Milwaukee
Milwaukee City Overview
Despite its reputation as a blue collar brewery worker city, Milwaukee is a world class destination nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan. A city devoted to its neighborhoods and its diversity, Milwaukee also knows how to throw a party. Every summer along the lakefront, SummerFest draws millions of visitors from across the globe, including top name musical acts.
In the heart of downtown, the Water Street entertainment district offers scores of bars and restaurants which serve as a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Milwaukee is justifiably proud of its lakefront park system, which has been preserved and beautified for the benefit of all.
There’s a strong German cultural influence here, along with Irish, Polish, Hispanic, and more. The German influence led to Milwaukee being named the Beer Capital of the World. While long time brewing giants like Schlitz and Pabst are gone as an independent brewing presence, smaller breweries like Sprecher and Lakefront have taken up the torch. Of course, Miller Brewing is still one of the city’s major employers, and maintains a deep identity within the community.
Milwaukee is a beautiful city to explore for a long weekend. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back again and again.
The Neighborhood – Miller Park
Miller Park is located about 40 blocks west of downtown Milwaukee in a mostly residential neighborhood. Interstate 94 runs along the north side of the ballpark and across the way, you’ll see the Miller Brewery. Several blocks south of the park along National Avenue, you’ll find a few local spots to eat. The ballpark itself is surrounded by parking lots, and that’s by design. Tailgating is huge for Brewers games, so expect to catch a whiff of grilling sausages as you enter the parking lot.
The Ballpark
Miller Park opened in 2001 after numerous construction delays. It’s a beautiful facility, done up in retro red brick and steel. Perhaps the most intriguing feature of Miller Park is the fan shaped retractable roof, which can close shut in 20 minutes. The retractable roof has helped attendance in Milwaukee significantly, eliminating worries about inclement Wisconsin weather, particularly in spring.
Concessions are given a real emphasis at Miller Park. There are all sorts of beer options and the food is among the best in baseball. Be sure to try the special blend Stadium Sauce on your bratwurst.
Ballpark Tours
Tours of Miller Park are available during the baseball season, except when there is a day game. The tour lasts just over an hour and you’ll take in the clubhouse, dugout, broadcast area, and more. Cost is $8.
Historic Baseball Sites
Miller Park was built across the parking lot from old County Stadium, which was demolished shortly after Miller Park was completed. The former site of County Stadium is now a small youth ballpark in one of the parking lots. A few rememberances of the old ballpark are around, and there’s a plaque marking the spot of Hank Aaron’s 755th and final home run, swatted as a Brewer in 1976.
Brewers Tickets
Tickets for big games against division rivals are usually sold out, in particular the Chicago Cubs series. Certain weekend promotional games are also very popular, so plan accordingly. Otherwise, just walk up and buy a ticket.
Public Transportation
Miller Park is adjacent to Interstate 94 and is surrounded by parking lots, so most people drive to the game. There are a fair amount of shuttles and bus trips from area establishments, so keep your eyes open for those. To travel to the game on the cheap from downtown Milwaukee, there’s a public bus that goes from downtown to the game on back along Wisconsin Avenue.
Restaurants, Taverns, and Great Beer Bars
Miller Brewing Company: Seriously, what’s a visit to Milwaukee without doing the Miller tour? The brewery caves, the gift shop, the marketing movie, the free samples, it’s quintessential Milwaukee. Oh, and they’ll mail your postcards free of charge. Located across from Miller Park just north of Interstate 94. 3939 N. Highland Blvd., Milwaukee. Phone: 414-931-2000.
Lakefront Brewing: This small microbrewery has a huge following in the Milwaukee area. Every year, people line up to buy their latest batch of Pumpkin Ale, a great brew for fall. Join their tour and see how it’s done. 1872 N. Commerce St., Milwaukee. Phone: 414-372-8800.
Milwaukee Ale House: Located a couple of blocks south of downtown along the Milwaukee River, the Milwaukee Ale House has become the place to go for good craft beer in the city. There’s live music, a revolving selection of house brewed beer on tap, and a deck overlooking the Milwaukee River. 233 N. Water St., Milwaukee. Phone: 414-226-2337.
Stonefly Brewing: This is a cool little brewpub in a city where beer is big. Walk in and you’ll think you’re in the Haight-Ashbury district in San Francisco. Open at 4 p.m. daily and with a limited food menu, Stonefly is all about adventurous beers and live music. We enjoyed spending a few hours here. 735 E. Center St., Milwaukee. Phone: 414-264-3630.
Water Street Brewery: Smack dab in the middle of the Water Street entertainment district is the Water Street Brewery, the oldest brewpub in Milwaukee. There’s lots of polished brass and big windows to view the passing scene, plus a full pub menu and house beers. 1101 N. Water St., Milwaukee. Phone: 414-273-1195.
Fat Abbey Biercafe: Just around the corner from Water Street Brewery is the Fat Abbey Biercafe. With their outdoor seating area and 24 taps (including several unique Belgian selections), this place is a must do on the Water Street party curcuit. 134 E. Juneau Ave., Milwaukee. Phone: 414-755-0333.
Old German Beer Hall: From the folks who gave you Hofbrauhaus comes this true to life German beer hall with the apropos name. It’s adjacent to the world famous Usinger Sausage Company and directly across the river from Water Street. House beers and great food complete the picture. 1009 N. 3rd St., Milwaukee. Phone: 414-226-2728.
Palm Tavern: Named after a famous Milwaukee beer garden of the early 20th Century, the Palm Tavern on Milwaukee’s near south side has gained a loyal following from beer lovers. There are 17 taps to go along with a laid back atmosphere. They really know their beer here. 2989 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee. Phone: 414-744-0393.
Sugar Maple: From the same owners as Palm Tavern comes Sugar Maple, a somewhat odd name for a great beer bar, but without a doubt that’s what it is. There are 60 types of beer available and a youthful, friendly crowd. 441 E. Lincoln Ave., Milwaukee. Phone: 414-481-2393.
Von Trier: A personal favorite on the near north side, less than 10 minutes from downtown. Von Trier serves all kinds of great German (and other) beers on tap, along with free popcorn and a welcoming beer garden. This place has been around for a long time and there’s a reason why … they do beer great. 2235 N. Farwell Ave., Milwaukee. Phone: 414-272-1775.
