Milwaukee Wisconsin Travel Guide Summer 2025
Are you planning a fun trip this summer? Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a great place to visit! In this Milwaukee Wisconsin Travel Guide Summer 2025, we’ll show you all the best spots, activities, and tips to have the perfect summer adventure.
Milwaukee is located along Lake Michigan, just north of Chicago and south of Green Bay. It is known for its cheese curds, friendly people, and fun places like the Harley-Davidson Museum.
Why Visit Milwaukee?
Milwaukee is a big city with a small-town feel. About 580,000 people live in the city, and about 2.3 million people live in the whole metro area (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024). That makes Milwaukee the 31st largest city in the United States!
It’s a city full of history, good food, sports, and beautiful views of Lake Michigan.
Fun Fact:
Milwaukee’s name comes from the Native American word meaning "good land."
Downtown Milwaukee and the RiverWalk
One of the best places to start your trip is in Downtown Milwaukee. You can walk along the Milwaukee RiverWalk, a pretty path by the river. There are three main rivers here: the Milwaukee River, the Menomonee River, and the Kinnickinnic River.
The RiverWalk is full of restaurants, bars, and shops. You might even see boats floating by while you enjoy some fish and chips or chicken wings at places like Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery.
Did You Know?
The Menomonee River's name comes from a Native American word meaning "rice eaters" because wild rice used to grow there.
Visit Brady Street
If you want to see where the locals hang out, visit Brady Street. It’s a lively, fun area full of bars, restaurants, and shops. It stretches nine blocks from the Milwaukee River all the way to Lake Michigan.
Brady Street is where you’ll find the best nightlife. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights are the most exciting times to visit!
Milwaukee’s Love for Sports
Milwaukee loves sports! Here are the local favorites:
- Milwaukee Brewers (baseball)
- Milwaukee Bucks (basketball)
- Green Bay Packers (football — from nearby Green Bay)
We visited an exciting Brewers game at American Family Field (formerly Miller Park). Even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, it’s a fun place to hang out, eat brats, and enjoy the summer weather.
Tip:
Try the local favorite foods — a bratwurst with sauerkraut and cheese curds!
The Beautiful Lake Michigan
No trip to Milwaukee is complete without visiting Lake Michigan. You can walk or bike along the Oak Leaf Trail right next to the water. There’s also Veterans Park, where you can relax, rent bikes, or have a picnic.
In summer, Lake Michigan looks almost like an ocean with its wide open blue water. You can even go boating or paddleboarding.
Affordable Travel Destination
Milwaukee is a budget-friendly city. Hotels, food, and activities here cost less compared to many other large cities. This makes Milwaukee a great choice for families, solo travelers, and couples looking for a fun but affordable vacation.
According to U.S. News Travel (2025), Milwaukee is ranked as one of the best affordable cities for a summer trip!
Historic Milwaukee
Milwaukee has a lot of history. Walking down East Wisconsin Avenue, you can see old buildings like the Old Federal Building and many others from the 1800s.
Milwaukee started as a farm town with lots of cattle and dairy products. Later, it became a heavy industrial town making things like leather and beer.
Speaking of beer, Milwaukee is also the home of Miller Brewing Company, one of the biggest beer brands in America.
Cool Things to See and Do
Here are more fun things you should not miss:
- The Harley-Davidson Museum: Learn all about the famous motorcycles made here.
- The Bronze Fonz: A cool statue of the Fonz from the TV show Happy Days.
- Milwaukee Public Market: Eat and shop at this fun indoor market in the Historic Third Ward.
- Discovery World: A science and technology center right on the lakefront.
- Milwaukee Art Museum: Check out the beautiful white building with wings that move!
Fun Tip:
Ride a boat down the river and see the city from the water.
Weather Tips
Summer weather in Milwaukee is usually warm, around 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. But sometimes it can get chilly, even in late spring or early summer, so bring a jacket just in case!
In winter, Milwaukee can be very cold, with snow and ice. But in the summer, it’s all about sunny skies and fun outdoor activities.
Friendly People
One thing everyone notices about Milwaukee is how friendly the people are. Whether you are at a baseball game, a bar, or walking downtown, locals are always happy to chat and help visitors.
Where to Stay
Milwaukee has lots of places to stay, from big hotels to cozy boutique spots. Some popular choices are:
- Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel: Fun artsy hotel downtown.
- The Pfister Hotel: A historic, fancy hotel near the lake.
- Kimpton Journeyman Hotel: Located in the Historic Third Ward.
Since Milwaukee is affordable, you can find a nice place to stay without breaking your budget!
Final Thoughts
If you want a city full of fun, food, friendly people, and beautiful lake views, Milwaukee should be on your list for summer 2025. With lots to do and see, affordable prices, and cool summer weather, you are sure to have a great time.
Plan your trip early because summer events and festivals can fill up quickly.
Thinking about making Milwaukee your new home after visiting?
Enigma Properties can help! We offer a variety of beautiful apartments across Milwaukee in the best neighborhoods. Whether you want to live near the lake, close to nightlife, or in a quiet family area, we have the perfect home for you.
Contact Enigma Properties today for a free quote and learn more about living in amazing Milwaukee!
Also, check out our next guide: 10 Best Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells in 2025!
