A Budget Guide to Milwaukee: Top Spots, Breweries & More

If you’re looking for fun day trip spots from Chicago, I’ve got you covered. There are several cities near Chicago that are within a 3-hour bus ride (or drive) away. The one I highly recommend is located in the neighboring state of Wisconsin.

Abhi and I always wanted to visit Wisconsin after watching That 70s Show, and finally, during our Chicago trip, we managed to make a quick day trip to Milwaukee. The city was merely a 2-hour bus ride away and offered a day packed with excitement, history, and delicious brews.

Bus to Milwaukee from Chicago

Reaching Milwaukee from Chicago is easy, thanks to the great public transit connectivity between the two cities. You can take a bus or a train that will cost $22 per person (the price might vary based on the time of the day). Moreover, the bus terminals in both cities are centrally located, making it easy to hop on and off hassle-free.

We took the Flix bus, which took 2 hours one way and gave us plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenic landscapes of the Midwest. 

Things to do in Milwaukee

We only had 8 hours to explore the whole city, so we chose very specific things to do. We started our day at the Harley Davidson Museum, visited a popular riverfront brewery for a brewery tour, and ended our day checking out the world’s largest Bobblehead museum. Here are more details about the places we visited and why we recommend them.

Harley Davidson Museum

Milwaukee is the birthplace of the iconic Harley-Davidson bikes. Yes, the ones that make our heads turn whenever they pass by. I’m not a bike enthusiast, but I surely am a history buff and never miss a chance to visit historic places. In this case, it was the headquarters of the famous Harley-Davidson motorbikes that I was eager to visit to learn about the creative process of inventing these amazing machines.

The Harley-Davidson museum is a haven for motorcycle enthusiasts, showcasing over 450 motorcycles and artifacts, including the oldest motorcycle “Serial Number One” to the rarest models in their inventory. The museum celebrates the brand’s history and delves into the cultural impact of Harley-Davidson on America and the world.

It took us about 3 hours to see the entire museum. The museum is huge so expect a lot of walking inside and around the campus. Our favorite sections were the interactive displays, the 1903 Engine Room, and the Design Lab, where we learned so much about the engineering behind these legendary bikes.

We also checked out the shop and the restaurant and enjoyed a chilled beer and food by the river while listening to live rock music. If you find yourself in Milwaukee or Chicago, do stop by this museum for a fun and immersive experience.

Note: The museum offers paid ($1) locker service where you can keep your belongings safely as bags are not allowed inside the museum.

Ticket: $24 per adult + $6 for audio tour (optional)
Timing: Daily, 10 AM to 5 PM
Website: https://www.harley-davidson.com/in/en/museum.html

Lakefront Brewery Tour

Beer is a popular drink in Milwaukee and is home to several major league brewers including, Miller Brewing Company, Pabst Brewing Company, and Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company. Therefore, visiting one of the major beer factories or microbreweries is a must in the city.

We picked Lakefront Brewery for our quintessential Milwaukee experience, located along the Milwaukee River. This brewery offers one of the best tours in the city and takes you through the entire brewing process in the most fun way possible.

Our tour included generous samples of Lakefront Brewery’s award-winning beers and an informative tour around the factory. We tried their flagship Riverwest Stein, a delicious amber lager, and the popular Eastside Dark, a dark lager with a rich flavor profile. Our tour guide was funny and we loved his storytelling.

After our tour ended, we explored the beer hall some more and collected our complimentary souvenirs on the way out.

Ticket: $16 per adult (weekends) + $13 (weekdays)
Timing: Daily, 11 AM to 9 PM
Website: https://lakefrontbrewery.com/brewery-tours/our-famous-tour

National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum

Lastly, we visited a hidden gem of Milwaukee, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum. This quirky museum features the world’s largest collection of bobbleheads, from sports figures and historical icons to pop culture characters.

We loved exploring the extensive collection of exhibits, especially the ones showcasing the evolution of bobbleheads, their cultural significance, and how they are made. The museum also had interactive displays and photo opportunities that were a delight. It was a great way to conclude our day in Milwaukee.

Ticket: $5 (+ tax) per adult
Timing: Mon-Fri 10 AM to 6 PM & Sat-Sun 10 AM to 5 PM
Website: https://www.bobbleheadhall.com/

Other things to do in Milwaukee

If you have more time to spare, here are some more interesting spots you can visit.

1. Milwaukee Art Museum – Explore Wisconsin’s largest art museum, home to an impressive collection of art and antiques. The museum’s striking façade, famously known as the “Burke Brise Soleil” or “wings,” is an architectural marvel that adds to the experience.
2. Bradford Beach – Relax at this historic beach park and immerse yourself in its peaceful ambiance. Bradford Beach, designed by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted—the same visionary behind NYC’s Central Park—offers a harmonious mix of natural beauty and thoughtful design. Alternatively, you can take a trip to Lakeshore State Park to admire the stunning skyline and lighthouse views.
3. Shows & games – If you love theatre, head to the historic Pabst Theater to watch a theatre performance or a concert. Alternatively, enjoy a Brewers, Bucks, or Packers game at one of the stadiums.
4. Kid-friendly spots – If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to visit the Milwaukee Zoo, ranked as one of the top 10 zoos in the country. For even more family fun, head to the Discovery World Museum, where you’ll find fascinating exhibits and an impressive aquarium that will captivate visitors of all ages. You can also ride the popular Milwaukee Ferris Wheel, a.k.a, WonderFair Wheel, the largest Ferris wheel in the USA.

What & where to eat in Milwaukee

Here are some popular food and eateries you can visit on your trip to Milwaukee.

1. Frozen Custard – Savor one of Wisconsin’s most beloved desserts: frozen custard. Though originally invented in Coney Island, New York, this creamy treat has become a local favorite in Wisconsin. Leon’s Frozen Custard, Gilles Frozen Custard, and Kopp’s Frozen Custard are some iconic frozen custard shops you can try.
2. Cheese Curds – Another quintessential dish you can try is cheese curds. Wisconsin is called the cheese curd capital of the world, so trying this dish is a must on your visit. One of the best cheese curd dishes can be found in Lakefront Brewery, which you can relish with their classic chilled beer.
3. Historic Third Ward & Milwaukee Public Market – For a taste of Milwaukee’s local flavor, visit the Historic Third Ward or the Milwaukee Public Market. Both spots are bustling with small businesses run by locals, offering a variety of unique and traditional dishes that showcase the city’s diverse culinary scene.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the quintessential Midwest vibes and rich heritage of Milwaukee. I believe this city is underrated considering the numerous attractions and delicious food it has to offer. I highly encourage my readers to explore its beauty whenever they have a chance.