PennStateMark

My SO and I are heading to Wisconsin this Wednesday and I've spent plenty of time on all of the previous threads trying to glean as much advice as possible, but I wanted to toss out a request for the "best of the best" based on a pretty limited timeframe - we've got about a day and a half in Milwaukee, a day in Green Bay, and a half day in Madison before the UW/PSU game Saturday night. What to do, where to eat, what are the must-see things for a couple of twentysomethings from DC?

Some details -
We're staying at the Residence Inn in downtown Milwaukee, the Days Inn Lambeau Field in Green Bay, and we're only going to be in Madison for the day, driving there Saturday morning and then to Milwaukee after the game Saturday night.

Our must-sees so far -
Miller Brewery tour
Lambeau Field tour
Packer Hall of Fame
Brett Favre's Steakhouse
Titletown Brewing Company

Any thoughts? Anything you'd change? Like I said, we don't have too much planned yet but want to make the most out of our trip - we're both very active and don't mind a lot of walking, would prefer to limit driving if possible though.

Bonus - any suggestions on safe places for a visiting fan to park on game day in Madison? We're not planning on tailgating - I think our alumni association has a tailgate set up - but just need a place to leave the car for the day while we explore campus/downtown before the game.

THANKS in advance for your help!

abram

In Milwaukee, the Art Museum, and especially the Calatrava addition, is definitely worth a look. Discovery World, which is quite interesting, is right next door. People also like the Domes three horticltural sections, and the Milwaukee County Zoo. Historic Milwaukee offers seveal diffeent walking tours, and for boat tours, you can select the bare bones Iroquois, or the Edelweiss, which serves meals.

In the evening, Water St north of Kilbourn is where the twenty somethings go bar hopping. I don't know what type of food you want, but for a fancy meal, my favorite is Sanfords.

In Madison, we always park at the Lake St Ramp, which is between University and State, between Lake and Francis. Get there early, and you may have to wait a bit, but we've always been able to get a spot. And it's cheap. On game day, we like to wander State St, then head along University Ave to Camp Randall.

PennStateMark

I've heard Sanfords mentioned by a number of people as well. If we go, what sort of dress would be approprate? Is it casual or a bit more formal?

xrae

Since you have a sports-themed trip -- and if you are interested at all in NASCAR -- you can visit the hometown museum of driver Matt Kenseth in Cambridge just 20 miles east of Madison on 12/18. It would take an hour tops to see the museum, but it's worth the stop. The museum has several race cars, a few custom motorcycles, trophies, firesuits, memorabilia, and various knick-knacks related to his racing career. The museum is a family operation so you may run into Matt's sister or grandmother working the counter.

abram

Sanfords is not casual; I wouldn't call it formal, but it is elegant. I'd wear something like black pants and a dressy sweater; my husband always wears a blazer, but not a tie.

Gekko

Don't miss the Milwaukee Art Museum; Santiago Calatrava's building is magnificent, as is the Bradley Collection.

bethke14

Anywhere you would park for a game in Madison will be safe. It will also be a mad house. How much are you willing to pay for parking?

Lake Street ramp is a great idea, especially if you are there a little early and would like to walk around but won't be tailgating.

For $15-20, you can park in any number of private lots - many residential and commercial buildings have parking for game days (my old apartment on the corner of Spring and Orchard always did this.) Also, Meriter hospital has lots of $20 parking. Earlier is better as far as parking is concerned for a night game in Madison - free street parking is gone by as early as 8 a.m. I'd bring a good map.

Getting out after a game means alternately sitting in gridlock and also trying not to hit drunk fans and students who ignore all traffic laws. Just know that it will take awhile, and perhaps have a snack in the car.

Regardless, game day in Madison is a blast! Enjoy!

mdwest

The twenty-somethings I know get a kick out of an off-beat place called the Safe House in Milwaukee.
http://www.safe-house.com/

In Madison the Lake Street ramp should be perfect. You will need to get there early and then there is plenty of time to walk State Street and even visit the Memorial Union Terrace, right on the lake front.

SusanM

Are you arriving in Madison Friday evening or Saturday am? Depending on how much time you have, the Dane County Farmers' Market on the Capitol Square is NOT TO BE MISSED. It runs from 6 am - 2 pm, and 60-90 minutes is sufficient to do it. It is, in my biased opinion, the best outdoor market in the country.

If you go, don't eat breakfast, because you can get plenty of coffee, fresh squeezed juices and fresh baked goods right there. If you park in the Lake street ramp, which is a good choice, you'll walk up State Street to the Capitol to get there.

PennStateMark

"Getting out after a game means alternately sitting in gridlock and also trying not to hit drunk fans and students who ignore all traffic laws. Just know that it will take awhile, and perhaps have a snack in the car."

Sounds familiar to this Penn Stater...

The Farmer's Market sounds like a great idea - we're hoping to get out of Green Bay quite early Saturday morning and arriving in Madison probably around 9am or so, so we'll hope for an open space at Lake Street and wander around the Capitol Square before exploring campus.

Multiple recs for the art museum in MKE, and I'm told the Lakefront Brewery tour isn't to be missed either. Thanks all -- I might be checking this when we get in to our hotel so keep the great suggestions coming!

kelliebellie

Oooh, if you haven't left yet, my favorite place in Milwaukee. It is a spy-themed bar. It is so cool and fun!

http://www.safe-house.com/