Our most recommended things to do in Milwaukee

Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee

1. Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee

Learn of the fires, murders, suicide, and tragic accidents that mar Brew City on this bone-chilling ghost tour by US Ghost Adventures. Hear rarely-told tales and dark history on this chilling ghost tour of the downtown district of Milwaukee from your local guide.Meet your guide at the Milwaukee Public Parking Lot, where you’ll begin the exploration of the 176-year-old city. Next, head to the haunted Hilton Garden Inn. Learn about the Newhall House Hotel fire, that took the lives of 70 victims. Hear stories about how the haunted hotel houses guests who experience hair pulling and door slamming from an invisible force.From there, you’ll wind through eight other creepy, ghost-infested sites — each with its own grisly story to tell. Scan Milwaukee City Hall for the ghosts of the Great Depression’s suicide victims. Dive headfirst into the tale of the Lady Elgin, a doomed steamboat in one of the deadliest incidents of Lake Michigan’s history.Next, listen to the cries of the Riverwalk spirit. Reach your final tour stop at the Skylight Music Theater, and discover how Richardson’s spotlight bulb has controlled the success of the theatre since the founder’s urn was buried under the stage.

Milwaukee: Sightseeing Bus Tour

2. Milwaukee: Sightseeing Bus Tour

Discover Milwaukee on a small-group sightseeing tour. Walk first through the downtown, pass by the City Hall building, discover Pabst Theatre, and stroll along the river. Then, board the bus and make stops at the Black Cat Alley, the North Pont Lighthouse, and much more. Begin first on foot in the historic downtown of Milwaukee. View the stately City Hall building, completed in 1895, and the landmark Pabst Theatre, before reaching the river. Walk along the river and catch a glimpse of a bronze casting of a 70’s TV hero. Starting the driving portion of the tour, learn about Milwaukee’s interesting history from Native Americans to the French fur traders who founded the modern city. As you drive, pass by the Sculpture Milwaukee, an outdoor exhibition that includes art from all around the world. Heading north towards the first stop, pass Milwaukee's Museum Mile on the trendy East Side. Then, discover a unique neighborhood filled with bars, restaurants, and local shops. The first stop is at the Black Cat Alley, Milwaukee’s premier street art gallery. Back in the coach, the bus enters the exclusive Water Tower District. Glimpse the homes of the beer barons and industrialists, including a house designed by Wisconsin’s own Frank Llyod Wright. The next stop comes at the North Point Lighthouse in Milwaukee’s expansive Lake Park. Take in the sweeping views of Lake Michigan and drive along the lakeshore towards the Milwaukee Art Museum. As one of America’s largest museums, it was featured in multiple Hollywood hits, including Bridesmaids. Moving along, the bus passes the Henry Maier Festival Grounds and the revitalized Third Ward. This former industrial district has come to life with restaurants, and theaters, and is home to the Milwaukee Public Market. Make a quick stop here to go to the restroom, or have a snack and a drink. Heading back downtown, the tour passes the iconic Pabst Brewing Company and Fiserv Forum Arena, home of the World Champion Milwaukee Bucks. Full of history, photos, and laughs, the tour makes its way back to City Hall to conclude and sets you up to explore Milwaukee on your own.

Airport transfer between Chicago O'Hare and Milwaukee

3. Airport transfer between Chicago O'Hare and Milwaukee

Enjoy a fast and convenient transfer between Chicago O'Hare Airport and Milwaukee on modern buses provided by Couch USA, one of North America's leading providers of ground passenger transportation and mobility solutions. Every transfer service with Couch USA is aimed to be safe, reliable, courteous, and efficient for all passengers. Board a modern bus to get to your desired destination stress-free. Leave your worries behind to miss none of your next flights by arriving at your transit airport on time with our frequent schedules and helpful staff. We provide smooth and professional transport in our comfortable 56-seater buses. Each bus is equipped with reclining seats, climate control, restrooms, and DVD-viewing monitors throughout. Buy your ticket online and plan your trip flexibly with a ticket that is valid to be used up to 6 months after your purchase.

Milwaukee Scavenger Hunt Adventure

4. Milwaukee Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Turn Milwaukee into a giant game board on an interactive scavenger hunt that combines the fun of the Amazing Race with a 3-hour sightseeing tour of Milwaukee. Guided from any smartphone, groups make their way among well-known and overlooked gems of the city. Your adventure will begin at the end of Wisconsin Avenue with a view of the architectural gem of the city, the Calatrava, and take you on a journey through the city to see famous hotels, a spectacular cathedral, local markets and a river walk filled with outdoor art exhibits. Discover hidden sights, sounds, and tastes of the city as you have fun solving the challenges in this Great place on a Great Lake. Points of Interest Include: The Calatrava, Milwaukee War Memorial, Cathedral of St. John, The Milwaukee Market, and The Milwaukee River Walk. The tour requires approximately 2 miles of walking. Using a smartphone as “the guide” allows participants to start when they want and determine their own pace of play. Stop midway to enjoy the art or grab a beer and bratwurst to eat on your own schedule. 

Milwaukee: Local Food Tour

5. Milwaukee: Local Food Tour

Our tour starts in front of Usinger's Famous Sausage, where you will have an opportunity to explore over 40 different varieties of gift boxes containing gourmet sausage, Wisconsin-made cheese, and delicious extras! A perfect purchase to commemorate your time in the city. Our first taste is at a Milwaukee staple, where you will discover how a humble shop now provides some of the best gourmet cheese in the city. It also features our delicious Secret Taste of the tour! Next, you'll visit Milwaukee's original German beer hall, which features beer imported from the Munich Hofbräuhaus. Here you will become an expert on "wursts." As you continue the tour, you'll discover the secret spot where all guests are referred to by their "Agent" name and where we'll enjoy delicious fried cheese curds. Last but certainly not least, you will end the tour with a sweet treat synonymous with Wisconsin, the flavor of the day custard!

Milwaukee: Around the Ward in 90 Minutes

6. Milwaukee: Around the Ward in 90 Minutes

Hear more about the Third Ward on this in-depth guided walking tour through the neighborhood. Previously the unfortunate victim to a devastating fire and some bloody history, the historic Third Ward is now one of the most beautiful and most frequently visited neighborhoods in Milwaukee. Once-empty factories and vacant lots now house delicious restaurants, enticing boutiques, and lavish condos. During this tour you will see key sites -like the official plaque recognizing the birthplace of pizza in Milwaukee. Hear more about the area's local history during a 90-minute tour with a local tour guide. The tour will end with a sweet treat from a local bakery.

Milwaukee: Private City Scavenger Hunt

7. Milwaukee: Private City Scavenger Hunt

Gather your friends, family, colleagues, and kids, we’ve got an adventure in store for you. Feeling competitive? Divide into multiple teams and race against the clock to be crowned the winner. Or unite as one team to beat our leaderboard - the choice is yours! Select a game in your chosen city and we’ll add up to three personalized challenges as per your request. All you need is a charged smartphone with a camera, GPS, and internet access. Mind-boggling missions and creative clues will guide you through the city, taking you on a tour of hidden gems and bucket list locations. Online scavenger hunts are the ultimate team builder. Show off your artistic, communication and problem-solving skills with unlimited opportunities to break the ice. Your host will cheer you on as you go, awarding plenty of points before the highest scorers win.

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What people are saying about Milwaukee

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 12 reviews

We had a great tour with Mike. Drizzle at the beginning wasn't a problem as Mike had umbrellas for everyone. Because you also drive around in a minibus, you can see a lot of Milwaukee and also get to widow districts and Mike told it in a super relaxing and interesting way. We can only recommend the tour to everyone.

Our tour guide was absolutely outstanding -very knowledgeable and very funny - this is a tour you do not want to miss - if you are in Milwaukee you must take this tour - the tour is about 2 hours - with several get off stops - not much walking involved - very slow paced

Really great tour - awesome way to hit all the highlights and learn about the city! Very informative. Would definitely recommend. It was just my husband and I, but I feel like our kids would have enjoyed it, too.

Fantastic tour with a wonderful guide! Worth every penny.