I know, I know, why would we escape to Milwaukee—why family, of course! Our beautiful niece, Jordan, just graduated with honors from Marquette University and we couldn’t be more proud! We went to Milwaukee for the graduation, but had so much fun because of the plans our family made for us. See what we did should you ever find yourself in Wisconsin. And bring your elastic pants and walking shoes because there is a lot of food and walking, too.
DINE
LAKEFRONT BREWERY BEER HALL: Most people know Lakefront best for its hilarious brewery tours, but this beer hall is the perfect place to eat, drink and be merry! They offer a full menu all week, but for a true Milwaukee experience, come for a family-style Friday fish fry that includes a performance by the Brewhaus Polka Kings. This was our welcome meal to the charming city.
KOPP’S FROZEN CUSTARD: The Kopp’s Frozen Custard stand rose in popularity quickly during the 1950s and was soon seen as a Milwaukee staple. Now it serves a variety of custard flavors along with burgers, fries and onion rings, too. If you like burgers and are hungry, too—give it a try! We enjoyed cheeseburgers and the Heath Bar custard.
UNSINGER’S FAMAOUS SAUSAGE: A Milwaukee institution and cornerstone of Old World Third Street, the center of Milwaukee’s historic German population. Here you’ll find more than 70 varieties of sausage, and they’re still made with the original family recipes from 1880, shipping worldwide.
DO & SEE
A city with an expansive and diverse heritage, Milwaukee has a rich history just waiting to be explored. Dedication and commitment to preservation and revitalization means many of the city’s favorite buildings are still in use today, some as museums and some as office buildings, restaurants, shops and more.
MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY: We toured Marquette University with Jordan as our guide. Marquette University is a Catholic and Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. The campus is full of architecture and beautiful spots throughout including the quaint St. Joan of Arc Chapel and Haggerty Museum of Art.
SPRECHER BREWERY: At Milwaukee’s original microbrewery visitors sample European-style beers and gourmet sodas—we loved the root beer and were pleased to find our friends back home serve them in their Sacramento restaurants, too!
PABST MANSION: Once the home of beer baron Captain Frederick Pabst, this mansion is the epitome of Gilded Age splendor. The house has been lovingly restored to its original grandeur and features fine period furniture and architectural details.
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT HOUSES: Six of 13 known American System-Built Homes by Wisconsin native Frank Lloyd Wright line West Burnham Street. Guided interior tours of Model B1 are available two Saturdays each month, and architecture nuts should know that one of the other homes is available as a vacation rental for the ultimate stay.
So now you know that there is plenty of food, beer and Midwest charm next time you visit Milwaukee!
