Milwaukee tourist traps that are worth the hype

Planning a weekend visit to Milwaukee? From restaurants and bars to museums and greenhouses, here’s a list of six local “tourist traps” that are actually worth your time.

3rd St. Market Hall

275 W. Wisconsin Ave.

Having a hard time choosing where to eat? The 3rd St. Market Hall in downtown Milwaukee hosts nearly 20 different food and drink vendors, including Latin American, Japanese, Vietnamese, Italian, and traditional American cuisine. It’s also home to Milwaukee’s first self-serve beer wall, featuring 24 local brews on tap. Food halls can sometimes offer little bang for many a buck, but 3rd St. is a great example of a local eatery that has a little something for everyone.

The Deer District

1134 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave.

The open-air plaza surrounding the Fiserv Forum is lovingly referred to as the “deer district,” where Bucks fans often gather en masse before home games. Home to many pubs and grills, the atmosphere is undeniable – especially before a primetime Bucks game. During game six of the 2021 NBA Finals, an estimated 65,000 attendees flooded in to celebrate a historic win for the hometown team.

Milwaukee Art Museum

700 N. Art Museum Dr.

Home to nearly 25,000 pieces of artwork, including those of Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Andy Warhol, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Georgia O’Keeffe, the Milwaukee Art Museum is one of the city’s brightest gems and a must-see for any visitor. Between the museum’s main collection and rotating seasonal exhibits, there’s no shortage of visually stunning art to explore. Additionally, admission is pay-what-you-can on Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m.

Milwaukee Public Market

400 N. Water St.

Another easy fix for indecisive eaters, the Milwaukee Public Market is something of a spin-off of Seattle’s Pike Place Market – but with greater emphasis on local cuisine. It’s home to nearly 20 Milwaukee-based establishments, including bakeries, wineries, coffee roasters, and a fish market. Although the market itself is often bustling with shoppers, the second floor provides comfortable seating and a scenic bird’s-eye view of the lively food hall.

Mitchell Park Domes

524 S. Layton Blvd.

Especially during the brutal winter months, it can be tempting for Wisconsinites to escape to a different climate – fortunately, you don’t even have to leave Milwaukee to do so! The Mitchell Park Domes are part of a horticultural conservatory, made up of three domed greenhouses that each emulate a different biome. Currently, you can explore an arid desert, a tropical rainforest, and a floral garden – all under one roof. 

SafeHouse

779 N. Front St.

Perhaps one of Milwaukee’s most esteemed restaurants, SafeHouse is an espionage-themed downtown restaurant and bar. The restaurant itself is hidden, marked by a red door and protected by a secret password. It’s normally frowned upon to reveal too many details about the dining experience itself, but be ready for plenty of antics and escapades during your meal. Although it’s a bit of a gimmick, SafeHouse is certainly a good choice for large groups who are looking for an entertaining evening in the downtown area.