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A Day Away: Must-sees in Milwaukee worthy of a day trip
The largest city in Wisconsin is more than a detour to Chicago
Elijah Decious
Oct. 14, 2021 6:05 am, Updated: Oct. 14, 2021 10:48 am
MILWAUKEE — Although it’s only a four-hour drive from Cedar Rapids, Milwaukee often is overlooked, lying in the shadow of nearby Chicago.
While you might be lured to the Badger State to nibble on cheese and guzzle local beer in America’s dairyland, you’ll probably end up staying for Milwaukee’s robust scene for the arts, quirky local fare, shoreline access to Lake Michigan and unique accommodations.
With plenty to do for every budget — from those with a small pocket of spending cash to visitors with a “put it on my tab” mentality — Milwaukee is more than a detour to Chicago.
Central Standard Craft Distillery
This small batch, craft distillery may be proof that Milwaukee is known locally for more than Schlitz, Pabst Blue Ribbon and Miller Lite.
Started by two entrepreneur friends, founders Evan Hughes and Pat McQuillan handcraft their award-winning bourbon, brandy and vodka from Midwest ingredients. Although their distribution operation was mainly in Wisconsin, they now have a presence in Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota.
Over the summer, they opened their first urban distillery experience, the Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen, where guests can tour operations and sample signatures like Red Cabin Bourbon, Door County Cherry vodka, rye whiskey, rye vodka, and dark chocolate brandy.
Their urban space houses a 100-gallon pot still that produces all spirits served and sold on site, paired with in-season Wisconsin treats made by their chef. Visitors can learn the ins and outs of their distillery through a guided tour and enjoy a cocktail on The Aviary, their rooftop patio with panoramic views of Lake Michigan and downtown Milwaukee.
“Milwaukee’s often mistakenly tagged as a small-market city, but the city has shown the world that we are truly second to none,” Hughes said. “This is a city where you can enjoy world-class music, food, spirits and sports all in one.”
If you go:
What: Central Standard Craft Distillery
Address: 320 E. Clybourn St., Milwaukee, Wis.
Website: thecentralstandard.com
Safehouse Milwaukee
If you’re feeling a little hungry after sampling those spirits, there’s a fun place to get a bite to eat — even though it prefers to be kept a secret.
SafeHouse Milwaukee, a local landmark and cultural icon in the city, serves remarkable burgers at a secret restaurant and late-night bar that aims to offer refuge to spies from around the globe. Under International Exports Limited — it’s alias — it never divulges its location.
Impromptu agents looking for a bite to eat can look for clues like a mural in the alleyway near the Milwaukee River that will lead you to its not-so-conspicuous red door. You can also feel free to use Google to find the address.
A password is required to enter, although Safehouse said it will never turn a guest away — it will simply require a clearance test “to prove they are no double agent.”
Once inside, explore a world of espionage and entertainment with artifacts, movie props, weapons, gadgets, novelty machines and secrets.
If you go:
Lakeshore State Park
For a city that prides itself on its accessible Lake Michigan shoreline, Lakeshore State Park — Wisconsin’s only urban state park — offers a beautiful recreational panorama.
The newest lakefront park in Milwaukee, dedicated in 2007, was built from a deep-tunnel excavation project that created a crescent island not far from downtown.
Offering unobstructed views of the largest lake in the United States, adventures abound over 22 acres through winding foot trails and rolling paths for bikers, joggers and bird watchers.
A watercraft beach area provides access for canoes, kayaks and paddleboards alongside a 20-slip boat dock and accessible fishing dock.
Pack a picnic, spot wildlife, rent a paddleboat or catch a fish — it’s your adventure.
If you go:
What: Lakeshore State Park
Address: 500 N. Harbor Dr., Milwaukee, Wis.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.
Cost: Entrance is free to Wisconsin’s only urban state park.
Milwaukee Public Market
Seattle’s not the only one with a public market center — although you’re more likely to see a clerk throwing a brick of cheese than fish here.
Since 2005, the Milwaukee Public market has served as a community gathering place, small-business incubator and culinary source. Housing 17 independently owned businesses, shoppers can find local favorites from beer and cheese to sausage, seafood and specialty offerings.
“Milwaukee is a city of neighborhoods that are individually filled with their own rich history and character,” said Paul Schwartz, executive director of the market. “Collectively, these neighborhoods cultivate the true personality and spirit of Milwaukee through the lenses of food, culture entertainment and recreational scenes. And of course, our people.”
If you go:
What: Milwaukee Public Market
Address: 400 N. Water St., Milwaukee, Wisc.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Website: milwaukeepublicmarket.org.
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra performs more than 135 classics, pops, family, education and community concerts each season. For the 2021-22 season, the majority of its performances will be in the recently renovated Bradley Symphony Center — a stunning 1931 building originally constructed as a seven-story movie theater.
The orchestra renovated and restored the space by moving a 625-ton city brick wall 35 feet toward a city street while remaining fully intact. In the process, the organization restored the interior and exterior, while adding modern and acoustical elements for a world-class concert hall.
The new performance hall can now fit the entire orchestra — 72 musicians in all — on its stage.
“Milwaukee is a hidden arts destination climbing onto a global stage,” said Mark Niehaus, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra president and executive director. “From visual to performing arts, the city ensures it is easily accessible to all. … We offer the best of the best to all who enter our city.”
Whether you’re looking for street sculptures, unique galleries or live music, Niehaus said you’ll find it in Milwaukee.
If you go:
What: Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Address: Bradley Symphony Center, 212 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, Wis.
Website: mso.org
Details: See the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in its first season on the Bradley Symphony Center’s stage since renovations.
Saint Kate — The Arts Hotel
Claiming to be a first of its kind arts hotel, Saint Kate offers rooms unlike any other you’ve seen.
Take, for instance, its Canvas Room by Lon Michels — a whimsical floor-to-ceiling theme of leopard print in various colors and patterns that will, without a doubt, provoke feelings in even the most stoic guests. It’s complete with a ukulele, so feel free to leave yours at home.
With an immersive arts experience embedded throughout, Saint Kate celebrates the arts in its many forms with multiple galleries, exhibition spaces with work from local and nationally-known artists, and live music every night.
Culinary arts are on display through four different experiences inside the hotel, including a Neapolitan pizza restaurant and the city’s only Champagne bar.
In Milwaukee’s prime entertainment district, guests can experience the arts from the moment they wake up to the moment they go to bed.
If you go:
What: Saint Kate — The Arts Hotel
Address: 139 E. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee, Wis.
Website: saintkatearts.com
Comments: (319) 398-8340; elijah.decious@thegazette.com