With Mother Nature on my side, I decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather this weekend, and visit some of Milwaukee's most budget-friendly destinations. My camera and I set out to discover 12 inexpensive things to do in Milwaukee to bust you out of that winter rut; they are as follows:
1. Bradford Beach
Located on beautiful Lake Michigan, Bradford Beach offers a great place for you to take a break from studying and enjoy some of the charming nature Milwaukee has to offer. The beach is accessible 365 days a year and is dog-friendly, what more could you possibly ask for?
2. Milwaukee Art Museum
The Milwaukee Art Museum is home to several great works of art including one of the largest collections by Wisconsin native Georgia O'Keeffe, as well as works by Picasso, Monet and Andy Warhol. The MAM is open Tuesday - Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and until 8 p.m. on Thursday. The museum also offers free admission on the first Friday of every month.
3. Downtown Books
If you're ever looking for a way to kill some time, Downtown Books is the place for you. With shelves stockpiled from floor to ceiling, they offer a cozy atmosphere to spend a few hours as you rifle through hundreds of used books, comics, magazines, videos — and if you happen to get bored, you are more than welcomed to play with their two in-store cats.
4. Colectivo Coffee - Lakefront
It's hard to walk around Milwaukee without spotting a Colectivo on nearly every corner, but my personal favorite is the one located on Milwaukee's lakefront. Whether you are there to catch up with some old friends or for a weekly study session, it's a great place to spend a few hours. And if you prefer your coffee on the go, you can enjoy it at Bradford Beach or McKinley Park and Marina located just across the street.
5. Tire Swing Park
Tire Swing Park is one of many hidden gems that Milwaukee has to offer. Located on N. Water St., the park has eight tire swings that hang from the bridge above. Tire Swing Park offers a great place to hangout and is occasionally host to flea markets, and movie screenings.
6. The Oriental Theater
Built in 1927, the Oriental Theater is one of my personal favorites. With an East Indian-themed interior, the theater features two minaret towers, three stained glass chandeliers, several hand-drawn murals, six bigger-than-life Buddhas, dozens of original draperies, eight porcelain lions, and hundreds of elephants. The theater is known for showing Independent and Art films, as well as the occasional Blockbuster film. The Oriental is also the U.S. record holder for a current and continuing film engagement. The Rocky Horror Picture Show has played at the Oriental Theater as a midnight film since January, 1978 and now shows every second Saturday of the month.
7. The RiverWalk
Located in the heart of downtown is the RiverWalk. It spans two miles along Milwaukee River, with access to some of the city's best restaurants, brewpubs, shops and waterfront nightlife. It's a great way to explore downtown Milwaukee and it will even take you into Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward.
8. The Exclusive Company
As America's Oldest Full-line Independent Record Store, The Exclusive Company is another one of my personal favorites. With only seven locations, all of which in Wisconsin, it remains one of the best local places to get the vinyl you desire. Located on N. Farwell Ave., The Exclusive Company is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.m and Sundays 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. and has hundreds of selections to choose from.
9. The Bronze Fonz
Located on the RiverWalk mentioned above, just south of Wells St. in downtown Milwaukee, is the Bonze Fonz. The statue, which is made entirely of bronze, depicts Henry Winkler as the Happy Days TV show character, Arthur Fonzarelli - and if you feel like checking something off of the UWM Bucket List, a photo with the Bronze Fonz is number 49.
10. The Third Ward
The Historic Third Ward is Milwaukee's Arts and Fashion District. Located just south of downtown,it offers the city's most dynamic array of restaurants, spas, theaters, galleries, and unique boutiques all in a historic warehouse setting. It is home to the
award-winning Third Ward Riverwalk and the Milwaukee Public Market.
11. Milwaukee Public Market
As one of Milwaukee's most unique downtown food destination, the Public Market is bursting with one-of-a-kind, high-quality selections of artisan & ethnic products. Located in the Third Ward, the Public Market offers not only food, but unique shopping kiosks from some of the area's most renowned independent merchants.
12. Kilbourn Park
Kilbourn Park offers one of the best city skyline views in Milwaukee. Located on the Upper East side, just off of North Ave., the park resides on top of a large hill - but if you are willing to climb the seven flights of stairs - the view is certainly worth it. With beautiful Lake Michigan views during the day and a stunning illumined city skyline at night, Kilbourn Park is sure to have something for everyone.
