The largest city in Wisconsin, Milwaukee is blessed with a picturesque landscape that you experience as you stroll down the stunning Riverwalk pedestrian path. However, the city’s biggest claim to fame is perhaps its identity as the home of the legendary motorcycle brand, Harley-Davidson. As you walk through the waterfront, don’t miss out on the War Memorial Center dedicated to the Korean War and WWII. Other places of interest here are the Milwaukee Art Museum, Pabst Theatre, and Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory.
If you are in the city for a vacation, don’t forget to check out these amazing weekend destinations from Milwaukee to make the most of your holiday:
Madison, Wisconsin
Known for its cheerful cultural scene, Madison plays host to several events and festivals throughout the year. While summer month activities include biking along the wonderful city’s trail and sailing on the popular lakes of Mendota, Waubesa, and Monona. Architect lovers should not miss a chance of paying homage to one of the greatest architects, Frank Llyod Wright, at the Taliesin East. Other places of interest here include the Olbrich Botanical Gardens and Memorial Union Terrace.
Best Time to Visit: Although the city can be visited throughout the year, the most suitable months to visit here are from May to August and September to November.
How to Reach: Several direct buses connect Milwaukee to Madison and take slightly over an hour and a half. Expect to pay between $7 to $30 on bus fare depending on the bus you take.
Chicago, Illinois
Nicknames as the “Windy City”, Chicago is often referred to as the greatest American city of recent times by travelers. The home of the Chicago Bulls and the Blackhawks, the city is a mecca for sports lovers. However, sports are not the only thing that makes Chicago stand out. In fact, the city is also known for its bold architecture and a skyline that is dotted with several world-famous skyscrapers including but not limited to the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower, the legendary John Hancock Center, and the gigantic Willis Tower (a.k.a Sears Tower).
Best Time to Visit: The months between April to May and September to October are regarded as the best time to visit Chicago since the weather is extremely pleasant during these months and the city is brimming with a lot of events and festivals.
How to Reach: There are multiple ways to commute between the two cities – flights, trains, buses, taxis, as well as self-driven cars. A flight would roughly take under an hour and cost between $100 to $300. However, if you are on a budget, taking the train or a bus could be your best bet. A train takes an hour and a half and costs between $27 to $40 while buses take a couple of hours and cost $8 to $23.
Kohler, Wisconsin
Situated beautifully on the banks of River Sheboygan, Kohler is one of the early settled cities in the Us and a great place for a peaceful vacation. The city is filled with all kinds of attractions and activities including cultural, adventurous, as well as recreational sites. Overlooking the river, Waelderhaus was built to commemorate John Michael Kohler II and is a great example of Alpine architecture. Lost Woods Park is a great place for a family outing. Kids here can enjoy the bouncy castle as well as play baseball. Architecture and design professionals would definitely appreciate a visit to the Kohler Design Center that features a wide range of innovative product technologies.
Best Time to Visit: Late June to the beginning of September is regarded as the most preferred time to visit the city. Avoid the months of April and May if you don’t want to experience rainfall.
How to Reach: A drive from Milwaukee to Kohler takes an hour and costs $6 to $8 in fuel, but if you would rather take public transportation, take a bus from Milwaukee to Sheboygan, transfer to Downtown Transit Center, and take another bus to Church St & Greenfield Ave.
Minocqua, Wisconsin
Nestled on the banks of the stunning Lake Minocqua, Minocqua is a gorgeous town that spreads 1,339 acres across Oneida County and is the ultimate place for several outdoor activities around the year such as fishing and boating. This picturesque town houses one of the largest zoological parks in the state of Wisconsin, Wildwood Wildlife Park and Nature Center. Here, you can witness over 1,000 wildlife species and enjoy narrated safari tram rides. The striking Minocqua Winter Park, spanning 6,500 acres of a magnificent local wilderness area, brings you a wide range of winter sports activities, including opportunities to experience backcountry cross-country skiing. Another significant site, Northwoods Wildlife Center has been regarded among the finest wildlife rehabilitation centers in the northern part of the state for over three decades.
Best Time to Visit: The most suggested months to visit Minocqua are between the months of June till September when the temperature is nice and there is little to no rainfall.
How to Reach: The fastest, cheapest, and the most convenient way to get to Minocqua from Milwaukee is to take a road trip. The drive only takes four and a half hours and costs $25 to $40 in fuel.
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Established at the point where the Fox River enters Lake Winnebago, Oshkosh is a welcoming town that is known for its role in the lumber industry during the mid-1800s. The town is home to a plethora of things to see and do that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Sites to see here range from historic sites to outdoor recreation areas to cultural activities. Constructed in 1937, the Asylum Point Lakehouse, located on a small island on Asylum Bay in lake Winnebago, is one of the most important sites here. Formerly known as EAA AirVenture Museum, the EAA Aviation Museum houses over 200 antique aircraft as well as warplanes. Other remarkable attractions here include Military Veterans Museum and Education Center and Menominee Park Zoo.
Best Time to Visit: Oshkosh can be visited any time of the year, but if you wanted to avoid the rainy season, it is best to not come here during the Autumn season.
How to Reach: To get to Oshkosh, hop on a direct bus from Milwaukee that will take slightly under a couple of hours and cost $19 to $25 in bus fare.
Home of the iconic motorcycle manufacturer and blessed with a picturesque waterfront, Milwaukee sees a great number of tourists every year. Travelers from all walks of life can come and enjoy their stay here. What makes a visit to the city even more exhilarating is the amazing weekend getaways from Milwaukee that add to the vacation experience. So, if you are planning a holiday soon, make sure to consider these wonderful locations.