Wisconsin | Must-Visit Near Chicago: Your Complete Guide to Milwaukee

I’ve traveled to all 50 U.S. states and shared guides to 40+ national parks and popular cities on my homepage. More content is on the way — follow me so you don’t miss out! 😊 Milwaukee is just a 1.5-hour drive from Chicago, yet it’s often overlooked. But this city is truly beautiful and perfect for a weekend trip 🚗💨. If you visit in early September, you might even catch the kite festival! 🪁 👉 The Basilica of St. Josaphat No. 1 attraction in Milwaukee! The first thing that amazes you are the stunning stained-glass windows imported from Austria. The interior is as exquisite as many European cathedrals. 🕍✨ 👉 Milwaukee Art Museum A museum with incredibly unique architecture — it was even featured in Transformers 3! 🎬 Around 10 AM, the building slowly unfolds its “wings” like a sailboat. ⛵️ 👉 Downtown The downtown area is beautiful and full of fresh energy, with colorful European-style buildings. Walk west, and you’ll reach the Milwaukee River. 🌆 👉 Veterans Park Offers gorgeous views of Lake Michigan. The water has a misty gray tone dotted with white sails — it’s poetic and serene. 🌊⛵️ 👉 Historic Third Ward Back in 1915, this area had over 70 Italian salons and grocery stores. Today, it’s Milwaukee’s classic arts district with 70+ beautifully weathered historic buildings. 🎨🧱 👉 Milwaukee Public Market A food lover’s paradise! Enjoy fresh fruit, pastries, seafood, and more. The famous St. Paul Fish Company serves a Boston lobster meal for under $20. 🦞😋 👉 Harley-Davidson Museum Milwaukee is the hometown of Harley-Davidson. You’ll often hear the roar of motorcycle engines in the streets 🏍️. The museum even has vintage Harley posters from 1930s Shanghai! 👉 Miller Brewery Tour With its strong German heritage, Milwaukee is known as America’s “Brewing Capital.” 🍻 Brands like Pabst, Schlitz, Miller, and Blatz all started here. Don’t miss the Miller Brewery tour! 👉 Milwaukee City Hall The four-faced clock at City Hall is an architectural classic. 🕰️🏛️ 👉 Frank Lloyd Wright American System-Built Homes Affordable housing designed by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. 🏠✍️ 👉 Milwaukee Bucks Catch an NBA game if you’re a basketball fan! 🏀🔥 #Milwaukee #TravelWisconsin #ChicagoDayTrip #USATravel #Wisconsin #ExploreMilwaukee