If you get into your car and drive straight north (well not exactly straight but you get the idea) for about an hour and a half, you’ll end up in the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I grew up just north of Milwaukee, so I’ve got some good recs for those who may want to visit.
Since we’re talking about spring break in Chicago on today’s podcast, I wanted to offer a twist on our neighborhood guides for any of you looking to get out of town. Come for a walk with me in Milwaukee!
How To Get Around
While some areas of Milwaukee, like the Historic Third Ward, are extremely walkable, you might need some transportation to get to other parts of the city. The Hop streetcar is free to use.
What To Do
My day always starts with a cup of coffee, and one of my favorite coffee shops in Milwaukee is the Colectivo on the lakefront. It’s in the historic Milwaukee River flushing station and it’s a lovely spot to sit, especially in the summer. I often park at the marina across the street, go for a little run along Lake Michigan, and then grab a coffee.
After a run and some good coffee, all I’m thinking about is food. My favorite breakfast spot in Milwaukee is Sweet Diner for the good food and that cute brunch vibe. I’m a classic savory breakfast girl (except for a table pancake ofc), so I go for their omelets. A more fun option is the birria skillet with birria beef, potatoes, cheese, eggs, and veggies.
On my walk, I got an omelet from Sweet Diner, a new plant at Mod Gen, and lunch in the Milwaukee Public Market. (Ava Wojnowski / City Cast Chicago)
Sweet Diner is located in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward, which is also a popular shopping area. I first stopped at Mod Gen, a plant lover's paradise. In addition to plants, you can buy household items, such as reusable towels or ceramic ware. Down the street, Shōō offers footwear along with other fun accessories and clothing items. I also love Retique, an elevated thrift store owned by Goodwill.
After all that walking, my stomach started to grumble again, so I stopped for lunch. My favorite place to get food in Milwaukee is the Milwaukee Public Market. There are a ton of vendors to choose from, but I opted for the grilled veggie panini from Foltz Family Market. Tip! If you’re looking for a free bathroom in downtown Milwaukee, this is a great pit stop for you.
Located on Lake Michigan, the Milwaukee Art Museum is a must-do activity. (Ava Wojnowski / City Cast Chicago)
I then headed back to Lincoln Memorial Drive to go to the renowned Milwaukee Art Museum – and it’s truly worth the hype. Not only do they have great art pieces, but the architecture is absolutely stunning. If you’re traveling to Milwaukee with kids, right by the art museum is Discovery World. It offers interactive experiences like petting stingrays, learning about the Great Lakes, or understanding how sound works.
I wouldn’t be a true Milwaukeean if I didn’t mention the Bucks and their stadium. Opened in 2018, the Fiserv Forum has become quite the hot spot for the city. Maybe you don’t have tickets to a game, but you still want the Bucks experience. Right outside the stadium are an assortment of restaurants and bars including the Mecca Sports Bar & Grill, New Fashioned, and the Drink Wisconsinibly Pub. Grab a Wisconsin beer and watch the game with fellow Bucks fans.
I think Milwaukee is the perfect day or weekend trip for Chicagoans and I hope this guide makes navigating the 414 a little easier 😆
