MILWAUKEE - BEER CITY

Milwaukee is located on the western shores of Lake Michigan, about 90 miles north of Chicago. It is the largest city in Wisconsin and is known primarily for its breweries - the smell of malt is everywhere.  However, the brewing industry no longer dominates the city and Milwaukee has become a modern industrial metropolis.

Milwaukee was originally settled by a number of different immigrant groups, but Germans were the largest group and their influence is still strongly felt, from the architecture to the sausages that are available everywhere.

Along with baseball's Brewers, Milwaukee hosts the NBA's Bucks and the IHL's Admirals, both of which play primarily during the winter, which can be very cold and should be avoided if possible. Of course, baseball is played in the summer, and Milwaukee's weather is very pleasant as Lake Michigan keeps things relatively cool.

Our impressions: Milwaukee is very spread out - Miller Park is about 10 minutes from downtown, and some other attractions are located outside the downtown core. Although there is public transit, a car is recommended. Beginning at the lakefront, the city spreads westward, split down the middle by the Milwaukee River, along which some small parks can be found. East of the river is the business center, west of the river is the cultural center, including the Bradley Center and Marquette University.

The lakefront looks like a nice place to walk around, but we saw a number of dead fish which was a bit disconcerting. Better to get a bike or blades and tour through Veterans Park. 

The downtown core is easy to get around in. Driving along the lakefront is very refreshing and just north of the city are some decent suburbs. There's lots of parking on the streets as well, and a good number of restaurants along 3rd Street between State and Wells Sts. The odor of malt brewing is strong in some areas, but it is easy to get used to. 

The Grand Avenue Mall is not much, other than holding the International Clown Hall of Fame, it is probably better to do your shopping somewhere else with more selection.

Check our attractions page for more details on some things to do in the city.

Overall Milwaukee is still an industrial town that retains a lot of its history. It definitely has a working-class feel but things are slowly changing as evidenced by new buildings such as Miller Park and the Art Museum. Definitely give Milwaukee a look, the ball park is great and you can easily spend a couple of days touring and enjoying the variety of food that the city has to offer.