Milwaukee is one of America’s most affordable cities for visitors — and many of its best experiences are completely free. Here’s your guide to a great Milwaukee weekend without spending a dime on admission.
Watch the Milwaukee Art Museum Wings Open
Every morning at 10 a.m., the Calatrava-designed Burke Brise Soleil opens its 217-foot wings on the Milwaukee Art Museum. You don’t need to pay admission to watch this spectacular daily event — just stand on the lakefront and look up. It’s one of the most beautiful things you’ll see in any American city.
Walk the Riverwalk
Milwaukee’s Riverwalk runs for miles along the Milwaukee River through downtown, the Third Ward, and beyond. It’s free, it’s beautiful, and it connects you to some of the city’s best neighborhoods. Look for the public art installations along the way.
Visit the Milwaukee Public Market
The Milwaukee Public Market in the Third Ward is free to enter and endlessly entertaining. Browse the vendors, sample the food, watch the people, and soak up the energy of one of Milwaukee’s most vibrant public spaces.
Explore the Lakefront Parks
Milwaukee’s lakefront parks — Bradford Beach, Veterans Park, Lakeshore State Park — are all free and offer some of the best views in the city. Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon on the shore of Lake Michigan.
Visit the America’s Black Holocaust Museum
The America’s Black Holocaust Museum at 401 W. North Avenue offers free or reduced admission on certain days. Check their website for current admission policies. The museum is one of Milwaukee’s most important cultural institutions and should not be missed.
