Milwaukee is a city of delightful contradictions. It touts European heritage while cherishing American icons; its museums celebrate both the heights of culture and the quirky; and its grand downtown, shaped by industry, is also the premier place for groups to leisurely sip craft beer and enjoy waterfront views.

“We’re really water-centric because we’re on the shores of Lake Michigan and have three rivers that run through downtown, so it’s a big part of our culture,” said Megan Husband, national account and tourism sales executive at Visit Milwaukee. “Downtown, we have boutique hotels, independent restaurants, beautiful architecture. Milwaukee just has its own completely unique vibe.”

It may also surprise travel planners to learn that Milwaukee is an all-season destination. In addition to the beautiful spring and summer weather the city enjoys, travelers can also enjoy vibrant fall foliage that ignites the city each autumn and theater productions that liven up the winter months.

Here are a few focal points for planners looking to craft the ultimate Milwaukee itinerary.

Museums

“We have a lot of really unique museums, whether you’re looking for something fun and quirky or something that celebrates American culture,” Husband said.

One such quirky museum is the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, which features the largest collection of bobbleheads in the country, with over 10,000 for groups to peruse.

A more traditional choice of museum is the Milwaukee Art Museum, notable for its dynamic architecture. The building, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, was designed by famed architect Santiago Calatrava and features kinetic wings that open and close three times a day. It features works by European artists like Claude Monet, Auguste Rodin and Pablo Picasso, as well as a selection of contemporary artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol and Wassily Kandinsky.

Another museum that’s a top attraction for groups is the Harley-Davidson Museum, the only one in the world dedicated to the motorcycle brand. But it’s not only for motorcycle enthusiasts; it’s also a great stop for groups interested in Americana and history. The museum offers guests a choice of self-guided tours or several themed guided tours, including a VIP tour that features a chat with an archivist or curator. Group programming includes special rates for groups of 10 or more, as well as bus parking. An on-site restaurant can also accommodate groups.

Theater

In addition to the impressive collection of art found at the Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee also has a renowned performing arts scene, which is perfect for entertaining groups, especially during fall and winter.

“Milwaukee is really known for theater,” Husband said. “There’s over 2,000 performances every year, and we have the second-longest running production of ‘A Christmas Carol.’ We actually have a dedicated theater district.”

The theater district, found in downtown Milwaukee, consists of theaters like the Milwaukee Rep, where groups can find that long-running “A Christmas Carol” production. The Marcus Performing Arts Center is known for its Broadway-caliber productions and large seating capacity, making it an ideal stop for groups during a night out in downtown Milwaukee.

There are also several theaters with stunning historic architecture for groups to check out, including The Pabst Theater and The Riverside Theater.

German Heritage

“The Germans and the Polish made up two of the largest ethnic groups in the early days of the city of Milwaukee,” Husband said. “There’s a rich German tradition and culture in the city.”

One of the ways this heritage shows up in Milwaukee is in its brewery scene. Many of the city’s most popular breweries are group-friendly, including Lakefront Brewery on the banks of the Milwaukee River. In addition to menu staples like fried cheese curds and a selection of brews on tap, the brewery offers tours, including private tours for groups of 20 or more.

One of the most well-known beers in the country, Pabst Blue Ribbon (affectionately known as “PBR” to its most devoted fans) got its start in Milwaukee when German immigrant Frederick Pabst founded the brand in the late 19th century. The Pabst Mansion, a historic Gilded Age mansion built for Pabst, is available for tours. Groups can opt for a self-guided experience, a 60-minute guided tour or a specialty tour, like a Sunday mimosa tour or holiday tour.

For further German culinary influence, Mader’s Restaurant in downtown Milwaukee features a menu stocked with Bavarian favorites like pretzels, Reuben rolls, schnitzel and pork shank. Groups can also opt for a German sampler and finish with desserts like apple strudel or Black Forest cake.

Finally, Milwaukee Pretzel Company, which bakes authentic Bavarian soft pretzels, offers tours for groups of 10 or more. These tours last between 30 and 45 minutes and include a free, fresh-baked pretzel.

Culinary Scene

Milwaukee’s culinary scene features plenty of variety, as well as lauded James Beard-recognized restaurants and chefs. Many of the city’s top restaurants can easily accommodate groups and come with views of the city’s waterfronts and unique architecture. 

“It’s a great place to explore every type of cuisine you could imagine, from traditional bratwurst to sushi or seafood and everything in between,” Husband said.

For something upscale, 1033 Omasake and Birch Restaurant are both James Beard-recognized. For a more casual atmosphere, Saz’s State House serves barbecue, or groups can grab something at J. Leinenkugel’s Barrel Yard, which overlooks the baseball field at American Family Field, home of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Another especially group-friendly way to explore the city’s culinary scene is at food halls, like Milwaukee Public Market and 3rd St. Market Hall. Each offers a wide selection of independent food vendors and flexibility for groups.

“What a lot of groups do is they will either explore on their own or offer gift cards so that the group can dine, pick what they want, then sit in the communal area and still enjoy each other’s company,” Husband said.

visitmilwaukee.org