1. Milwaukee Art Museum: Milwaukee's Architectural Landmark
Marvel at 125 years of breathtaking global antiquities housed in three contemporary structures. The Milwaukee Art Museum's collections include the archives of Milwaukee's first art gallery in 1888. Wander the museum floors and gaze at the plethora of antiquities to contemporary art in over 40 galleries. Peruse the breathtaking European 15th-20th-century paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, prints, photographs, and folk art on display. If you are a fan of Georgia O'Keeffe, you'll appreciate the massive collection housed in the museum. Amongst the museum's acquisition are Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Winslow Homer, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol. Visit the War Memorial Center, a cruciform structure floating on a pedestal. Inside, stroll the halls of the art museums and visit the memorial court designed with an indoor pool. Walk over to the Quadracci Pavilion, and marvel at the Brise Soleil, a wind-shaped sunscreen with two ultrasonic wind sensors that maintain the wings spinning when winds are below 23 mph. At the Cudahy Gardens, revel at the series of ten hedgerows and a streamed water fountain that allocate the garden into ten askew lawns.
2. Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory: The Only Conoidal Glass House in the World
Designed by Donald L. Grieb, a Milwaukee architect, the horticultural conservatory houses five, 140-foot conoidal glass domes supported by a concrete frame and aluminum guttering. Five times a year, the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory's Show Dome modifies its display to focus on new historical, cultural, or fantasy themes. Each Fall, the conservatory offers two tours that vary in subject. During the month of August, attend Art in the Green and appreciate the local art showcased for sale inside the Conservatory Annex. The celebration includes food and a night of entertainment.
3. Harley-Davidson Museum: Celebrates Over 100 Years of Harley-Davidson History
For an amazing and exhilarating adventure, take the H-D Museum Dream Experiences tour for a three-night deluxe stay at the Iron Horse Hotel and a behind-the-scenes VIP package that includes access to the museum archives, the motorcycle storage area, a trip to Harley-Davidson Motor Company's headquarters, and lunch at the Motor Bar & Restaurant with Bill Davidson, the museum's VP. If you are a Harley Davidson enthusiast, you'll love the Custom Culture exhibit showcasing the Elvis Bike, Rhinestone Harley, and the famous King Kong.
4. Pabst Theater: The Heart of Milwaukee's Downtown Theater District
Nicknamed, "Grande Olde Lady", the Pabst Theater is Milwaukee's oldest playhouse, and the fourth-oldest in the United States that's still in operation. Built in 1895, its European design was inspired by Germany's grand theaters. Throughout the year, the Pabst houses live performances with amazing sound. Enjoy a live concert amidst the marvelous historic architecture.
5. Miller Park: Home of the Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukeeans love their baseball almost as much as they love their beer, so be sure to check out this ballpark for the best of both these worlds. Take the 90-105 minute MVP Tour for an exclusive view of the Milwaukee Brewer's historic ballpark, named after its sponsor, Miller Brewing Company. Stroll the Media Interview Room and Batting Cages. Visit the dugout, clubhouse, press box and Bob Uecker's famous broadcast booth.
6. Millennium Park: Chicago 2000
Designed in celebration of the year 2000, Millennium Park is a feat of urban planning most famous for Cloud Gate, A.K.A. The Bean. In the spirit of progressive design and fueled by the advent of a new millennium, the park is still ahead of its time with its focus on sustainability and accessibility. This makes it an awesome outing for all!
7. Wisconsin State Capitol: The Beauty of Democracy
Wisconsin's third State Capitol building is almost certainly its most beautiful. Located on the isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona, the Capitol was opened in 1917 and still reigns supreme as the city's tallest building. Inside, politics buffs will find a treasure trove of sights and stories. See the bust of Progressive hero Robert M. LaFollette, a series of stunning mosaic murals by Kenyon Cox and the breathtaking ceiling of the Capitol Rotunda, and get to the heart of the state's political action.