WISCONSIN'S LARGEST CITY

Milwaukee.
Legendary.

The heart of the Midwest on the shores of Lake Michigan. World-class festivals, legendary beer, and endless Midwestern charm.

JOIN 2.1M VISITORS THIS YEAR
577k
Residents
Largest in Wisconsin
Lake Michigan
Western shore jewel
100+
Annual Festivals
Including Summerfest
Fortune 500 HQ
Northwestern Mutual & more
THE BREW CITY

A City Built on Heritage,
Beer & Lakefront Beauty

Milwaukee is the largest city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, situated on the western shores of Lake Michigan. Home to roughly 577,000 residents, it is globally celebrated for its rich brewing history, legendary summer festival lineup, and vibrant, culturally diverse neighborhoods.

Milwaukee's story began in the 1840s when European immigrants — especially Germans — brought their brewing traditions to the shores of Lake Michigan. Today that legacy lives on not only in historic giants but in one of America's most exciting craft beer scenes.

Historic Roots

From its founding in 1846 to becoming a manufacturing powerhouse, Milwaukee has always been a city of makers and dreamers.

Festival Capital

Home to Summerfest — the world's largest music festival — plus dozens of cultural celebrations throughout the year.

Diverse & Welcoming

Vibrant neighborhoods like the Historic Third Ward, Bay View, and Riverwest celebrate art, food, and community every day.

DISCOVER

Must-See Attractions

Four iconic experiences that define Milwaukee's character and draw millions each year.

Milwaukee Art Museum Burke Brise Soleil
ICONIC

Milwaukee Art Museum

An architectural marvel featuring the Burke Brise Soleil — a massive, wing-like sun shield that opens and closes daily — alongside an extensive collection of art spanning centuries.

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Harley-Davidson Museum Milwaukee
AMERICAN ICON

Harley-Davidson Museum

A massive complex celebrating the history of the legendary American motorcycle brand founded right here in Milwaukee. Experience the roar of history and innovation.

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Milwaukee County Zoo flamingos
TOP ZOO

Milwaukee County Zoo

One of the country's top zoological parks, spanning almost 200 acres with incredible animal exhibits, conservation programs, and family-friendly adventures year-round.

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Historic Third Ward Milwaukee street
TRENDY

Historic Third Ward

Milwaukee’s trendy arts and fashion district, converted from historic warehouses into upscale boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and the bustling Milwaukee Public Market.

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CHEER LOUD

Sports & Entertainment

From sausage races to sold-out concerts, Milwaukee knows how to put on a show.

American Family Field interior
MLB

American Family Field

Home of the Milwaukee Brewers

RETRACTABLE ROOF

Famous for its retractable roof and the legendary Sausage Race — one of the most beloved traditions in all of baseball.

Fiserv Forum Milwaukee
NBA

Fiserv Forum

Home of the Milwaukee Bucks

STATE-OF-THE-ART

The state-of-the-art downtown arena where the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks play. A modern cathedral of basketball and entertainment.

Summerfest Milwaukee crowd
WORLD'S LARGEST

Henry Maier Festival Park

Summerfest & Major Events

The sprawling lakefront venue that hosts the city's massive summer music festivals, most notably Summerfest — the world's largest music festival.

POWERHOUSE CITY

Economy & Education

Corporate Hub

Milwaukee is a major manufacturing and financial center, serving as the global headquarters for Fortune 500 companies like Northwestern Mutual and industrial giants like A.O. Smith and Johnson Controls.

HEADQUARTERS
Fortune 500
INDUSTRY
Manufacturing
LEGACY
150+ Years

Milwaukee Tool

Despite its namesake, this global power tool titan maintains a strong corporate and R&D presence in the greater metro area, driving innovation in the trades.

POWERING THE TRADES WORLDWIDE
HIGHER EDUCATION

World-Class Universities

Milwaukee is home to several major universities, including the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM) and Marquette University, producing talent across business, engineering, health sciences, and the arts.

Notable Programs
  • Engineering & Applied Science
  • Business & Entrepreneurship
  • Freshwater Sciences
  • Film & Digital Media
LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

City Vibe & Getting Around

Brew City

Still going strong

While its historical brewing giants have evolved, Milwaukee has a booming modern craft beer scene with dozens of acclaimed microbreweries. From barrel-aged stouts to crisp lagers and wild sours, there's a pint for every palate.

Lakefront Brewery
Third Space
Eagle Park
Good City
+ 50 more
Craft beer flight in Milwaukee

The Hop MKE

Free streetcar system

The city features the Hop MKE streetcar system, which provides free, convenient transit connecting the downtown, East Town, and Historic Third Ward districts. It's the perfect way to hop between attractions without a car.

The Hop MKE streetcar
Neighborhoods to Explore
Historic Third Ward • Bay View • East Side • Riverwest • Walker's Point • Brady Street
Can't-Miss Local Flavors
Fresh cheese curds • Friday fish fry • Bratwurst • Custard stands • Perch sandwiches
Getting Around Tips
The Hop (free) • Bublr Bikes • Lyft/Uber • Walkable downtown core • Lakefront Trail for biking & running

Ready to experience Milwaukee?

Whether you're here for the beer, the festivals, the lake, or the people — Milwaukee always delivers.