Milwaukee Travel and Things to Do Guide

Located on Lake Michigan less than 90 miles north of Chicago, Milwaukee combines natural beauty, outstanding hotels and facilities, and world-class attractions with a cool, urban vibe all its own. Soaring modern architecture meets lovingly preserved historical façades, and a scenic RiverWalk connects colorful, walkable neighborhoods. Hotel options, from flagship properties to independently owned boutique hotels, offer more than 5,200 hotel rooms within a mile of the Wisconsin Center. Add an airport just 8 miles from downtown and a location within a day's drive of a third of the U.S. population, and Milwaukee is an ideal Midwest meetings destination.

Experience the incomparable ease of meetings at the Wisconsin Center campus, with its three venues — the Wisconsin Center, Miller High Life Theatre, and UWM Panther Arena — providing flexibility and value. Connected to the convention center via short, convenient skywalks, the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, and SpringHill Suites total 1,360 rooms, all of which are close to more than 150 restaurants and entertainment options.

Excitement is mounting as construction progresses on the new $524 million Wisconsin Entertainment & Sports Center, just blocks from the Wisconsin Center. The new home of the Milwaukee Bucks is set to open in fall 2018. Also in 2018, the first phase of a new streetcar system linking downtown attractions is scheduled to begin operation, with future phases continuing to transform the cityscape in the next five years.

Unleash your inner rebel at the world's only Harley-Davidson Museum, where indoor and outdoor spaces accommodate events of all sizes. Spectacular views of Lake Michigan are guaranteed at events at the breathtaking Milwaukee Art Museum and adjacent Discovery World. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino adds to the mix with gaming, acclaimed restaurants, and impressive meeting space. And nothing serves up more fun and added value to summer conventions than nonstop music and ethnic festivals at the 75-acre Henry Maier Festival Park on Lake Michigan in the Third Ward.

Stroll the scenic RiverWalk to the bustling Milwaukee Public Market in the Historic Third Ward, a converted warehouse district that's now home to restaurants, pubs, boutiques, galleries, and a theater complex. Don't forget a thumbs-up photo op with the riverside “Bronze Fonz” statue on your way to Old World Third Street, where Milwaukee's German heritage is celebrated at the legendary Mader's restaurant and in specialty cheese, sausage, and spice shops.

Embracing its history and its own unique personality, Milwaukee has an indie spirit that earns national kudos for its lack of chain restaurants, numerous James Beard-recognized chefs, the emerging culinary scene in Walker's Point, and the fun of neighborhood food tours. Milwaukee's beer-brewing culture also thrives today more than ever, with entertaining tours at iconic Miller Brewing and the popular Lakefront Brewery, as well as the best in modern craft beers at more than 20 local microbreweries.

A true “water city” location on Lake Michigan and at the intersection of three rivers sets the stage for urban adventure. Milwaukee's green, 90-acre lakefront provides ample opportunities for beach sports, running, and biking. Exploring downtown rivers by kayak or canoe is a great way to check out a different urban perspective and see more than a dozen bridges that span the river.

Add in spectacular Miller Park (home of the Milwaukee Brewers), excursion boats, and a lively arts and cultural scene, and Milwaukee is a destination with an unexpected “wow” factor. You'll find an undeniable energy in fun, urban-easy Milwaukee!