Milwaukee RiverWalk
#9 in Best Things To Do in Milwaukee
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2 of 2Key Info
Price & Hours
Details
Scorecard
- Value 5.0
- Food Scene 5.0
- Atmosphere 5.0
Connecting three riverfront neighborhoods – the Historic Third Ward, downtown and Beerline "B" – the Milwaukee RiverWalk is enjoyed by locals and travelers alike. The walkway, which extends for 20 blocks, features dining, shopping and public art installations. It's also where you'll find the iconic Bronze Fonz statue, which depicts Arthur Fonzarelli ("Fonzie"), Henry Winkler's character in the Milwaukee-set sitcom, "Happy Days."
In the Historic Third Ward, visitors can access more than 20 galleries and art studios, the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and the Broadway Theatre Center. In the downtown section, travelers will pass through the city's largest theater district, as well as a three-block historic landmark zone known for its German heritage. The northern section of the RiverWalk encompasses the Beerline "B" neighborhood, which is mostly residential and home to the Lakefront Brewery.
Recent visitors enjoyed their time on the Milwaukee RiverWalk, especially the public art and galleries. Many were surprised by the number of things to do, and compared it to Chicago's Riverwalk. Reviewers said stopping at the Fonzie statue is a must.
Running parallel to Water Street, the Milwaukee RiverWalk offers walkways from Lake Michigan to the former North Avenue Dam (expansion work on the RiverWalk is ongoing). It is free to enjoy and open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For more information on the Milwaukee RiverWalk, visit the city's website.
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2 of 19#1 Harley-Davidson Museum
Whether you're a die-hard biker or someone who just happens to be in the area, this is the destination for a visual history of the iconic American brand. Spread across 20 acres of prime Milwaukee riverfront, the Harley-Davidson Museum continuously wows travelers with its permanent exhibits and rotating special exhibits that tell the story of the company's people, products, culture and history. Among the artifacts on display are a recovered motorcycle from the 2011 Japanese tsunami and a gallery that features famous custom bikes created for the likes of Elvis Presley and stunt rider Alfonso Sotomayor Canales. There are also display walls dedicated to the brand's engines and tanks.
For those interested in the nitty-gritty of Harley bikes and history, consider a guided tour. Options range from the hourlong "Spotlight Tour" (which costs an additional $15 per person) to the 90-minute "Beyond the Gate Tour," which costs an extra $40 per person and includes a visit to the Motorcycle Vault. For the ultimate experience, the $125 "VIP Tour" is a two-hour guided tour through the museum and the vault, and includes a chat with a curator or archivist. An audio guide is also available for an additional $5.
Whether you're a die-hard biker or someone who just happens to be in the area, this is the destination for a visual history of the iconic American brand. Spread across 20 acres of prime Milwaukee riverfront, the Harley-Davidson Museum continuously wows travelers with its permanent exhibits and rotating special exhibits that tell the story of the company's people, products, culture and history. Among the artifacts on display are a recovered motorcycle from the 2011 Japanese tsunami and a gallery that features famous custom bikes created for the likes of Elvis Presley and stunt rider Alfonso Sotomayor Canales. There are also display walls dedicated to the brand's engines and tanks.
For those interested in the nitty-gritty of Harley bikes and history, consider a guided tour. Options range from the hourlong "Spotlight Tour" (which costs an additional $15 per person) to the 90-minute "Beyond the Gate Tour," which costs an extra $40 per person and includes a visit to the Motorcycle Vault. For the ultimate experience, the $125 "VIP Tour" is a two-hour guided tour through the museum and the vault, and includes a chat with a curator or archivist. An audio guide is also available for an additional $5.
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