Milwaukee on Tap

Milwaukee On Tap
Brewery Heritage Tour

DAY ONE

Take a free, guided walking tour of Milwaukee's famous Miller Brewing Company (4251 W. State Street/414-931-BEER), including a theater presentation, visits to Miller's packing and shipping centers, brew house and historic caves - go from the days of horse-drawn beer wagons to high-tech assembly lines in about an hour! Enjoy complimentary Miller product samples (soda is provided for guests under 21) in the Bavarian-style Miller Inn or seasonal outdoor beer garden. Cap your tour with a visit to Miller's Girl in the Moon gift shop.

Discover how Milwaukee's original beer baron lived at the Pabst Mansion (2000 W. Wisconsin Ave./414-931-0808), considered the finest Flemish Renaissance revival mansion in America. Captain Frederick Pabst built this1892 architectural gem as a testament to his success, love of life and German heritage.

Lunch options include casual dining at Water Street Brewery (1101 N. Water St./414-272-1195), Milwaukee's original brew pub since 1987. Enjoy a wide variety of award-winning traditional and specialty beers brewed on premises, and an extensive collection of brewing memorabilia. The Water Street Brewery Taster Set features a sample of each of the restaurant's handcrafted, home brews. Located on Milwaukee's scenic riverfront, Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery(740 N. Plankinton Avenue/414-276-3030) offers casual ambience and a wide selection of handcrafted beer.

You'll find Lakefront Brewery, Inc. (1872 N. Commerce St./414-372-8800) nestled along the Milwaukee River. Two home-brewing brothers founded this award-winning microbrewery in 1987. End your tour by sampling some of Lakefront's popular microbrews, from Bavarian-style lager to pale ale. Lakefront also brews non-alcoholic, Golden Maple Rootbeer. Friday nights Lakefront offers brewery tours followed by a Milwaukee tradition - the Friday night fish fry and polka party. Call 414/372-8800.

If cruising is more your style, book a weekend brewery tour on Riverwalk Boat Tours Brew City Queen (1137 N. Old World Third St./414-283-9999). This 44-passenger pontoon boat stops at Lakefront Brewery, Milwaukee Ale House and Rock Bottom Brewery. Additional cruises scheduled weekly May - Oct.

Enjoy dinner at nearby Mader's Restaurant (1037 N. Old World Third St./414-271-3377) a Milwaukee classic. Back in 1902, Mader's lunch time "bucket boys" delivered pails of frothy beer to thirsty office workers. Today, Mader's is famous for its fine authentic German food and décor. Mader's also houses a one million dollar collection of imports, steins and figurines in its gift shop. 

Ein Prosit! End the evening at Old German Beer Hall (1009 N. Old World Third St. /414-226-2728). In a city built on German Heritage, Old German Beer Hall represents the spirit of the Hofbräuhaus München. The beer is brewed in Munich according to the over 400-year- old Bavarian purity law. You'll find a glimpse into Bavarian culture and social life, including tables and benches replicating those found in the "Schwermme" at the original Munich beer hall. Satisfy your appetite with simple German festival foods, such as Usinger's sausages, warm pretzels and beer radish.

Learn more about Milwaukee and its rich brewing heritage at the Milwaukee County Historical Society (910 Old World Third St./414-273-8288). You'll enjoy this exploration of Milwaukee's past in the renovated, 1913 Second Ward Savings Bank building. The bank was known as the "brewers bank" because it housed the fortunes of several of Milwaukee's early beer barons.

Enjoy lunch at the Milwaukee Ale House (233 N. Water St./414-226-BEER). Located on the Milwaukee RiverWalk in the heart of the Historic Third Ward, the Ale House brews six handcrafted brews in a turn-of-the-century beerhall atmosphere. Located in a brick and timber warehouse building in the Historic Third Ward, the Milwaukee Ale House offers indoor and outdoor casual dining and live evening entertainment. Buck Bradley's Saloon & Eatery (1019 N. Old World Third St./414-224-8506) offers pub food and a beer selection designed to please the true connoisseur. You'll also find the longest wooden bar east of the Mississippi on the main level and a second floor sports bar.

Advertising and beer go together like cheese and crackers. Stop in The Eisner - American Museum of Advertising & Design (208 N. Water St./414-847-3290). Located in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward, The Eisner is the world's only museum with a unique emphasis on the social, historical and aesthetic implications of advertising and design. See award-winning ad campaigns and changing exhibits.

Dinner at Karl Ratzsch's (320 E. Mason St./414-276-2720) is a Milwaukee tradition - they've been serving up delicious German fare since 1904. Enjoy its extensive beer selection and while you're waiting, check out the ornate European stein collection assembled by "Mama" Ratzsch.

End the evening by sitting back with a cold one and getting your laughs on at the fastest moving, longest running comedy show in Milwaukee! ComedySportz(420 S. First St./414-272-8888) is improv comedy based entirely on audience suggestions. It's comedy as a sport, complete with teams, referees and cheering sections!