Milwaukee is home to several Fortune 500 companies; in fact, the metropolitan region defined as the Milwaukee-West Allis-Waukesha area was "ranked number five in the nation when measuring the number of Fortune 500 companies as a share of the population - just behind the number four Minneapolis-St. Paul region in Minnesota" (http://www.onmilwaukee.co...). The area has a wide employment base, with companies ranging from high-tech and specialty manufacturing firms GE Medical, Harley Davidson to retail and finance corporations Kohl's, Northwestern Mutual.
Milwaukee Area Fortune 1000 CompaniesAs of 2004 ranking
Johnson Controls (http://www.johnsoncontrol...)
Northwestern Mutual (http://www.nmfn.com/#)
Manpower (http://www.manpower.com/m...)
Kohl's (http://www.kohls.com/main...)
Harley-Davidson (http://www.harley-davidso...)
Roundy's (http://www.roundys.com/)
Rockwell Automation (http://www.rockwellautoma...)
Wisconsin Energy (http://www.wisconsinenerg...)
Fiserv (http://www.fiserv.com/)
Marshall & Ilsley Corp. (http://www.mibank.com/)
Briggs & Stratton (http://www.briggsandstrat...)
A.O. Smith (http://www.aosmith.com/)
MGIC Investment (http://www.mgic.com/)
Joy Global (http://www.joyglobal.com/...)
Toshiba International Corporation (http://www3.toshiba.co.jp...)
The Milwaukee-Racine metropolitan area was also rated one of the Top 20 Hot Cities for Entrepreneurs in 2005 (http://www.entrepreneur.c...).
A January 2000 study from McGill University in Montreal ranked Milwaukee 6th in a list of U.S. and Canadian cities with the highest number of college students per 100 residents.
The largest universities are the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and Marquette University. Other schools include Alverno College, Cardinal Stritch University, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Mount Mary College, Wisconsin Lutheran College, Concordia University Wisconsin, Lakeland College, and Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology.
Parks
Cathedral Square Park
This park is a square in the center of the city, bordered by kilbourn on the north, wells on the south, jackson on the the east and jefferson on the west. it is most notable for jazz in the park, free outdoor jazz concerts on thursday evenings during the summer (http://www.easttown.com/i...).
Veteran's Park
This park is located by the lakefront, just north of the art museum and war memorial. veteran's park includes a lagoon where you can rent a paddle boat, a kite store, and bike rentals.
McKinley Marina and Beach
Mckinley park is a great place for people who want to fish or relax on the beach. many people also love to stroll out on the giant breakwater that goes out into lake michigan. during the summer, there are plenty of fishermen here as well. an easy way to get to mckinley park is to take the brady street pedestrian bridge over lincoln memorial drive from the brady street area, or just walk north from veteran's park.
Bradford Beach
This is one of the larger beaches in the milwaukee area, and has recently seen an influx of money which has led to significant improvements, including the renovation of the beautiful art deco beach house.
Lake Park
Lake park was designed and built by frederick law olmsted, the same man who built central park in new york. it is one of milwaukee's most beautiful parks and can be found by going up the hill west on the north end of bradford beach.
Milwaukee has one of the best public parks systems in the country. The area of parkland and beaches along the lake is the crown jewel of the system, and gets very busy during good weather.
Sports
Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee's mlb franchise, plays at miller park just outside downtown. the brewers were formally owned by bud selig, current commissioner of mlb. (http://milwaukeebrewers.com)
Milwaukee Admirals
Ahl hockey franchise, formally a member of the ihl. this team shares the bradley center with the bucks. (http://milwaukeeadmirals.com)
Milwaukee Wave
North america's longest continuously operating professional soccer club. they complete in the major indoor soccer league and play home games at the u.s. cellular arena. (http://milwaukeewave.com)]
The Milwaukee Mile
Its premier distinction is as the oldest operating motor speedway in the world, hosting at least one auto race every year since 1903. the track is located at the grounds for the wisconsin state fair. the track has held events sanctioned by major sanctioning bodies, such as the american automobile association, usac, cart/champ car world series, nascar, and the indycar series. there have also been many races in regional series such as artgo.
Milwaukee has memorable moments in sports history, with the Brewers and Bucks most likely to interest travelers. Home run slugger Hank Aaron hit most of his home runs in Milwaukee as a member of the Braves, who have since moved to Atlanta. Additionally, the Bucks are the youngest team to ever win an NBA title.
College Basketball
2 ncaa division i college basketball teams in the area including the marquette golden eagles (http://gomarquette.com) of the big east conference and the milwaukee panthers (http://uwmpanthers.com) of the horizon league.
Neighborhood visits
Downtown
Downtown milwaukee consists of two neighborhoods which sit across the milwaukee river from each other.
Historic Third Ward
This small district, located directly to the south of juneautown, is milwaukee's version of the trendy urban "warehouse district." the streets of the third ward are lined with 19th and early 20th-century warehouse buildings which have been converted into lofts and offices. at street level, chic shops and restaurants are commonplace. the area is also an entertainment hub. the eisner museum of advertising and design (http://www.eisnermuseum.org/) is located at 208 n water st, just blocks from the broadway theater center, home of the skylight opera (http://www.skylightopera.com/). on the ward's southern boundary -the milwaukee river - one can find the milwaukee institute of art and design or just miad (http://www.miad.edu/enter.php/), which is the centerpiece of the city's art scene. on gallery night, which occurs once every three months, the third ward hums with activity, as it is home to the city's largest collection of art galleries. the third ward is also home to the newest section of the riverwalk, which offers some fantastic views of the downtown skyline. the third ward is within walking distance of downtown.
Martin Luther King Drive
A period of urban renewal has revitalized this neighborhood with brand new restaurants, coffee houses and jazz, blues and neo-soul lounges. it is known as the epicenter of african-american commerce in wisconsin. from downtown, simply continue north on old world 3rd street which turns into martin luther king drive. the #19 bus runs the entire lenght of the street.
The East Side
(http://www.theeastside.org/). this neighborhood stretches from downtown to the university of wisconsin - milwaukee. sandwiched between the milwaukee river and lake michigan, it is home to hih-rises, elegant mansions, college students, and everything in between. the areas around brady street and north avenue are particularily lively, with many different local shops, restaurants and bars. the number 30 bus runs from downtown down farwell/prospect every few minutes during the day, and the #15 runs down water, brady, and oakland. at brady, ogden, and lafayette there are steps down to the parks and beaches along the lake.
Riverwest
An older working class neighborhood bordered by the milwaukee river or the south and east and holton street on the west. riverwest is one of the most racially integrated in the city. as the east side and downtown have gentrified, riverwest has become an increasingly diverse neighborhood, and is also home to much of the hipster and alternative scenes in milwaukee. amongst the many hipsters, one still find plenty of puerto rican families and grandmothers. center street and clarke street are the main commercial ares of the neighborhood. the buses 10 humboldt ave and 14 holton st stop at both streets on their way north from downtown.
Bay View
A vibrant area on the city's south shore with lots of neighborhood bars and restaurants. number 15 bus south from downtown. kinnickinnic avenue is the neighborhood's main street and is lined with shops, bar, restaurnats, and cafes.
Juneautown, between the lake and the river, is the financial heart of the city, as well as the place where Milwaukee was born. The city's tallest building, the 601-foot USBank Tower, is located here along the lake, as are a number of the other architecturally significant buildings, including the Cathedral of St. John and Milwaukee's City Hall. There are a number of coffee shops and restaurants, but except for around Cathedral Square and Milwaukee Street area mostly closes down after business hours.
Across the river, Kilbourntown or Westown serves as the city's entertainment center. Here you will find attractions such as the Midwest Airlines Center, Milwaukee's primary convention center. Nearby are the Grand Avenue Mall, the Milwaukee Theater, and the Bradley Center. Many of the city's hotels are located here as well, as are a number of excellent restaurants and clubs. Further to the west is Milwaukee's gigantic neo-classical Courthouse, the Milwaukee Public Museum, and the ornate Milwaukee Central Library. While none of the city's tall buildings have public observatories, you can get a fantastic view from Polaris (http://milwaukee.hyatt.co...), the revolving restaurant perched atop the Hyatt Regency in the heart of Kilbourntown.
The Riverwalk lines both sides of the Milwaukee River through the downtown area, and is home to a number of pieces of public art, as well as some of the city's most popular restaurants.
Fifth Ward/Walker's Point
Founded by george walker in june of 1835 as a fur trading post, walker's settlement was combined with juneautown and kilbourntown to become the city of milwaukee in 1846. walker also contributed to the building of the city's first streetcar line in 1859. walker's point is located just south of the third ward, and is served by the #18, 15, and 19 buses from downtown. the northern part of the neighborhood especially north of national avenue is a rapidly re-developing warehouse district, home to many popular restaurants, cafes, clubs, and bars, while the southern and western parts are mainly hispanic. the neighborhood is also the center of milwaukee's gay scene.
Avenues West/Marquette
Is the neighborhood immediately west of downtown. home to marquette university, the area has a large student population, and consists mainly of mid-rise apartments and walk-ups as well as many of the city's social services institutions. the neighboorhood is relatively seedy the further away you get from the university, although its not particularily dangerous. the pabst mansion and rave/eagle's ballroom music venue are both located in the neighborhood along wisconsin avenue.
Historic Mitchell Street
This once polish center is now home to some of milwaukee's most vibrant hispanic culture. the busiest area of the street is between 6th and 13th streets. the #54 bus runs down mitchell, and the 80, 19, and 14 connect the neighborhood to downtown.
Breweries
Lakefront Brewery
(http://www.lakefrontbrewe...) is another small, locally-owned microbrewery specializing in handmade beers in the tradition of early milwaukee brewers. located along the milwaukee river just north of downtown, at the foot of brewers' hill. offers tours on friday nights along with a fish fry
Brew Pubs
Sprecher Brewery
(http://www.sprecherbrewer...) maker of beer, root beer, and sodas is a well-respected local brewery on the north side. known for making the largest variety of beers of any local brewery. they also offer tours, tastings included. the sodas are popular as well, the kids and non-alcoholics will get plenty out of this tour as well. make sure to look for their root beer at local businesses.
Prohibition and Al Capone
The Brew City was hit hard by prohibition, a huge section of the local economy was shut down and thirsty Milwaukeans couldn't drink their sorrows away. In the 1920s Chicago gangster activity came north to Milwaukee during the Prohibition era. Al Capone, noted Chicago mobster, owned a home in the Milwaukee suburb Brookfield, where moonshine was made. The house still stands on a street named after Capone.
Breweries are integral to Milwaukee's image. Although the number of large scale operations has dwindled in the last decade, the nickname "the Brew City" still rings true, and microbreweries are booming. In several spots around the city, the smell of yeast from the beer factories is quite strong. Milwaukee was once the home to four of the world's largest breweries: Schlitz, Blatz, Pabst, and Miller. For many years it was the number one beer producing city in the world. Of those four only Miller remains.
Milwaukee Brewing Company
(http://www.milwaukeebrewi...) offers tours on friday and saturday of their growing operation in the fifth ward.
Great Lakes Distillery
(http://greatlakesdistille...) its not a brewery, but they make premium "rehorst" vodkas and gin. it is currently wisconsin's only distillery. they also brew a seasonal pumpkin ale, and are currently working on developing a type of absinthe. they offer tours on fridays, and saturdays. located near the walker's point neighborhood just south of downtown.
Miller-Coors Brewing Company
Offers excellent tours and also has a visitor's center at its gigantic brewing complex on milwaukee's west side. recently merged miller and coors now operate the brewery jointly but the tour is still based around the historic miller operation. the tour begins with a short video of famous miller commercials, continues to the original brewery to demonstrate the growth and progress of the company, and finishes at a pub for a little beer-tasting. to set up a tour call +1 800-944-lite or go to (http://www.millerbrewing.com/).
Stonefly Brewing Co.
A brew-pub/restaurant located on center street in riverwest. won the 2010 firkin award, they make good stuff. have an eclectic food menu as well.
Milwaukee Ale House
(http://www.ale-house.com/) is a brew-pub/restaurant founded by local home brewers on 17 october 1997, serves up live music, fresh beer and great food to the good people of wisconsin and travelers from all over the world. located in a brick and timber warehouse building downtown in the historic third ward, they offer indoor and outdoor dining, six or more hand crafted beers, lunch and dinner everyday with late night food on the weekends.
Water Street Brewery
(http://waterstreetbrewery...) on milwaukee's infamous water street, it is both a brew-pub/restaurant with a second location in delafield, west of the city.
Horny Goat Brewing Company
Although its local, this place is not milwaukean. beautiful building but otherwise it has all the makings of a tasteless canadian frat party.
Rock Bottom Brewery
(http://www.rockbottom.com/) although it's not a milwaukee original, but rather a national chain based out of colorado, they couldn't resist opening a location among the beer elite. milwaukee riverwalk, 740 n plankinton ave. save it for another town!
Delafield Brewhouse
Is another microbrewery and restaurant, located 20 mi 32 km west of milwaukee.
Venues
Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
Mainstream touring theater, the local symphony and a ballet company.
Petit National Ice Center
A renowned Olympic training center. It has a full ice-racing track and two hockey rinks. Public skate hours vary, but are usually in the evening. Skate rentals are available for a good price.
Bucketworks
Check out the World's First Health Club for the Brain. One of the first co-working spaces that weaves together an art gallery, hacker collective, theater rehearsal space and just a cool place to visit. Tours are free, by appointment.
There is a wide spectrum of theater and concert venues in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Riverwalk
The Milwaukee RiverWalk covers 3 miles along the Milwaukee River through the city's downtown and the Historic Third Ward. Because of its creation, the Milwaukee River has become a prominent downtown development area with a mix of high-end residential, commercial and recreational uses.Also visit the "Bronze Fonz" a statue dedicated to Happy Days character,Fonzy.
Milwaukee's Water Street
Head over to the library and dig up any old city directory. If you flip to the page listing businesses on Water Street, you'll find that this main downtown artery has always been home to dozens on taverns and, often, rowdy and raucous nightlife. If you think Water Street is crazy these days, you should have seen it under the administration of Mayor all the time rosey Rose.
Tours
Historic Milwaukee
(http://www.historicmilwau...) offer daily tours in summer, as well as year-round and special events.
Urban Anthtopology
(http://www.urban-anthropo...) offers free walking tours of assorted neighborhoods in summer.
Festivals
Henry Maier Festival Park
Often referred to as "the summerfest grounds" is an enclosed park just south of the milwaukee art museum and downtown, along the lakefront. milwaukee used to be promoted as "the city of festivals." to this day, there is a festival almost every weekend during the summer at the henry maier festival park, including various ethnic festivals and summerfest. since 1999, summerfest holds the guinness world records title as the "world's biggest music festival" attracting over 700 bands each year. the fest started in milwaukee in 1968. summerfest is held for 11 days every summer beginning at the end of june continuing into july. african world festival celebrating africa and african-american culture. arab world fest a smaller fest celebrating milwaukee's arab and south-asian heritage. asian moon festival festa italiana german fest one of the more popular fests. lots of beer-drinking and cliche bavarian garb, music, dancing and food. indian summer later in the season, a rare representation of the local american indian culture. irish fest a very popular event, many locals take irish dancing lessons and these dancers are central to the fest. labor fest an actual celebration of organized labor on labor day! its a free way to celebrate and respect the meaning of the day. mexican fiesta polish fest pridefest verge is an alternative music fest held in june.
African World Festival
(http://www.africanworldfe...) celebrating africa and african-american culture.
Arab World Fest
(http://www.arabworldfest.com/) a smaller fest celebrating milwaukee's arab and south-asian heritage.
Bastille Days
(http://www.easttown.com/c...) held in cathedral square park on or around july 14, celebrates the storming of the bastille and all things french.
German Fest
One of the more popular fests. lots of beer-drinking and cliche bavarian garb, music, dancing and food.
Indian Summer
(http://www.indiansummer.org/) later in the season, a rare representation of the local american indian culture.
Irish Fest
A very popular event, many locals take irish dancing lessons and these dancers are central to the fest.
Labor Fest
An actual celebration of organized labor on labor day! its a free way to celebrate and respect the meaning of the day.
Since 1999, Summerfest
(http://summerfest.com/) holds the guinness world records title as the "world's biggest music festival" attracting over 700 bands each year. the fest started in milwaukee in 1968. summerfest is held for 11 days every summer beginning at the end of june continuing into july.
Juneteenth Day
Celebrates the anniversary of the end of slavery. held every year on june 19th, the event is very popular, and draws a huge police presence due to violence at past events.
Firkin Craft Beer Festival
(http://milwaukeefirkin.com/) held in cathedral square park in mid-may, all-you-can-sample-goodness with milwaukee, wisconsin, and midwest brewers offering up their best.
Milwaukee Highland Games
(http://www.milwaukeescott...) is a full-fledged scottish celebration. early june.
Locust Street Festival
(http://www.locust-street....) is a neighborhood festival featering games, live music, a beer run, and all sorts of vendors. on locust street in riverwest.
Jazz in the Park
(http://www.easttown.com/c...) held in cathedral square park every thursday evening june-september, its a great free event to sit and have a drink on the lawn with friends at.
Wisconsin State Fair
West allis, a milwaukee suburb, is home to the state fair grounds. held in early august.
Lakefront Kite Festivals
(http://www.giftofwings.co...) a series of several events put together by a kite shop gift of wings on the lake just north of the milwaukee art museum in vetrans park, and by kite society of wisconsin & illinois.