Top 10 Most Popular Landmarks in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Wisconsin is known for its heritage as major beer-making capital. Despite its long-standing reputation, none of the historic breweries exist today. However, Milwaukee still has a number of popular landmarks that are unique to the city. The following is my list of the Top 10:

Milwaukee Art Museum

With its soaring wing-like Brise soleil, a sun-shading mechanism, dominating the design of this world class facility, Milwaukee has a landmark that is sure to catch the eye of passersby. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the museum holds a number of significant collections ranging from Old Masters to Haitian art to works by German expressionists. Since its completion in 2001, the Milwaukee Art Museum, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, has become a symbolic landmark for the city of Milwaukee. It now holds a prominent place on the Milwaukee skyline.

Allen-Bradley Clock Tower

The Allen-Bradley Clock Tower a famous landmark located in the Walker's Point neighborhood. It is found on the facilities of Rockwell Automation Company. The Allen-Bradley Clock Tower has the distinction of being the world's largest four-faced clock according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Milwaukee City Hall

Once holding the title as the tallest building in the United States when it was completed in 1895, the Milwaukee City Hall is a historic structure that is a popular landmark in Milwaukee. The German Renaissance Revival styled building, with a soaring clock tower, held the tallest building title until 1899. Its design exemplified the German heritage of the city of Milwaukee. It was among the opening scenes of the television sitcom "Laverne and Shirley." The Milwaukee City Hall is now a National Historic Landmark and was used as the symbol Milwaukee. It is still one of the most popular landmarks in Milwaukee.

U.S. Bank Center

Holding the distinction as the tallest building in Milwaukee and Wisconsin, the U.S. Bank Center is a well-recognized skyscraper on the Milwaukee skyline. Rising to a height of 601 feet, the tower was completed in 1973. Prior to its completion, the Milwaukee City Hall was the tallest building in the city.

Wisconsin Gas Building

The weather beacon in the shape of a flame atop the Wisconsin Gas Building has been used by navigators in Lake Michigan for years. The flame's color indicates the upcoming weather forecast. The stair-stepped, Art Deco Wisconsin Gas Building was completed in 1930 and is one of Milwaukee's most familiar landmarks.

Bradley Center

The Bradley Center has been the home to the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA since its opening in 1988. Located just west of downtown Milwaukee, the arena was a gift to the state of Wisconsin by heirs to the Allen-Bradley Company fortune. Despite its lack of features common to today's basketball arenas, it is still a well-known landmark in Milwaukee.

Miller Park

Miller Park is a baseball park that is home to the Milwaukee Brewers. The park opened in 2001 and features a fan-shaped convertible roof that can be opened or closed as conditions dictate. Miller Park is also the site of concerts and other major events. Located right near the intersection of I-94 and US 41, the ballpark is now one of Milwaukee's most popular landmarks.

Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory

The three beehive-shaped domes make the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory a recognizable landmark in Milwaukee. The 85-foot high domes feature different climate conditions that highlight the plants native to that environment. The domes were opened in phases beginning in 1964. The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory is another one of the popular and unique landmarks in Milwaukee.

Historic Third Ward

The Historic Third Ward is a popular district in Milwaukee. It was formerly the location of warehouses and industrial buildings. Today many of those structures are now restored loft apartments, businesses, and restaurants. The Third Ward is home to the Riverwalk, the RiverSculpture! art and sculpture displays, and Milwaukee Public Market. The Historic Third Ward is one of Milwaukee's most popular areas and landmarks.

Basilica of St. Josaphat

Exemplifying the grand Polish cathedral-style of architecture, the Basilica of St. Josaphat is an opulent minor basilica located in the Lincoln Village section of Milwaukee. The church has one of the largest copper domes in the world. Built in 1901, the Basilica of St. Josaphat is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of Milwaukee's most popular landmarks.