Milwaukee Travel Guide
Photo: Ryan Mulhall/Shutterstock
A friendly Midwestern atmosphere prevails in Milwaukee, which is not so much a city as a large collection of neighborhoods situated on the shores of Lake Michigan. Wisconsin's largest city is an international seaport and the state's primary commercial and manufacturing center. Modern steel-and-glass high-rises occupy much of the downtown area, but they share the skyline with restored and well-kept 19th-century buildings from Milwaukee's early heritage. First settled by Potawatomi and later by French fur traders in the late 18th century, the city boomed in the 1840s with the arrival of German beer brewers, whose influence is still present. Milwaukee is known as a city of festivals, the biggest being Summerfest (the "World's Largest Music Festival"), held in late June and early July.
Milwaukee Hotels
In summer make reservations in advance, especially for weekends. ...read more
Milwaukee Restaurants
Milwaukee is known for its wide variety of good ethnic restaurants, especially those that serve German cuisine. Despite its small-town atmosphere, many...read more
Things To Do in Milwaukee
Explore the best sights, entertainment, and shopping with our top choices and insider tips.
Travel Deals in Milwaukee
- $59* & up -- Fares from 64 U.S. Cities into September, e/w Frontier Airlines
- $129 & up -- Chicago: 4-Star Michigan Avenue Hotel, 65% Off The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
- $127 & up -- Weekends at 4-Star Chicago-Area Hotel, Save 65% The Westin Lombard Yorktown Center
- $127 & up -- Weekends at 4-Star Chicago-Area Hotel, Save 65% — $127 The Westin Lombard Yorktown Center
Milwaukee Experiences
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Because Wisconsin has a long and tasty history relating to the dairy industry, it should come as no surprise that great custard can be found here—frozen... Read more
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Say Milwaukee, and most people think "beer." Beer built the city, starting with the founding of Miller Brewing Company in 1855. Brewery barons... Read more
News & Features
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Trip Ideas
In a time when "authentic" is a travel buzzword, its America's small towns that are drawing in visitors... Read more
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Outdoors, Hotels
Vermont is beautiful, as are the Catskills, but for a true foliage-focused getaway, we suggest booking... Read more
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Trip Ideas, Family, Trip Ideas
No matter which way the road takes you, this country is filled with quirky, historic, and hilarious roadside... Read more
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· Forums Trip Reports
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Last week, DH and I took DD to camp in northern Wisconsin along the Minnesota border; we made several stops both directions:
Madison - we will make up any excuse to stop in Madison, one of our favorite Read more -
Thanks to all the fodorites who contributed in making our trip to Wisconsin a huge success. Read more
·Wisconsin Forum
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I'm taking a weekend trip to Wisconsin with four teenagers (2-18 & 2-19 yr olds). Read more
