Milwaukee, Wisconsin: A Travel Guide

Milwaukee, a city of 1.7 million inhabitants, is a moderately large city that offers more than its fair share in regards to high quality tourist attractions, but at the same time, it can somehow maintain the regional charm of a small city. From its world class museums, to its Flemish Renaissance architecture and German heritage, Milwaukee is a city that likes its culture, but above all, likes its fun.

The Milwaukee Art Museum is truly one of Milwaukee's highlights. Its breathtaking new pavilion was designed by the world renown architect Santiago Calatrava (who is the architect for the Chicago Spire, the proposed 150-story housing tower) and is a perfect compliment to its anchor building, which was designed by Eero Saarinen (most famous for his Gateway Arch in St. Louis) and opened in 1957. Saarinen's building is considered a classic of modern architecture, and Calatrava's addition is considered one of the finest pieces of contemporary architecture. All this is not to say that architecture is all that the museum has to offer. The Old Masters are well represented, as are the schools of the last 19^th Century - early 20^th Century. The museum holds one of the most impressive collections of German Expressionism. It also has on display one of the largest collections of Georgia O'Keefe in the world. Admission is a modest $8.

The most popular tourist destination in Milwaukee is the Milwaukee County Zoo, which is considered to be one of the finest zoos in the world. Home to over 2000 animals representing five continents, the zoo has an impressively varied collection of species. Of note, the zoo is now aggressively engaged in the propagation and conservation of endangered species. Examples include the Humboldt penguins, the Trumpeter swans, and the bonobos, a rare and endangered species of great ape. Admission is $9.

An overlooked gem can be found on the campus of Marquette University. The Saint Joan of Arc Chapel, believe it or not, dates to some time in the 15^th Century. It was originally built in a town outside of Lyon in France. In 1926, it was purchased by a couple in Jericho, NY who wanted it as a private chapel. After their deaths, the chapel was bequeathed to the university. It was re-consecrated in 1966. It is said that before her death, Joan of Arc kissed one of the stones, and that to this day, that particular stone is colder than all the others in the chapel. 30 minute tours of the chapel are provided, and they are free of charge.

Another religious structure of note is the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. It was one of the latest works of the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright; in fact, this church was completed in two years after Wright's death in 1961. This church marks a radical architectural break, consisting of a large dome placed upon a structure whose shape is based upon the Greek cross. Unfortunately, the church is not open to the public.

In 1892, beer baron Frederick Pabst built a new home, a mansion in the Flemish Renaissance style that was popular in Victorian era Milwaukee. It was considered the grandest residence ever built in the city. It contains thirty-seven rooms, twelve bathrooms, and fourteen fireplaces. It was one of the first homes in Milwaukee to be wired for electricity, have modern indoor plumbing, and central heating. It is open to the public, and tours are available.

Another example of the Flemish Renaissance is Milwaukee's City Hall. Built in 1895, it was modeled after the city hall in Hamburg, Germany and reflects Milwaukee's German heritage. Its 353 foot tower, at the time of construction, was the third tallest in America (after the Washington Monument and Philadelphia's City Hall). Brochures are available for self-guided touring of the building.

Miller Brewing is probably the company that is most associated with the city of Milwaukee and with good reason. Founded in 1855, Miller played a large role in making Milwaukee a center of brewing in America, not to mention being one of its largest and most reliable employers. Tours of the brewery are both fun and informative. All parts of the brewing process are covered. Admission is free and complimentary beer is served at the end of the tour.

Opened in 2001, Miller Park is home to the local major league baseball franchise, the aptly named Milwaukee Brewers. Tours of the park are available and include behind the scenes peeks at the dugouts, luxury suites, clubhouses, press box, and the broadcast booth where the well-known voice of the Brewers, Bob Uecker, plies his trade announcing the games for the Brewers. The seventy minute tour costs $6.

The great acting couple of Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne are usually associated with Broadway, but Alfred Lunt was born and raised in Milwaukee, and he and his wife built an estate, which they called Ten Chimneys, in nearby Genesee Depot, Wisconsin as a summer retreat during the course of the 1920s and 30s. Over time, it became a passion for the couple, who found themselves investing more and more of their creativity into the property. Their own, and that of their theatre friends. Much of the interior design work was done by Broadway designers. A very unique property, the estate consists of three buildings which are open to the public. Fully-guided tours of the entire estate costs $35.

And last but certainly not least, as every biker or biker aficionado knows, Milwaukee is home to Harley-Davidson. Located a short drive away in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, you'll find the Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations facility. And it is open to the public. Hour long tours of the factory are offered free of charge.