I spent 4 years as a graduate student in Milwaukee, so seeking out the free things to do when school was out became a tradition for me. Here are some of the cooler things I found.
Milwaukee Art Museum (site): I know what you’re thinking but the Pavilion is worth it.
Free to residents with proof of residency in Milwaukee County. If you don’t live there but still want free, the Quadracci Pavilion (the cool part that everyone thinks about when they think Milwaukee Art Museum) is still free to enter and view. Every day at noon the ‘wings’ open and close.
Recommend: getting there 10 minutes early, watching from across the walking bridge (you can’t miss it), and after the wings close, walk into the Pavilion and watch them open again from the inside. Its a completely unique experience with the shadows they create inside the building.
The Domes (Michell Park Conservatory): Free admission for Milwaukee County residents on Mondays from 9 A.M until noon. Its three climate controlled domes with different flora and fauna.
Milwaukee Public Museum (site): Free admission for Milwaukee County residents all day Monday. You pay extra for IMAX theater and special exhibits but you could easily spend an entire day here without feeling like you missed out because you didn’t get to see the IMAX.
Lakefront: Thanks to Milwaukee’s politically socialist background, the entire lakefront is public property with public access. You can’t say that about most oceanfronts. Veteran’s Park near the Art Museum, Government Pier, North Point Park, Atwater Park are just a few of the family friendly, picture taking friendly parks right on the lake.
Recommendation: Especially fantastic and unknown is the Shorewood Nature Preserve that takes you down to the lakefront. You will likely pass it several times like we did but on Lake Drive between Newton and Beverly Streets is a small sign and smaller path through woodland area to the lakefront.
Bronze Fonz: Its exactly what it sounds like! Milwaukee is known for beer, brats and The Fonz. Right on the Milwaukee River front (which is also entirely public access) between Mason and Wells Streets just east of Rock Bottom Brewery. Milwaukeeans will roll their eyes but everyone, even Milwaukeeans get their pictures taken with him, so don’t be left out.
The Riverfront: Straight up river walk throughout the city. The river has been cleaned up and its banks beautified. You can see some of the coolest draw bridges and some old architecture as well. Find someone who knows anything about the area and you’ve got a full day of beautiful views for free.
Summer Festivals (info): In part due to its socialist roots and in part due to the cities early attempts to quell race riots in the 1960s, Milwaukee is the place for free and cheap festivals. Every other weekend is filled with ethnic, music, and street festivals galore! Seriously, if you say you’re bored in Milwaukee, you’re not trying.
Free Music (info): Jazz in the Park and Chill on the Hill are the two I hit up frequently. Entire afternoons where you can bring a picnic dinner, listen to great local music, and in most cases even bring your own wine!!! Enjoy all this outside in any number of Milwaukee’s city parks.
Architectural Walks (a walk I pieced together on Google Maps): Just get down into the commercial district in Milwaukee and walk. Wisconsin Avenue from the Art Museum to the Water Street is a great walk, as is the same walk on Michigan one block south of Wisconsin Avenue. Most of these buildings are original German architecture using Cream City brick. Most businesses will even let you walk around inside to see the inner masterpieces.
