Bus Travel To Milwaukee: What You Have To See and Do
Milwaukee, WI, is one of the best-kept secrets of the Midwest. The city offers the friendliness of a small town with the opportunities of a big city, making it a great spot for a weekend getaway or week-long vacation. If you’re planning a bus trip to Milwaukee, here’s a rundown of the activities you won’t want to miss out on.
Adventure
An unforgettable getaway starts with adventure, and Cream City isn’t short on recreational activities. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a family, there are multiple options waiting to be added to your itinerary.
Hit the Water
Situated on the western edge of Lake Michigan with the Milwaukee River running through the city center, the city is an ideal location for water-based experiences for visits during spring through early fall. The Milwaukee Kayak Company offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, along with guided tours, on the river. Rental sessions last for four hours, providing plenty of time to take in the cityscape from the water.
You can’t visit Milwaukee without stopping by the lake at least once. To make your experience memorable, book a boat tour with a local company, like Sea Dog Sailing, which offers daily excursions out of McKinley Marina. Standard day sails and sunset cruises last for 90 minutes with all ages welcome. They also accept private charter requests if you want to enjoy a customized water adventure.
Reach New Heights at Adventure Rock
If the water activities aren’t enough to get your adrenaline up, Adventure Rock definitely will. The business offers a large facility wrapped in multi-story rock walls. All equipment needed is available on-site, and their Clip’N Go program makes the process easy for climbers of all ages and experience levels. If you’re traveling on a charter bus with a large party, Adventure Rock also offers group rates and accepts reservations.
Relish the Local Cuisine
Trying out local eateries is an excellent way to learn more about a city. From award-winning coffee to world-famous cheese curds, Milwaukee is a foodie’s dream come true.
Dining
If your functioning level is at zero until your first sip of coffee, start your day off at Colectivo Coffee. The local company not only roasts and distributes their own hand-selected coffee, but they also offer freshly made baked goods at their many cafes across the city. Traditionalists will want to grab a standard cup of house brew or a nitro cold brew, while the turmeric ginger chai frappe and the masala chai latte are sure to catch the attention of coffee adventurists.
For lunch or dinner, there is an abundance of options from which to choose. A favorite of both locals and visitors is The Farmer’s Wife, which specializes in crafting sustainable dishes using fresh, local ingredients. If you’re in the mood for comfort food with a historical twist, Mader’s has offered a plethora of traditional German foods since 1902. Or, try out all the hot spots in the area with a food tour at Milwaukee Food & City Tours or Seven Seat Bike Tours.
Breweries
While Wisconsin is known for cheese, Milwaukee made a name for itself with beer production. As such, a brewery tour is a necessity for any bus trip to the city. The modern brewing scene is extensive, but some businesses have mastered the art of customer tours by making it a memorable and fun experience.
At the top of the list is Lakefront Brewery. The brewery creates an interactive experience that includes samples and souvenirs. They also offer technical tours and mini tours on Saturdays if you’re short on time. Other notable contenders include Good City Brewing and Black Husky Brewing Company, as well as the Explorium Brewpub, which also offers an on-site eatery.
Culture Dive
Milwaukee offers a rich, diverse culture. To get to know the city properly, you need to explore the attractions that locals love.
Art & History
Cream City is committed to both preserving its history and encouraging creativity. These qualities are present in the wide array of museums, many of which are either free to the public or offer incredibly affordable admission rates. Start with a staple like the Milwaukee Art Museum followed by a visit to the Haggerty Museum of Art to enjoy one-of-a-kind exhibits. While you’re perusing the area, take a stroll through Black Cat Alley for outdoor exploration of local artwork.
For history buffs, the Mitchel Gallery of Flight is a must-see stop. There are also hundreds of historic buildings throughout the city. To ensure you get a well-rounded experience, consider a guided tour. Historic Milwaukee offers public and private walking tours catering to a variety of interests.
Catch a Game
What do locals love almost as much as craft beer? Basketball. The city is home to the NBA Bucks, which play a large number of games each season. If your bus trip to Milwaukee coincides with a home game, grab some tickets. Even if you’re not a sports enthusiast, the atmosphere at the arena is contagious and sure to create an unforgettable experience.