Milwaukee, the largest city in Wisconsin, is a beautiful place to visit in May. The weather is mild, the flowers are in bloom, and there are plenty of things to see and do. Here are nine of the best things to do in Milwaukee in May 2024:
Milwaukee is a cultural hub with a rich history and vibrant arts scene. The city is home to several world-class museums and theaters, including the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Harley-Davidson Museum, and the Pabst Theater. There are also many smaller art galleries and performance spaces, as well as a thriving music scene.
Milwaukee is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. The city has a beautiful lakefront with parks, trails, and beaches. There are also many other parks and green spaces throughout the city, including the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Boerner Botanical Gardens. If you’re looking for a more active way to enjoy the outdoors, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking.
Of course, no trip to Milwaukee would be complete without sampling the local food. The city is known for its bratwurst, cheese curds, and fish boils. There are also many great restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, from fine dining to casual fare.
If you’re planning a trip to Milwaukee in May, here are some things to keep in mind:
Things to Do
1. Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum
The Milwaukee Art Museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the United States. The museum has a collection of over 30,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and photographs. The museum is also home to the Quadracci Pavilion, which is a stunning addition to the museum’s campus. The Quadracci Pavilion houses the museum’s collection of modern and contemporary art.
2. Take a tour of the Harley-Davidson Museum
The Harley-Davidson Museum is a must-visit for any motorcycle enthusiast. The museum tells the story of Harley-Davidson, from its humble beginnings in a small shed in Milwaukee to its status as one of the most iconic brands in the world. The museum has a collection of over 450 motorcycles, as well as exhibits on Harley-Davidson history, culture, and design.
3. See a show at the Pabst Theater
The Pabst Theater is one of the oldest and most beautiful theaters in the United States. The theater opened in 1895 and has hosted a wide variety of performances, from vaudeville to Broadway shows. Today, the Pabst Theater is home to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Milwaukee Ballet. The theater also hosts a variety of other performances, including concerts, plays, and comedy shows.
4. Visit the Milwaukee County Zoo
The Milwaukee County Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from around the world. The zoo has a variety of exhibits, including the African savanna, the Amazon rainforest, and the polar bear exhibit. The zoo also has a children’s zoo and a carousel. The Milwaukee County Zoo is a great place to spend a day with the family.
5. Explore the Boerner Botanical Gardens
The Boerner Botanical Gardens are a beautiful place to visit any time of year. The gardens have a variety of themed gardens, including the rose garden, the Japanese garden, and the children’s garden. The gardens also have a conservatory, which houses a collection of tropical plants. The Boerner Botanical Gardens are a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
6. Take a walk or bike ride along the lakefront
Milwaukee’s lakefront is a beautiful place to take a walk or bike ride. The lakefront has a paved trail that stretches for miles along the shore of Lake Michigan. The trail is perfect for walking, running, or biking. Along the trail, you’ll find parks, beaches, and fishing piers. The lakefront is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise.
7. Visit the Mitchell Park Conservatory
The Mitchell Park Conservatory is a beautiful botanical garden located in Milwaukee’s Mitchell Park. The conservatory has three domes, which house a variety of plants from around the world. The conservatory also has a tropical rainforest exhibit and a desert exhibit. The Mitchell Park Conservatory is a great place to visit any time of year.
8. Take a boat tour of the Milwaukee River
The Milwaukee River is a beautiful river that flows through the heart of Milwaukee. There are several boat tours that offer a variety of ways to experience the river. You can take a sightseeing tour, a dinner cruise, or a kayak tour. The boat tours are a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
9. Visit the Harley-Davidson Powerplant Museum
The Harley-Davidson Powerplant Museum is a unique museum that tells the story of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The museum is located in a former Harley-Davidson powerplant. The museum has a collection of over 300 motorcycles, as well as exhibits on Harley-Davidson history, culture, and design. The Harley-Davidson Powerplant Museum is a must-visit for any motorcycle enthusiast.
Best Months to Visit
The best time to visit Milwaukee is during the shoulder season, which runs from April to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. However, Milwaukee is a great place to visit year-round. In the summer, the city comes alive with festivals and outdoor activities. In the winter, there are plenty of opportunities for ice skating, sledding, and cross-country skiing.
Nearby Transportation
Milwaukee is easily accessible by car, train, or plane. The city is served by General Mitchell International Airport (MKE), which is located about 10 miles south of downtown. There are also several Amtrak train stations in Milwaukee, including the Milwaukee Intermodal Station, which is located in the heart of downtown.
Local Food
Milwaukee is a great place to try some of Wisconsin’s famous foods, such as bratwurst, cheese curds, and fish boils. There are also many great restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, from fine dining to casual fare. Some of the most popular local dishes include:
- Bratwurst
- Cheese curds
- Fish boils
- Butter burgers
- Cream puffs
Best Hotels
There are many great hotels in Milwaukee, from budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations. Here are a few of the most popular hotels:
- The Pfister Hotel
- The Hilton Milwaukee City Center
- The Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
- The Marriott Milwaukee Downtown
- The InterContinental Milwaukee
Conclusion
Milwaukee is a great place to visit year-round, but it’s especially beautiful in May. With its mild weather, blooming flowers, and plenty of things to see and do, Milwaukee is the perfect place to spend a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
