Best of Milwaukee

Historic Third Ward and Riverwalk [1]: Milwaukee’s most historic commercial district is gentrified but not tacky, with shops, a farmers market, cafés, museums, grand architecture, and a cool riverwalk.

Milwaukee Art Museum [2]: Its stunning, sail-like addition by Santiago Calatrava is ever trumpeted in international media; don’t forget the fantastic collections inside the building.

Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin [3]: Wow. This lakefront addition is architecturally and educationally a magnificent exclamation point (literally, from above, and figuratively) on the city’s massive downtown works projects.

Pabst Mansion [4]: It drops most visitors’ jaws — yes, this indeed was the Beer City, and the brewery families spared no expense showing off their riches.

Milwaukee Public Museum and IMAX [5]: This phenomenal museum — which pioneered the concept of walk-through exhibits — has the nation’s largest number of exhibits, so many a day is needed to stroll through them all.

Villa Terrace [6]: Smashing terraced gardens and renowned art collections make this museum unparalleled in the Midwest.

Miller Brewing [7]: It soldiers on in the grand tradition of Milwaukee brewing. This megacomplex simply must be seen to be believed. Moreover, it’s a definite point of pride for Milwaukeeans.

Harley-Davidson Museum [8]: Beer may have made Milwaukee famous, but its denizens are likely prouder of this true-blue heritage.

Summerfest [9]: Otherwise known as the Big Gig, it’s the granddaddy of U.S. festivals — an 11-day blowout of music, food, and fun, with zillions of people partying heartily.

Cedarburg [10]: To Milwaukee’s north is a gem of an anachronism, a preserved village with charm and lots of shops.