Brew City is well-known for the fact that it has more bars than grocery stores, but what many don’t know is that it is also a little city with some big views. Whether you’re taking a stroll down the Riverwalk, hanging out by Lake Michigan, or you’re up for climbing a parking structure to see the city from new heights, here are 10 views that will blow you away.
- Lakeshore State Park
Friends of Lakeshore State Park / Facebook You can’t go wrong with this popular photoshoot spot. Nestled behind the Summerfest grounds, Discovery World, and just a stone-throw away from the Art Museum, this beautiful winding bike trail brings you through tall grass beside the lake and almost makes it feel like you’re not downtown for a second. The view of the skyline is like no other.
- The Hoan Bridge
Photo by Emily Jamar Everyone in Milwaukee knows that yellow arches mean a lot more than fast-food here. The Hoan Bridge is a monument in the city and offers picturesque views of the sunset over the lake, whether you’re driving over it or walking underneath.
- Kilbourn Park
Aaron Volkening/Flickr Also known as Kadish Park, this park in the up-and-coming Brewer’s Hill neighborhood offers a unique south-facing view of the skyline. Not only that, but you may even catch some free concerts in the summer!
- Rooftop Bars
Kimpton Journeyman Hotel / Facebook The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel is a fairly new addition to Milwaukee, and it doesn’t come short of spectacular views. Head on up to their rooftop bar, The Outsider, grab a drink, and catch a glimpse of Brew City from new heights. Some more rooftops worth mentioning: Blu, Tre Revali, Zen on 7.
- Parking Structures
A. Michael Simms / Flickr This is actually one of the best ways to see Milwaukee! Whether you’re wandering into nearly any structure on Water Street or climbing the Whole Foods parking lot on the east side, you’re in for quite the sight.
- Grant Park Beach
indykethdy / Wikimedia Commons This south side attraction is known for “Seven Bridges,” a man-made trail of wooden steps and bridges. This is one park that’s fun for the whole family, with an ice cream shop and bar— but it also has so many breathtaking views. From the beach to waterfalls, everything here is awe-inspiring.
- The Riverwalk
Sulfur / Wikipedia This two-mile path next to the Milwaukee River is a great way to avoid traffic while taking in Milwaukee’s art and history. Heading through three different neighborhoods with ever-changing public art, you’ll never get bored. The Riverwalk is also home to a statue of Milwaukee’s beloved “Bronze Fonz” from Happy Days, which is a sight you can’t afford to miss.
- US Bank Observation Deck
Jeramey Jannene / Wikimedia Commons Finding a way to get to the top of this iconic 41-floor tower may not be easy. The observation deck on top of Milwaukee’s most well-known skyscraper isn’t open to the public anymore, but during the city’s annual Doors Open Milwaukee event, you can take a ride up to the top and see MKE like you’ve never seen before.
- Milwaukee Art Museum
Michael Hicks / Wikipedia The wings on the Calatrava aren’t the only thing that moves. Every view from this building—which is literally art in itself—is truly astounding. Besides the beautiful art inside, the museum gives you a view of the lake from a different perspective. You’ll feel like you’re practically on the lake, but if you start getting seasick, you can always take the bridge back over Lincoln Memorial Drive and bask in all that is downtown art.
- McKinley Marina
Ken Mattison / Flickr Fun fact: marinas aren’t just for boats. If you want to see Milwaukee from the edge of it all, there’s a path that leads all the way through Veterans Park into the McKinley Marina, leaving the city silhouetted. We give it a 10/10 as our favorite sunset spot.
Who knew this little city could have such big views!? Where do you like to explore in Milwaukee? Let us know in the comments!
Friends of Lakeshore State Park / Facebook
You can’t go wrong with this popular photoshoot spot. Nestled behind the Summerfest grounds, Discovery World, and just a stone-throw away from the Art Museum, this beautiful winding bike trail brings you through tall grass beside the lake and almost makes it feel like you’re not downtown for a second. The view of the skyline is like no other.
Photo by Emily Jamar
Everyone in Milwaukee knows that yellow arches mean a lot more than fast-food here. The Hoan Bridge is a monument in the city and offers picturesque views of the sunset over the lake, whether you’re driving over it or walking underneath.
Aaron Volkening/Flickr
Also known as Kadish Park, this park in the up-and-coming Brewer’s Hill neighborhood offers a unique south-facing view of the skyline. Not only that, but you may even catch some free concerts in the summer!
Kimpton Journeyman Hotel / Facebook
The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel is a fairly new addition to Milwaukee, and it doesn’t come short of spectacular views. Head on up to their rooftop bar, The Outsider, grab a drink, and catch a glimpse of Brew City from new heights. Some more rooftops worth mentioning: Blu, Tre Revali, Zen on 7.
A. Michael Simms / Flickr
This is actually one of the best ways to see Milwaukee! Whether you’re wandering into nearly any structure on Water Street or climbing the Whole Foods parking lot on the east side, you’re in for quite the sight.
indykethdy / Wikimedia Commons
This south side attraction is known for “Seven Bridges,” a man-made trail of wooden steps and bridges. This is one park that’s fun for the whole family, with an ice cream shop and bar— but it also has so many breathtaking views. From the beach to waterfalls, everything here is awe-inspiring.
Sulfur / Wikipedia
This two-mile path next to the Milwaukee River is a great way to avoid traffic while taking in Milwaukee’s art and history. Heading through three different neighborhoods with ever-changing public art, you’ll never get bored. The Riverwalk is also home to a statue of Milwaukee’s beloved “Bronze Fonz” from Happy Days, which is a sight you can’t afford to miss.
Jeramey Jannene / Wikimedia Commons
Finding a way to get to the top of this iconic 41-floor tower may not be easy. The observation deck on top of Milwaukee’s most well-known skyscraper isn’t open to the public anymore, but during the city’s annual Doors Open Milwaukee event, you can take a ride up to the top and see MKE like you’ve never seen before.
Michael Hicks / Wikipedia
The wings on the Calatrava aren’t the only thing that moves. Every view from this building—which is literally art in itself—is truly astounding. Besides the beautiful art inside, the museum gives you a view of the lake from a different perspective. You’ll feel like you’re practically on the lake, but if you start getting seasick, you can always take the bridge back over Lincoln Memorial Drive and bask in all that is downtown art.
Ken Mattison / Flickr
Fun fact: marinas aren’t just for boats. If you want to see Milwaukee from the edge of it all, there’s a path that leads all the way through Veterans Park into the McKinley Marina, leaving the city silhouetted. We give it a 10/10 as our favorite sunset spot.
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