Americas Black Holocaust Museum
Rating: 4.7
Entry Ticket: Adults: $7.00, Children: $5.00, Ages 3 and Under: Free
Address: 401 West North Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53212
- Open Tuesday through Sunday
- Allow 2 3 hours
For a meaningful and worthwhile visit to Milwaukee, you should take the time to tour Americas Black Holocaust Museum, where a unique experience awaits visitors.
Dedicated to highlighting the legacies of slavery in America and how we can all contribute to racial healing, this museum engages visitors by conveying how remembering the past can shape a better future.
View exhibits that will educate you about African culture and history that pre-dates slavery, with displays of sculptures, paintings, and artifacts.
Learn about the trials and tribulations of Africans as they voyaged on slave ships, hearing personal stories and eyewitness accounts.
Through photographs, documents, and recounted histories, you will be given the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the suffering slaves endured, from beatings to lynching.
The civil rights era is also showcased, with stories from protesters, civil rights activists, and politicians.
Open yourself to a new understanding of the history of slavery in the United States by making a trip to Americas Black Holocaust Museum in Milwaukee.
See The Elegant North Point Water Tower
On your journeys around the city, you might pass the North Point Water Tower. This surprising structure looks more like a gothic church tower than part of the citys waterworks.
It was built near the end of the 19th Century and is constructed of limestone from nearby Wauwatosa.
The tower was part of the first public waterworks system in the city and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Check out this beautiful local landmark if youre in the area.
Ride The Meteor At Little Amerricka Amusement Park
Travel back to simpler times and enjoy the gentle thrills of antique rides at Little Amerricka.
This Milwaukee Amusement Park has restored rides from a bygone era. Check out old-school favorites like The Toboggan and the Mad Mouse.
Ride the parks wooden rollercoaster, The Meteor, before you brave your fears in the Haunted House.
There are plenty of thrills and chills to be enjoyed here, Little Amerricka is perfect for families with younger children. Check it out on your trip to Milwaukee.
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Visit The Milwaukee City Hall
TripSavvy / Chris Bacarella
Enjoy the wonders of the Milwaukee Art Museum, housed in a stunning Santiago Calatrava building that flaps its wings once a day. Building aside, the museum itself contains 30,000 works of art. Its particularly strong in American decorative arts, German Expressionist prints and paintings, folk and Haitian art, and American art after 1960. Admission is free for all on the first Thursday of each month, while kids 12 and under, members, and Wisconsin K-12 teachers with valid school ID or a pay stub are always free.
Lakeshore Paddle Sport Rentals

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Entry Ticket: Adults: $15.00/hour, Children: $8.00/hour
Address: 500 North Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53202
- Open daily, 10:00 am 6:00 pm
- Reserve RC sailboat in advance
- Family-friendly
If you want to escape the city for a while and unwind, head to Lakeshore Paddle Sport Rentals, where you can hit the water with a paddleboat or hydrobike or even rent an RC Sailboat for some fun playtime.
Take a leisurely trip around the Maritime and Quiet Water Basins on a paddleboat with your friends or family, enjoying the scenic waters and fresh air as you take in the city skyline.
For something that gets your heart pumping a bit faster, rent a hydrobike, a fun and unique way to tour the waters around Milwaukee.
If youd rather stay off the water, youll enjoy an RC sailboat, where you can race other guests across the water as you soak in some sunshine while on the pier.
For a fun-filled excursion while in Milwaukee, Lakeshore Paddle Sports Rentals has you covered.
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Helium Trampoline And Indoor Adventure Park
Helium Trampoline and Indoor Adventure Park
Get your heart pumping with a trip to the Helium Trampoline and Indoor Adventure Park.
Its one of those Milwaukee attractions where every step is an adventure just waiting to happen, so itll provide fun for the whole family.
Like the name suggests, there are lots of trampolines to send you flying.
There are also rope courses, gladiator beams and rock walls.
If you prefer to stay a little closer to the ground, you can try your luck with laser games or bowling lanes.
If you want activities for families, start a rousing game of dodgeball or basketball.
The best thing about the Helium Trampoline and Indoor Adventure Park is that its suitable for all ages.
Your toddlers wont have to sit out your teens wont be bored.
Even mom and dad can find fun things to see and do.
Something to note about the Helium Trampoline and Indoor Adventure Park is that its not quite located in Milwaukee, so youll need to drive to a region near it.
But dont worry! The trip is short, and once youre soaking up the adrenaline of the park, youll be glad that you didnt pass it up during your Wisconsin vacation.
Address: 16235 W Beloit Rd, New Berlin, WI 53151, USA
Elephant Day At The Zoo
FRIDAY FROM 10:30 A.M.-2:30 P.M. | MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO
Its Elephant Day at the zoo! To celebrate, the zoo is offering hay room tours, special paintings of the elephants for sale in the marketplace , toy elephant ears, a zookeeper display and more. The Animals in Action Talk will be at 11:30 a.m. if you want to learn more about the massive animals.
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Slice Of Ice In Red Arrow Park
A small handful of people brave the windy weather to go ice skating and enjoy a cup of coffee at the outdoor rink at Slice of Ice in Red Arrow Park on Sunday morning. Big Joe | Shutterstock
Rating: 4.3
Address: 920 North Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
- Open seasonally
- Skate, skate aids, and sleds available for rent
- Kid-friendly
For visitors who are in Milwaukee during the cold months of the year, Slice of Ice in Red Arrow is one of the top fun things to do in Milwaukee in the winter.
Skate or sled around this charming rink that is in the heart of the city, providing beautiful views of the downtown area, along with decorative trees and streetlamps.
Take a break and head over to Starbucks to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and a warm pastry, or get some great photos of the Christmas lights adorning the area around the rink.
Have an enchanting time at this skating rink in Milwaukee, the perfect place for family time or a romantic date.
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum first opened its doors in 1995. Since then, it has provided the community with invaluable educational resources specifically geared at young people. The museum’s main objective is to promote the healthy development of children.
It is an interactive museum and features an array of activities and exhibits that help develop fundamental skills, boost childrens self esteem, and helps young people recognize the importance of teamwork.
The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum has special programs supporting low-income and special needs families as well. The activities and exhibits are always changing, so be sure to look up what is being featured this week.
929 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, Phone: 414-390-5437
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Lakeshore State Park Milwaukee Wisconsin
Lakeshore State Park isnt your average park. This unique urban retreat located in the city has gorgeous views of the skyline, but it certainly isnt lacking in outdoor activities. Theres a plethora of attractions and recreation available right along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Take yourself and your four-legged companion out for a run on any one of the parks many paths, or go biking or skating along the paved trails. When the lake is calling your name, feel free to go kayaking or canoeing on the lagoons. If you have a boat, take it out for a ride on the scenic lake and get a fantastic view of the city and the surrounding areas.
500 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, Phone: 414-274-4281
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Go For A Run At Lakeshore State Park
The 22-acre Lakeshore Park has a circular route for running and walking with picturesque views of the city and Lake Michigan.
This small islet park is an idyllic escape within the city and has some small beaches, grassland meadows with wildflowers and a fishing pier.
Boat slips are available to rent out on the East side of the park and can be reserved up to a year in advance.
If youre looking for attractive natural spots for a run, definitely check out this beautiful waterfront park while youre in the city.
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Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
The 23rd annual Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival is running now through January 1st. Take a stroll through the streets of downtown Milwaukee and view more than 500,000 lights, animated sculptures, interactive displays, and festive street decor. Displays can be found in Cathedral Square Park, Zeidler Union Square, and Pere Marquette Park. In addition to light displays, you can check out 100 evergreen Christmas trees decorated by area schools and businesses, and drop off your childs wishlist at Santas mailbox in Cathedral Square Park. Take a look at the event brochure for a full list of activities.
Grab A Beer At Boerner Botanical Gardens & Whitnall Park

Considered a living museum, Boerner Botanical Gardens is located in Whitnall Park.
The gardens encompass over 1,000 acres of landscaped trees, shrubs and flower gardens.
Look out for seasonal events at BBG which include everything from dining and evening walks to holiday fairs and childrens storytime.
Afterward, take a stroll over to Whitnall Beer Garden and enjoy a tasty craft brew in one of the most picturesque garden settings in the whole city. Now thats an afternoon well spent.
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Day Trip To Old World Wisconsin
In Eagle, an easy 45-minute drive west of Milwaukee, you’ll find the Old World Wisconsin open-air museum. This fascinating tourist attraction includes a collection of 65 historic pioneer-era buildings constructed in styles reminiscent of the homelands of the area’s first settlers, including Germany, Denmark, Norway, and Finland.
It’s a fun and very realistic recreation of pioneer life, complete with costumed staff and re-enactments. Other highlights include summer camps and workshops, as well as a chance to play vintage baseball using the original rules and equipment associated with the sport. The museum is also a popular destination at Christmas for its many festive events and displays.
Address: W372 S9727 Wisconsin 67, Eagle, Wisconsin
Official site:
Pay Your Respects At Milwaukee County War Memorial Center
The huge Milwaukee County War Memorial Center is dedicated to the veterans of a number of foreign wars including World War II and the Korean War.
Its striking memorials include a protected torch known as the eternal flame, a granite ring of honor in the Veterans Courtyard and a Purple Heart Memorial among many others.
One of the most impressive pieces is a mosaic containing almost four and a half million glass tiles created by American artist Edmund D. Lewandowski.
Check out this somber yet uplifting memorial center during your time in the city.
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Historic Third Ward Milwaukee Wisconsin
The Historic Third Ward is located south of downtown Milwaukee and is one of the top Milwaukee attractions. Originally a busy and rough warehouse district known as the location of frequent brawls, it used to be called Bloody Ward. Today it is the trendy Milwaukee’s Arts and Fashion District, with a number of popular restaurants, theaters, spas, galleries, and boutiques.
It is home to the Third Ward Riverwalk, the Milwaukee Public Market, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design , and the Broadway Theatre Center. Third Wards renaissance has attracted many locals who enjoy the unique atmosphere so much that they decided to buy one of the renovated warehouses-turned-condos. The Third Ward is fun, lively neighborhood to visit to do some shopping, see a show, or just stroll around.
219 N Milwaukee St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, Phone: 414-273-1173
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Shalom Wildlife: Wisconsin’s Wildest Zoo
Located in West Bend, Shalom Wildlife Zoo is also known as “Wisconsin’s Wildest Zoo” that’s because the animals live in huge natural habitats. Shalom is truly Wisconsin’s first wildlife safari and you’ll experience nature at its finest. Home to 75 species and more the 750 animals! Herds of bison, deer, elk, mountain sheep, wolves, tigers, bears, cougar, zebra, and camel are just a few of the animals you’ll see as you navigate the zoo. It is no surprise to visitors that Shalom Wildlife Zoo has been ranked by TripAdvisior as the #1 tourist attraction in the West Bend area for 6 consecutive years and is the highest ranked zoo in Wisconsin.
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Russian Ballet Theatre: Swan Lake
SATURDAY AT 7:30 P.M. | RIVERSIDE THEATER
Russian Ballet Theatre presents a new production of Swan Lake. The show will feature dancers from nine different countries including Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, Armenia, Japan, Italy, Poland, Slovenia and Kyrgyzstan. Tickets range from $39 to $89. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Cool Waters Aquatic Park
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Address: 2028 South 124th Street, West Allis, WI 53227
- Book times in advance
- Kid-friendly
- Allow 2 -3 hours
Among the many fun things to do in Milwaukee in the summer, Cool Waters Aquatic Park is one of the best, especially for spending time playing with the kids.
Head to this water park near Milwaukee, and you and your family will have a great time playing on waterslides, challenging each other to sand volleyball, and getting snacks at the café.
Take a speedy trip down the body slide or fly down the flume on a tube with your friends or family, then head over to the water obstacles, where you can test your balance as you make your way across the water.
Have a fun-filled day and cool off at this amazing water park that is only 11 minutes from Milwaukee.
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Day Trips & Scenic Drives
While there are a million things to do in Milwaukee, a short drive can take you to a variety of other sights worth seeing!
13. Downtown Cedarburg Quaint would be the perfect word to describe this historic area of Cedarburg. Less than a 30-minute drive from Milwaukee will bring you to a small town with cute restaurants and shopping. They also host various festivals throughout the year, such as Strawberry Fest and Wine and Harvest Fest, which are huge draws to the area.
12. Cave of the Mounds This National Natural Landmark is about two hours west of Milwaukee, but totally worth the trip. Its a natural limestone cave that is often referred to as a jewel box because of the variety and color of its crystal formations. A truly unique geologic formation!
11. Old World Wisconsin Less than an hour on the road will get you to the site of Old World Wisconsin, which tells the stories of Wisconsins immigrant past. 60 historic structures let you truly envision what life was like from the 1840s-1910s! The structures have been painstakingly dismantled and reassembled here for visitors to experience and view for years to come.
7. Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve Drive about 40 minutes north of Milwaukee to Grafton, where you will find this beautiful undeveloped bluff land bordering Lake Michigan. Birdwatching, fishing, hiking, and picnicking are all welcomed at Lions Den Gorge.
Try Your Luck At Potawatomi Casino

Dream of winning big? Hit the tables at Potawatomi Casino and try your hand.
With 20 poker tables, off-track betting, table games and slots theres a game here to suit everyone.
If games arent your thing the casino also hosts live entertainment from comedians and musical acts.
Choose from a number of on-site restaurants and bars including The Fire Pit Sports Bar and Grill and Ruyi Authentic Asian Sushi Bar.
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Fall In Love With Art At Lynden Sculpture Garden
The Sculpture Gardens at Lynden House offer a gentle respite from the busy city. The gently rolling grounds contain over 50 large sculptures and monuments throughout the 40-acre terrain.
The collection was started by the houses former owner, Peg Bradley who was an avid art collector and enthusiast.
The collection includes works by Alexander Archipenko, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth among many.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the grounds on the first Sunday of every month.