Are you thinking about visiting Milwaukee, Wisconsin? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Milwaukee worth visiting?
Milwaukee is worth visiting for one to two days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Milwaukee is located on the western shore of Lake Michigan in the state of Wisconsin. It's an often overlooked city but it has some eclectic museums and a thriving brewery scene. Visitors will appreciate the city's authentic personality and its welcoming atmosphere.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Reasons to Visit Milwaukee
Museums
There are several unique museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. There's also the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Grohmann Museum as well as outdoor sculpture parks and other cultural and historic museums.
Nightlife
You'll find a decent number of breweries around town. There are also wine bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are worth checking out.
Shopping
You'll find the standard shopping centers and shopping malls around town, but if you want some more local vendors, check out the areas around the Historic Third Ward and The Village in Wauwatosa.
Authenticity
Milwaukee has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Milwaukee worth visiting in the Summer?
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 23°C (74°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 28°C (83°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Milwaukee, so expect to see more tourists than usual. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.
This is a great time of year to browse the museums and enjoy the evening activities.
Summer Weather in Milwaukee
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 23°C (74°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| August | 22°C (72°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| September | 18°C (65°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
Is Milwaukee worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Milwaukee. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 12°C (53°F).
You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums.
Autumn Weather in Milwaukee
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 12°C (53°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| November | 5°C (41°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| December | -3°C (27°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
Is Milwaukee worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Milwaukee. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather in Milwaukee can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -6°C (21°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks and the nightlife.
Winter Weather in Milwaukee
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | -6°C (21°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| February | -4°C (26°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| March | 2°C (36°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
Is Milwaukee worth visiting in the Spring?
The weather in Milwaukee can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 8°C (47°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Milwaukee, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the museums, and grab some drinks at a bar.
Spring Weather in Milwaukee
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 8°C (47°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| June | 20°C (68°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Milwaukee
Food: Milwaukee doesn't top the list for most foodies. The Midwest is known for its artery clogging comfort foods, and Milwaukee is no exception. Cheese curds, fried fish, fruit dumplings, and frozen custard are all popular.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Milwaukee might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Milwaukee here or see if Milwaukee is expensive here.
Related
What is Milwaukee most famous for?
Milwaukee is most famous for its many breweries and its baseball culture. People visit this impressive city for its great museums, nightlife, and shopping. It is often described as friendly, welcoming, and undiscovered.
What is the most famous sight in Milwaukee?
The most popular sight in Milwaukee is the Lakefront area. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Milwaukee on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Lakefront area and other attractions here.
How touristy is Milwaukee? Is it a popular city to visit?
Milwaukee is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Milwaukee Private or Public Pedal Tavern Tour: $35
- 2 Hour Sailing Adventure in Lake Michigan (up to 6 people): $128
- Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Game Ticket at American Family Field: $10
- Milwaukee's Ladies of the Night Historical Walking Tour: $51
- The Ghosts of Milwaukee & the Haunted Third Ward: Private Tour: $115
- Milwaukee Tour: $40
- Skip the Line: Museum Admission Ticket - Grohmann Museum: $5.00
- Discover Iconic Milwaukee Tour: $67
How long should I spend in Milwaukee?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Milwaukee is one to two days. Since Milwaukee has activities such as nightlife, shopping, and museums, most people visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Milwaukee? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Milwaukee?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.