Day Trips in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

If you're a visitor to Milwaukee, or a long-time resident, here are a few ideas to see what this growing Midwestern city has to offer. These excursions can all be experienced in one day, although you might just come back another day to explore even more.

Milwaukee County Zoo. One of the premier zoos in the United States, the Milwaukee County Zoo houses more than 1,700 mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. With over 200 acres of park land, the grounds are adorned with a dazzling display of flowers and shrubs during the warmer months. The newly renovated Big Cats exhibit is a treat, especially the outdoor snow leopard area. Offering educational programs as well as special exhibits, you can spend the entire day at the zoo with plenty to do and see. Admission prices are about $10/adult and $6/child, depending when you visit. It is conveniently located directly off the freeway, and offers parking and stroller rental.

Milwaukee Public Museum. A fixture in the Milwaukee area since 1848, the Milwaukee Public Museum is a delight to schoolchildren and visitors alike. Stroll down the Streets of Old Milwaukee, peering into windows to the past. The butterfly wing is a favorite for the younger children, as is the dinosaur area. The Milwaukee Public Museum attracts top-notch traveling exhibits, such as Egyptian exhibits, the Vatican relics, and the popular "Body Worlds". Adult tickets are $11 each, and children pay $6.

Milwaukee Art Museum. Visitors to this stunning museum on the shore of Lake Michigan are greeted by the towering ship-like Calatrava designed building. Stroll through the wings to view artwork from Picasso to Warhol. Adult tickets are $8, children 12 and under are free.

Summerfest Grounds. The summer months bring a season of music and festivals to Milwaukee's lake front area. Just south of the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Summerfest grounds border the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. Touted as the largest music festival in the world, the ten-day event attracted over 800,000 visitors in 2006, and offers hundreds of free music concerts once you're inside the gates. Ethnic festivals, such as Irish Fest, German Fest, and Festa Italiana are held over the summer. These festivals also draw large crowds, and offer music groups, food, and shopping. Gate prices for these festivals run from $10-$15.

If organized events are not your style, Bradford Beach just north of the downtown area is a good option for a day-trip. Just over Lake Drive is Lake Park, which hosts long walking and biking paths.