10 Best Things to Do in Milwaukee

The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory consists of 3 massive domes that showcase a wide variety of flora with a unique environment in each. The tropical dome displays plants like the avocado, cacao, ackee, and papaya. In fact, one of the cacao trees is more than 60 years old.

Meanwhile, the arid dome features numerous plants native to the deserts of America and Africa like cacti, crassulas, and even the fascinating Welwitschia plant. The 3rd dome is a show dome where you can see seasonal and holiday shows typically based on a historical, cultural, or literary theme. You can find this conservatory a few miles southwest of downtown.

Miller Park is the home of the Milwaukee Brewers and thrilling baseball games you can see underneath the only fan-shaped convertible roof in North America. This stadium offers more than just baseball games as well, as you can also take tours, see concerts, and even attend movie premieres.

Be sure to check the schedule to see what's happening during your trip so you don't miss out on some of the best experiences Milwaukee has to offer. You can find the stadium on the west side of town just past the Menomonee River.

The Milwaukee County Zoo is home to more than 2,100 animals from 354 different species that are on display across the zoo's 190 acres. You'll find quite a few exhibits at this zoo, with everything from aviaries to reptile centers and a penguin exhibit. The big-cat and ape areas are truly a sight to behold.

Don't forget to visit the small mammals area as well, where you'll find all sorts of adorable creatures like the fennec fox that's native to the Sahara and other parts of North Africa. You'll find the zoo about 8 miles west of downtown.

Discovery World is a major science and technology museum with interactive exhibits showcasing various aspects of the world and technology from aquariums to science labs. No matter what your interests are, you're sure to find something worthwhile at Discovery World. The Les Paul exhibit is particularly popular, as you can learn not only about the art of guitar playing but also about how electric guitars work.

Don't forget to check out the S/V Denis Sullivan as well, a 19th-century seaworthy schooner that offers rides. You'll find this science center on the coast of Lake Michigan just north of Lakeshore State Park.

The Schlitz Audubon Nature Center is a protected area of natural splendor where you'll find fascinating wildlife and lush and alluring nature trails you can traverse. You'll find 185 acres of land comprising shoreline, ponds, prairies, and the forests that are so common throughout Wisconsin.

They even have a raptor program that has 15 birds of prey like hawks and bald eagles. You can also enjoy a relaxing stroll through its 6 miles of hiking trails. The nature center is located just 15 minutes north of the downtown area.

The Milwaukee Public Museum is a human history museum with both permanent and traveling exhibits focused on the natural and cultural history of humanity. After you walk into the atrium, the first thing you'll notice is the massive skeleton of a hebior mammoth. This immense beast dates back 14,500 years.

Inside the museum, you'll find numerous artifacts detailing the historic wildlife and cultures of the area. You'll even find an enclosed butterfly wing where butterflies fly around freely and don't hesitate to land on the hands of visitors. You'll find this museum just west of the Milwaukee River in the Westown neighborhood.

Bradford Beach is a popular urban beach located on the edge of the Upper East Side that features soft sands, cabanas, and numerous volleyball courts. You can enjoy virtually endless fun in the sun with a trip to Bradford Beach, whether you're looking to go for a swim in Lake Michigan, play some sports, or just relax on the sand.

You'll even find several classes you can take part in at the beach like yoga and even CrossFit if you're looking for a challenge.

The Basilica of St. Josaphat is a towering church that's crafted in a Renaissance style reminiscent of Polish cathedrals and modeled specifically after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. When you visit this church, you'll be visiting one of just 82 minor basilicas found in the entire country and a designated landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.

Whether you want to marvel at the exterior or take a tour inside, the feeling of awe tends to dominate all others when you visit this impressive architectural masterpiece. You'll find it in the Baran Park neighborhood just outside of the Kosciuszko Park & Community Center.

Estabrook Park is a green space that's perfect for a relaxing day outside, whether you want to take a stroll, play sports, or enjoy a drink at the beer garden. You'll find several picnic areas within the park that have tables and benches, and that's just the beginning. You'll also find playgrounds for kids and several soccer fields.

The park is even dog friendly, so you can take your pup along as well. You'll find Estabrook Park on the east side of the Milwaukee River in the village of Shorewood.

The Historic Third Ward is a neighborhood bounded by Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee River that is a transformed warehouse district with trendy shops and restaurants. The boutique shops are particularly popular, and the area near the Milwaukee Public Market is always the most popular with its unique local and niche offerings like art galleries.

Think about when you want to visit as well, as this neighborhood is also home to numerous festivals during the summer, especially around the lakefront.