South Shore Park — Attraction in Milwaukee

With regard to renting the Pavilion: While this is a beautiful venue with very aesthetic appeal and great views of the lake, it is way too hot in the summer, the staff was not available to help on the day of the event, there was very little parking near the building and other things... #1 - We were told the restrooms were going to be cleaned the morning of the wedding - they clearly were not. Fortunately, my sister went in the late morning to check and found what I would like to think was chocolate, but more likely was feces on the doors in the women's room. The counter tops were not clean, there was sand in the sinks and the toilets were filthy. She stayed to clean it all up and ended up being late for the ceremony. #2 - On the topic of the restrooms, we were forewarned that they would be open to the public. For some strange reason, we thought the public would be respectful. We were mistaken. We had set up the restrooms with battery operated fans because it was 90+ degrees, battery operated oil infusers to offset the urine smell and baskets of toiletries and incidentals. Sadly, before the ceremony even started, the fans were stolen. By the end of the night the diffusers and most of the toiletries were gone. One patron was heard saying "Oh wow, this is really nice!" and was stopped by a wedding guest before helping herself to the stuff. Another emptied out a cup that was holding dental floss picks and proceeded to use the cup to wash the sand off of her feet in the sink. Again, I would think that coming in and seeing a formal party going on it would be clear that the items were for guests, not the general public. I would also think that for $2,500 to rent the venue, we could have exclusive use of the restrooms - there are additional facilities on the lower level. #3 - Knowing that the venue has no AC, we had inquired about the use of commercial AC units, but were denied. We were reassured that industrial sized fans would be provided by the park system for our use. Yeah, that didn't happen. There was no one from the park system available. We tried to reach someone via the beer garden, but they received no replies to their calls. We took it upon ourselves to relocate one fan that was being used on the lower level, and found another one hidden in a closet. (btw - they really didn't do much, anyway, so if you are planning a wedding in mid summer, I would advise against it.) #4 - Parking. There was none, at least none within 2 blocks of the venue. On a positive note, having the kitchen area and separate room to set up a buffet and bar was nice, but aside from that and the aesthetics and view, I don't think it was worth the money and I would not...

STUNNING! What a wonderful place to have a vintage theme wedding. I cannot say enough about South Shore Park Pavilion. What a beautiful venue. I do; however, want to give a huge thanks to Clifford Hale and his staff (especially Nick), for their time, assistance and patience. They will help you with anything they can, offer advice, and generally and discreetly become a part of the team when we are doing set up and break down. This place books well in advance, so plan a head. Remember also that it is a landmark of great significance and beauty. In other words, have a great time but do no damage. Our guests were respectful, and we as hosts, and I am sure the Park appreciates this. Truly a...

South Shore Beer Garden. An open-air beer garden, a gastropub in a 1930's bathhouse, with beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee skyline. Nice streamlined menu. Of our 4 meals, 1 brat and 3 fish, only one piece of fish was hard and uneatable, but it was replaced. Quite a line-up of beer, but the entire time we were there, the combined food and drink ordering line was 20 deep. And there is no BEER ONLY line. We preferred to sit and talk with friends vs standing in a line for 45 minutes! We're all beer drinkers and could have easily gotten 2 more drinks each/8 more PINTs (at $ 5.50 includes glass/$ 4.50 refill) What are they thinking?! Get a beer...