Best Museums in Waukesha

"The previous day was largely car-based, so we chose to leave the car at the hotel and explore on foot instead. Our first stop: the Milwaukee Art Museum, maybe 15 minutes from the hotel. I’m not someone to make kids spend hours in a museum, especially when the weather outside is nice, but I wanted to see the rooftop of the museum (large wings designed by Santiago Calatrava that open a couple of times a day), and I always like exposing the kids to art."

"One of the largest museums globally, the Milwaukee Art Museum has over 25,000 works in its collection. It first opened in 1882."

"This museum has plenty of fun for those a few years shy of getting their motorcycle license. Interactive exhibits showcase the extraordinary products, people, history, and culture of this iconic American company. Little visitors can get their photo taken on one of the bikes in the Experience Gallery, and can try on a pint-sized leather jacket and rev the engine on a bike that’s just their size in the Imagination Station."

"Pose for a photo with the company founders, see the oldest known Harley Davidson motorcycle (knowns as “Serial Number One”, rev up your engines in the engine room, rummage through discvoery drawers filled with vintage toys and trinkets, make your own custom creation at the build-a-bike station, and much more!"

"One of Milwaukee’s biggest claims to fame is Harley Davidson. If you’re an avid road warrior or even an occasional rider, you’ll find the Harley Davidson Museum an absolute blast. As one of the premier things to do in Milwaukee, make sure to check it out."

"The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) is an excellent place to pass a few hours exploring its many collections and exhibits. Highlights include fascinating natural history displays of life-size dinosaurs and a reconstruction of a tropical rainforest, as well as a presentation of Milwaukee's past in the "Streets of Old Milwaukee" exhibit. Other popular permanent exhibits (the museum boasts 17 all told) include displays related to the continents of Africa, Asia, and the Arctic; a village with reconstructions of homes from Europe; and a variety of diorama scenes relating to the region's native populations."

"This human and natural history museum is home to surefire kid-pleasers like dinosaurs, mummies, live butterflies, and immersive life-size dioramas. Step into the tropical rainforest, take a peek below the surface of the ocean, and travel back in time to the early days of Milwaukee."

"Milwaukee's only museum designed specifically for kids ages 10 and younger, featuring hands-on exhibits and interactive programs. Step inside Home Town, a kid-sized community where kids can explore a manufacturing exhibit, post office, construction site, TV studio and more. Kids will discover exciting hands-on exhibits that teach them about healthy lifestyles, art, trains and rotating special exhibits."

"A post shared by Betty Brinn Museum (@bettybrinnchildrensmuseum) on Apr 22, 2019 at 11:09am PDT. Don’t let the name museum fool you, The Betty Brinn Museum is a paradise for kids of all ages. Watch as your kids showcase their creativity and talents as they get busy crafting converting their imagination into reality."

"Milwaukee’s only museum designed specifically for children 10 and younger. Kids learn about the world around them through making, doing, and exploring in exhibits like Home Town, a kid-sized community complete with a grocery store, TV station, post office, and even a Harley-Davidson dealership!"

"In the Grohmann’s primary exhibit, The Man at Work, find an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures – billed as “the world’s most comprehensive” – showcasing the evolution of human work over time. If you visit, be sure to check out the rooftop sculpture garden as well. Great for its views of that part of downtown, but even more spectacular for the workmanship atop the roof."

"Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53215 1st Sunday of each month (April – December, excluding holidays)1:00 PM – 4:00 PM or by appointment Free admissionWebsite. The Fire Museum features a vintage bunk room, alarm area and fire officers office. It is one of five fire stations of this style built in 1927."

"The Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum was opened for the public in 1987 and exists with the main aim of documenting and preserving the rich historical heritage of all the African descent in Wisconsin. The Museum collects, exhibits as well as disseminates several materials that represent this heritage. The Museum has been serving as a resource centre right for all the people who might be...Read more"

"The mission of the Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum is to document and preserve the historical heritage of African descent in Wisconsin."

"Located right on Prospect Avenue on Milwaukee’s east side, the Charles Allis Art Museum is part of the broader museum row. The small art museum is inside a historic mansion, built by the prominent Allis family in Milwaukee specifically to hold their art collection. The mansion manages to hold quite a bit of art, including paintings and objectives from around the world."

"A lavish Tudor-style home that now displays a permanent art collection that spans more than 2,000 years as well as changing exhibitions and programs that celebrate Milwaukee’s diversity and Wisconsin art and artists. The Charles Allis Art Museum is a rich cultural institution that serves the entire Milwaukee community."

"Located in the Helfaer Community Service Building, a building intended by philantrhopists Marion and Evan Helfaer to “improve and enrich the lives of all members of the Milwaukee community, regardless of race or religion,” the Jewish Museum's mission is to enhance the public’s awareness and appreciation of Jewish life and culture. With a particular focus on preserving and presenting the history of the Jewish people in southeastern Wisconsin, the Jewish Museum has an extensive collection of oral histories, genealogy records and other archives."

"Celebrate the history and contributions of Southeastern Wisconsin’s Jewish community. Changing special exhibits like “Jews Who Rock” and “Stitching History from the Holocaust” explore the breadth of the Jewish experience alongside historic pieces in the permanent collection."

"A physics professor from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee opened the Manfred Olson Planetarium in 1965. Today, this planetarium will pique the interest of any visitor, particularly those interested in science. The facility is equipped with digital projectors and visual effects, all of which provide a stimulating visual experience."

"Only in Milwaukee does a beer-flavored ice cream make sense. And at Purple Door Ice Cream, their frozen desserts are adults-only treats and contain 1-3 percent of alcohol. Purple Door Ice Cream parlor is located in the historic Walker's Point area of Milwaukee, and it is a popular place where people go for their favorite scoop of ice cream or just to see what new concoction the owners Lauren and Steve Schultz have come up with."

"Next up is Walker's Point's Purple Door Ice Cream, situated at 205 S. Second St. With 4.5 stars out of 340 reviews on Yelp, the spot to score ice cream and frozen yogurt has proven to be a local favorite. Among the 20 flavors are beer and pretzels, ginger, garam marsala and black licorice."

"Purple Door is known for turning out delicious local ice cream in small batches. They offer many unique flavors, like Whiskey, Lemon Cardamom, and Beer & Pretzels, as well as classics like Butter Pecan, Vanilla and Chocolate Sorbet. Grab a sundae or take home a pint for later."

"2378 N Teutonia Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53206Distance from campus: 1.7 miles. In a small little shack not too far from campus, it’s a favorite for locals. Tastee Twist is best known for their lemon ice cream along with their Twinkle Coat topping, which involves peanut brittle and sprinkles."

"Washington HeightsWhat you’re getting: SlushicleFred’s doesn’t quite abide by the same custard rules as most everyone else, since it makes its custard in a soft-serve machine. One thing that’s great for, though, is making drinks. For something really refreshing, try the slushicle, a slushie blended with vanilla custard."

"As long as I remember, Fred's has always been a great neighborhood hamburger/custard stand. Everyone is always pleasant where you feel like family More reviews"

"A fine Irish pub in its own right, the County Clare Irish Hotel welcomes guests with its Irish hospitality, a prevailing characteristic of the group when they emigrated to Milwaukee in the 1800s. County Clare is near Brady Street, a popular strip for Milwaukee nightlife, and is also close to Henry Maier Festival Park, the home of Milwaukee’s many ethnic festivals – including Irish Fest."

"This cozy pub serves up traditional Irish food and brews in a warm atmosphere. Outdoor seating: yes. Restaurant Hours: 5-9 p.m."