrick Adams, and the Canadian multidisciplinary artist Erin Shirreff. The spring’s Milwaukee Film Festival recently appointed a new director and just celebrated its 15th anniversary. Expect to find indie films made by Wisconsinites and international directors. The organization holds screenings and talks all year long if you happen to be there outside the official week long window.
If you’re looking to spend some time outside, the city is home to many architectural gems, like Frank Lloyd Wright’s The Burnham Block, an exacting and inspired early 20th-century solution to affordable housing that the architect designed. If you’re in town on Saturday, book a tour or if you’re interested you can even spend the night in one. For a more naturally inspired perspective head to Fredrick Law Olmsted’s Lake Park for a stroll and a picnic. In July and August, they host outdoor concerts twice weekly. Another element of the city that comes alive in the summer is the coastline, as Milwaukee is right on the shore of Lake Michigan. One of the best places to take it is Bradford Beach where the vantage can feel almost ocean-like. For sports enthusiasts, it’s well equipped with volleyball courts and has a sand soccer league. Enjoy tropically inspired cocktails from the beach bar, The Dock, while you watch or take in a sunset.
