Milwaukee: Art, RiverWalk and Lake Michigan

Milwaukee offers a range of ways to plan a trip: museums with striking architecture, a RiverWalk along the river, and experiences on Lake Michigan. Visitors with varied interests can get to know the city through its culture, waterfront and local offerings. When choosing a vacation rental, it helps to decide in advance which of these sides of Milwaukee you want to focus on in your travel plans.

Museums with a history and architecture of their own

The Harley-Davidson Museum is the only museum of its kind in the world. The Milwaukee Art Museum offers a different way to experience the city: it is housed in buildings designed by Santiago Calatrava (2001), David Kahler (1975) and Eero Saarinen (1957). The three dates correspond to the respective architects and show how different designs come together in a museum visit. For travelers interested in architecture, the museum is a reason in its own right to take a closer look at Milwaukee.

The North Point Lighthouse Museum focuses on Milwaukee’s famous lighthouse and its keepers. A wide selection of artifacts tells the stories of both. Together with the art museum and the Harley-Davidson Museum, it offers a varied selection, with each museum appealing to a different interest: architecture, lighthouse history and Harley-Davidson each provide their own focus for a visit.

Discovery World and the RiverWalk

Discovery World is located on Milwaukee’s lakefront, between the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Summerfest Grounds. The Hop’s Lakefront Station serves Discovery World. If a visit here is part of your travel plans, this gives you a specific reference point for getting there on The Hop. The location and station information relate to Discovery World; they do not describe a connection to the other places mentioned.

The Milwaukee RiverWalk provides public access to the river and runs along both sides of the Milwaukee River. Its described route extends from the site of the former North Avenue Dam through Downtown and the Historic Third Ward to Lake Michigan. This gives the RiverWalk a clear route along the river: it passes through Downtown and the Historic Third Ward and reaches the lake. Travelers who want to experience Milwaukee through its waterways can include the RiverWalk as a destination in its own right, alongside museum visits and lakefront activities.

Cooking classes and select concert evenings

Madame Kuony's Kitchen regularly holds cooking classes. They are led by market vendors, as well as local chefs and instructors. The instructors’ local knowledge shapes the character of these classes, which focus on cooking together with guidance. For travelers looking for a culinary activity in addition to museums and city views, this offers a different way to experience Milwaukee.

Since 2022, the Riverwalk Commons Concert Series has brought people together on select Tuesday evenings. The series celebrates local musicians, supports small businesses and food vendors, and brings one of Milwaukee’s most unique public spaces to life. The Tuesday evenings are specifically selected; the series is not described as a daily program. If you want to include a concert in your trip, be sure to check the relevant date when planning.

Activities on the lake

Milwaukee’s lakefront offers kayaking on Lake Michigan. Bradford Beach has sand courts for beach volleyball. These are two different options for enjoying the water and sports: a trip out on the lake or a game on the sand courts. For families or travel groups with different preferences, it may help to consider these as separate options and plan the day around the experience everyone wants.

The Water Current Tour also offers a distinctive perspective on Milwaukee. This self-guided experience uses eye-catching signage and artworks to show how the city is a leader in water quality, resource conservation and innovative water technologies. You can make culture, city history, cooking classes or waterside activities the focus of your trip.

Discover more places

Whitefish Bay, River Hills, Oak Creek, Greenfield, West Allis, Brown Deer, Glendale, Shorewood.

For the broader travel overview: Milwaukee.