© Megan Moran
Museums & Attractions
The Milwaukee area is blessed with a variety of cultural attractions, including the Harley-Davidson Museum. Located in the Menomonee Valley just south of downtown, it details the history of the legendary motorcycle and its impact on America. Other notable Milwaukee-area museums and attractions include:
Museums: General
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
929 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee
Milwaukee area’s only museum designed specifically for children ages 10 and younger. Features hands-on, interactive exhibits and engaging educational programming, such as Velocity, Let’s Play Railway™, Home Town, Pocket Park, Be A Maker Space and more! Sensory-friendly sessions, special events and pop-up play. Playtimes: Wed-Mon, 9-4:30 (closed Tues). Free admission third Thursday every month from 9-7.
Email: questions@bbcmkids.org
Telephone: (414) 390-5437
Discovery World Science + Technology Center
500 N. Harbor Dr., Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s premiere science and technology center for the whole family! A sampling of the fun, interactive experiences: All Aboard!, model railroading exhibit; Automation Everywhere; Big, Caterpillar digging experience; The Challenge, a replica of a 19th-century Great Lakes schooner; Clean Air Trek, hybrid vehicle exploration; Great Lakes Future, at the epicenter of freshwater science; Innovation Station; Block Party; Les Paul’s House of Sound; Milwaukee Muscle; the 65,000- gallon saltwater Caribbean, Reiman Aquarium, Lake Michigan and Touch tanks; Physics & You; Flight or Road Course Racing simulators; and the Virtual Explorer virtual reality exhibit. Design It! Lab creative space is open on Sat/Sun, 9-3:30. Hours: Wed-Sun 9-4.
Telephone: (414) 765-9966
Harley-Davidson Museum
400 W. Canal St., Milwaukee
A glimpse of American history and culture through the successes and trials of an iconic American company started in a Milwaukee garage. Experience Gallery, special exhibits, two retail stores, events and activities, and guided tours and campus walking tours. MOTOR Bar & Restaurant onsite. Hours: Thur-Mon 10-5.
Telephone: (877) 436-8738
Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM)
800 W. Wells St., Milwaukee
Life-size dioramas, renowned permanent exhibitions and more than 4 million objects in museum collections. Offers hands-on, interactive experiences and special traveling exhibits. 150,000 square feet of immersive exhibit space enables visitors to travel back more than 65 million years to the land of dinosaurs, gaze at ancient civilizations, immerse yourself in the tropical rainforest, walk the “Streets of Old Milwaukee,” witness a butterfly wriggle out of its chrysalis in the two-story butterfly vivarium, and view a modern-day pow-wow! Hours: Wed-Mon 10-5 (closed Tues).
Telephone: (414) 278-2728
The Daniel M. Soref Dome Theater & Planetarium
800 W. Wells St., Milwaukee
Visitors can experience 3D films, planetarium programs and screen shows on a six-story-tall screen with digital surround sound. Currently showing: Wisconsin Stargazing; Blue Whales: Return of the Giants; Lights Out! Eclipses: Whys, Wonders, & Wows; Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. Shows rotate throughout the day; see website for schedule.
Telephone: (414) 278-2728
War Memorial Center
750 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr., Milwaukee
Architectural landmark on Milwaukee’s lakefront is a memorial to those who died in service, served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Services. Original World War I and World War II poster collection, eternal flame and reflecting pool, Purple Heart Memorial, 9/11 Memorial and Fox Company Memorial. Educational programs. Hours: 8-6 daily (Labor Day to Memorial Day): 8-8 daily (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Closed holidays.
Telephone: (414) 273-5533
Wisconsin Automotive Museum
147 N. Rural St., Hartford
Wisconsin’s largest auto museum houses more than 115 vehicles, including Pontiacs, Studebakers, Kaisers, Fords, Chevrolets, and the world’s largest collection of Kissel automobiles, built in Hartford between 1906 and 1931. Exhibits feature gas pumps, signs, license plates, outboard engines; oil cans and other petroliana; and the #1003 Soo Line steam locomotive from 1913. Admission fee. Hours: Wed-Sat 10-5.
Telephone: (262) 673-7999
Museums:Art
Charles Allis Art Museum
1801 N. Prospect Ave., Milwaukee
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the lavish 1911 home of Charles and Sarah Allis contains an art collection that includes 19th century French and American paintings, classic antiquities, Renaissance bronzes, Asian ceramics and decorative arts. Tours, private events, special exhibits. Fees apply; discounts available. First Thursdays free admission. Special events. Hours: Wed-Sun 10-5.
Telephone: (414) 278-8295
Grohmann Museum
1000 N. Broadway, Milwaukee
Home to the world’s most comprehensive art collection dedicated to the evolution of human work, the museum includes more than 1,700 paintings, sculptures and works on paper from 1580 to the present.
Telephone: (414) 277-2300
Haggerty Museum of Art
1234 W. Tory Hill St., Milwaukee
Located on the Marquette University campus, the museum features two floors and a permanent, expansive collection that includes but is not limited to European and American contemporary art, Old Master paintings and photography. Hosts online exhibitions, experiences and events. Community education offerings. Open daily 10-4:30; closed holidays. Free admission to specified groups; $5 suggested admission to others.
Telephone: (414) 288-1669
Lynden Sculpture Garden
2145 W. Brown Deer Rd., Milwaukee
Offers an experience of art in nature through its collection of more than 50 monumental outdoor sculptures on 40 acres of park, lake and woodland plus special exhibitions, educational programming, self-guided and docent-led tours. Free admission. Hours: Daily (except Thur) 10-5.
Telephone: (414) 446-8794
Milwaukee Art Museum
700 N. Art Museum Dr., Milwaukee
Part of a 341,000-square-foot architectural landmark that includes the Santiago Calatrava-designed Quadracci Pavilion, Windhover Hall and Reiman Bridge. The museum’s holdings include over 40 galleries and more than 32,000 works spanning antiquity to the present day, with strengths in 19th and 20th century American and European art, contemporary art, American decorative arts, and folk and self-taught art. Café/gift shop. Free general admission: kids 12 & under; Wisconsin K-12 teachers.
Email: mam@mam.org
Telephone: (414) 224-3200
MOWA (Museum of Wisconsin Art)
205 Veterans Ave., West Bend
Celebrates the diversity of Wisconsin artists by collecting, exhibiting and promoting their art. Award-winning architecture and gardens. Permanent collections and installations plus special exhibitions. Programs include artist and curator talks, adult studio classes, Art+Wellness Series, Spark!—Connecting Art to Memory program, drop-in activities, camps and workshops like Mini Makers, Winter Week and more! Special events include Art & Chalk Fest, floral exhibits and Teen Art Exhibition. Guided, private and youth tours. Wed-Sun 9:30-4. Admission: $15 (annual).
Telephone: (262) 334-9638
RAM (Racine Art Museum)
441 Main St., Racine
Award-winning architecture on the shores of Lake Michigan houses North America’s largest contemporary craft collection with close to 10,000 works from nationally and internationally recognized artists in a variety of media. Studio art classes, workshops and free online art resources. 20-25 events annually at both museum campuses and throughout Racine. Expansive virtual offerings. Free interactive events, Kids Day, Fall Family Fun Fest. Outreach programs. SPARK! Memory Loss Engagement Program. Free admission on first Fridays. Open Wed-Sat 10-4.
Telephone: (262) 638-8300
RAM’s Wustum Museum of Fine Arts
2519 Northwestern Ave., Racine
Highlights exhibitions of important regional and local artists. One of the largest studio art programs of any Wisconsin museum. Free admission. Open Wed-Sat 10-4.
Telephone: (262) 636-9177
UWM Peck School of the Arts Galleries
2400 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee
The 3,500-square-foot Arts Center Gallery has four adjoining exhibition spaces which rotate exhibits of contemporary architecture, film, painting, performance, sculpture and photography from September through May. Hours vary by gallery, specific exhibits or by appointment. Admission free.
Email: arts@uwm.edu
Telephone: (414) 229-4763
uwm.edu/arts/students/art-design-galleries-exhibitions
Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
2220 N. Terrace Ave., Milwaukee
Overlooking Lake Michigan in a 1923 Italian Renaissance-style villa, the museum features fine and decorative arts from the 15th through 18th centuries, wrought-iron masterpieces by Cyril Colnik, a formal garden, and changing exhibits. See website for hours and admission fees/discounts. First Thursdays free! Special events. Rentals available.
Telephone: (414) 271-3656
The Warehouse Art Museum (WAM)
1635 W. St. Paul Ave.,
Ground Floor, Guardian Fine Arts Services Building, Milwaukee
Private art museum dedicated exclusively to both the exhibition and study of modern and contemporary art housed in a historic, five-story concrete and brick warehouse in the Menomonee River Valley. Permanent collection of more than 7,000 works features figurative works, self-portraits, photography, monotypes, contemporary studio craft, and modern and contemporary Japanese art. Gallery exhibitions with guest curators, artist talks, speakers, guided tours. Collaborations with dance, film, music and theater presenters. Free admission. Hours: Mon-Fri 10-4.
Email: info@thewarehousemke.org
Telephone: (414) 635-1848
Museums: History
East Troy Railroad Museum and Train
East Troy Depot:
2002 Church Street, East Troy
Operates last remaining piece of the original interurban network in Wisconsin. Historic rail cars travel a 10-mile scenic trip between East Troy and the Elegant Farmer depots. Museum with artifacts, exhibits and gift shop. Dinner, Sunday brunch, family picnic and charter trains. See website for schedules, special events and ticket info.
Telephone: (262) 642-3263
Milwaukee County Historical Society
910 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Milwaukee
Founded in 1935 and focused on the comprehensive history, culture, people and places of Milwaukee County, it features a collection of artifacts and archival materials. Offers educational programs and resources, exhibitions, research library, online shop and special events. Admission fee; includes use of the research library.
Open Mon, Wed-Sat 9:30-5.
Telephone: (414) 273-8288
America’s Black Holocaust Museum
401 W. North Ave., Milwaukee
A history museum and memorial founded by lynching survivor James Herbert Cameron, Jr. 3,300+ exhibits, both online and onsite, chronicling the Black Holocaust from pre-captivity in Africa circa 1619 to the present. On-site and online exhibits. Admission fee. Hours: Tues-Thurs 10-5.; Fri & Sat 10-3.
Telephone: (414) 209-3640
Old World Wisconsin
W372 S9727 Hwy. 67, Eagle
Voted 2022 #1 Place to Take Kids in the Milwaukee area by KidsOutandAbout.Com! Open-air, immersive and interactive history attraction located amid the natural beauty of the Kettle Moraine State Forest and the woodlands, prairie, and wetlands of southwest Waukesha County. Explore sensory-rich spaces, hear stories from docents in character, and engage in hands-on activities. Features 60 authentically restored historic homes, farms, stores, and workshops dating from the 1840s to the 1910s. Admission fee. Open Fall & Spring Weekends: 10-4; Summer: Wed-Sun 10-4.
Telephone: (262) 594-6301
oldworldwisconsin.wisconsin history.org
Pabst Mansion
2000 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee
An exquisite example of an 1890’s Gilded Age mansion, the former home of Beer Baron Captain Frederick Pabst provides a glimpse into one of Milwaukee’s premier German immigrant families and an era of opulence. Showcases architectural craftsmanship, luxuriant furnishings, family memorabilia and an extensive fine arts collection. Gift shop. Admission fee/tours: Sun-Thur 10-4; Fri & Sat 10-5; holiday tours are especially memorable.
Email: info@pabstmansion.com
Telephone: (414) 931-0808
Ten Chimneys
S43 W31575 Depot Rd.,
Genesee Depot
The estate lovingly created by theatre legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. Online content includes gallery and interactive timeline. Tours offered May-Dec, Tues-Sat 10 & 2:30; Sun 12 & 2:30. Children under 12 not admitted. Reservations recommended. Admission fee. Special events including play readings and music in the Drawing Room.
Telephone: (262) 968-4110
Nature/Wildlife
Boerner Botanical Gardens
9400 Boerner Dr.,
Hales Corners (Whitnall Park)
Formal gardens include perennial, peony, rock, rose, shrub, annual, daylily, herb and trial gardens. Margie’s Garden child-friendly attraction features playhouse, twig hut, interactive sculptures and troll bridge. Gardens open daily 8-4, May 1-October 31. Admission fee. Education & Visitor Center with gift shop open year-round.
Telephone: (414) 525-5653
Milwaukee County Zoo
10001 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee
Visit more than 2,100 mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles representative of 330 different species in specialized habitats spanning 190 acres. Features a Safari Train, Carousel, Aviary, Apes of Africa, Giraffe Experience, Wild Connections Animal Encounters, Sky Adventure Zip Line and Ropes Courses, Gorilla Trek Virtual Reality Experience and Big Cat Country. Winter Hours: Weekdays 9:30-2:30/Weekends 9:30-4:30; Spring Hours: Daily 9:30-4:30; Summer Hours: Daily 9:30-5:00; Fall: Daily 9:30-4:30. Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day. Admission fees with Flex Pricing. Zoo Pass available.
Telephone: (414) 771-3040
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
1111 E. Brown Deer Rd., Milwaukee
With a mission to conserve the diverse habitats along the Lake Michigan shore, the center provides access, experiences and environmental education. Birding resources, lectures, art gallery, interactive programming, raptor program and six miles of hiking trails. Open Daily 8:30-5. Fees: $10 adults; $7 for ages 3-17 & military; 2 and under are free.
Telephone: (414) 352-2880
Urban Ecology Center
1500 E. Park Pl., Milwaukee (Riverside Park)
Located along the Milwaukee River, the center connects city-dwellers with nature. Urban habitat restoration, education and programming. Branches located in Washington Park (1859 N. 40th St.) and the Menomonee Valley (3700 W. Pierce St.). Hours on website.
Telephone: (414) 964-8505
