Milwaukee in the news

Facilities & Destinations

Milwaukee: Today's "It" Place to Meet

May 1, 2023

In the past five years, Milwaukee has garnered international acclaim. In 2018, Vogue magazine called Milwaukee the coolest city in the Midwest, noting the diverse and walkable neighborhoods as a major draw for visitors.

Midwest Living

10 Cool Hotels and Resorts Where You Can Vacation with Your Pup

May 3, 2023

Kimpton Journeyman in Milwaukee is just crazy about canines. Along with its standard pet perks, there's a new Yappy Hour in the works. 

Outdoors Wire

16 outstanding urban kayaking destinations throughout the US

April 13, 2023

Milwaukee is made for urban kayaking, as it was founded at the site where three rivers — the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic — all flow into Lake Michigan. Milwaukee Kayak Company and Brew City Kayak offer various tours, with highlights like history, cheese curds, and sunsets.

Tinybeans

Two Days in Milwaukee? Make the Most of It with This Itinerary

April 13, 2023

There are plenty of family-friendly hotels and Airbnb’s throughout Milwaukee. Looking for a hotel with a rooftop swimming pool that boasts panoramic city views? The Pfister Hotel will keep your kiddos splish-splashing. Want your littles to feel like VIPs? Aloft Milwaukee Downtown boasts Camp Aloft, a children’s program that provides a welcome goodie-bag and plenty of kid-friendly, parent-approved snack options throughout your stay.

Clever

The Best Taco Cities in America: 2022 Data

February 28, 2023

On a weekly basis, taco supplies for three to four people are just 0.9% of Milwaukeean's annual income, 25% lower than the average of 1.2%. The actual cost is approximately $11.48, which is also 25% less than the average city's cost of $15.37.

Clever

The Best Coffee Cities in America: 2022 Data

March 9, 2023

The average cappuccino only costs $3.56 in Milwaukee, where residents spend 1.5% of their annual income on their weekday cup.

USA Today

Explore unexpected waterways: 10 urban kayaking destinations in the United States

February 17, 2023

Kayak the urban portions of Milwaukee's three rivers – the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic – on the Milwaukee Urban Water Trail. You'll paddle through parts of county parks systems, which offer a glimpse of wildlife, including deer, river otters, turtles, an abundance of birds and over 40 species of fish. You can also sightsee along the way, floating past such attractions as the Milwaukee RiverWalk, the Pabst Theater, the Harley Davidson Musem and more.

USA Today

Waterfront spots: 10 best riverwalks across the United States

February 17, 2023

The Milwaukee RiverWalk connects three neighborhoods via a 20-block pedestrian promenade on both sides of the Milwaukee River. This area is home to some of the city's best outdoor dining at the restaurants and breweries that line either side of the river. The RiverSculpture outdoor art gallery along the RiverWalk features a collection of temporary and permanent installations from national, regional and local sculptors.

Out Traveler

Reflecting Milwaukee’s Diversity

January 25, 2023

I’ve been to Milwaukee on numerous business trips and always enjoyed my brief visits to this picturesque city on the shores of Lake Michigan. But beyond its much-touted German heritage, I never truly saw it as a particularly diverse place. Then a deeper dive changed my mind and I’ve fallen head-over-heels for the Brew City.

Thrillist

The Most Vegan-Friendly Cities Across the U.S.

February 3, 2023

We know, we know, Wisconsin is the Dairy State and Milwaukee is mostly just known as Beer City, USA. Why would it be included on a list of the best vegan cities in the country? Because long-time vegan locals (such as myself) know that creative vegan chefs have been crafting delectable dishes for well over a decade.

Meetings Today

On the Scene: How to Incorporate History and Art in Your Milwaukee Meetings

December 9, 2022

Nicknamed the City of Steeples, Milwaukee’s skyline is hard to miss no matter which direction you’re coming from. Rather than being peppered with nothing but skyscrapers, everywhere you look there’s an elaborately decorated steeple peering through the city’s modern buildings, each one serving as a reminder of Milwaukee’s rich history and welcoming community.

Travel Noire

These Are The 17 Best Cities For Beer Lovers 

December 29, 2022

Back in the Midwest, Milwaukee is the third-best city for beer lovers. The city comes in on the low end with 26 bars. But with a crazy, high-energy bar scene, the city is a beer-lover favorite. 

SmartMeetings

The ‘Pearl of the Midwest’ Is Expanding in a Major Way

November 30, 2022

Considering Milwaukee will serve as the host city for an event of a similar ilk, the Republican National Convention in 2024, it bodes well for the City of Steeples that a $456 million dollar expansion of the Wisconsin Center is currently underway and slated for completion by Q1 2024.

Black Meetings & Tourism

VISIT Milwaukee Showcases Community to Black Meeting Planners  

December 1, 2022

…The first destination to take advantage of this impressive event was Visit Milwaukee. Heading the effort that organized this event was our media company…

SportsTravel

Milwaukee Embraces History, Improves its Future

November 18, 2022

Milwaukee is a city with a storied sports history. There’s a blend of professional and college sports that keep fans engaged year-round and you can bet they’ll be enjoying a cold beverage and cheering loudly for their teams.

Smart Meetings

Elevating Holiday Cheer Through Culinary Creativity  

November 22, 2022

Not every culinary experiment goes smashingly and even the professionals say that holiday cooking for friends and family is not a prime time to go crazy. Banquet Chef Bill Delp at the Wisconsin Center says that while seasonal cooking allows for exciting new combinations of ingredients and spices, sticking with what you know, and know how to do well, is a guaranteed recipe for success.

Smart Meetings

Venues From National Geographic’s List of Most Breathtaking Places in the World

November 3, 2022

Whether you’re in the mood to find some A-list cheese curds, take-in a game with the Milwaukee Bucks over a pint of locally tapped beer or if you just want a place to convene a meeting, Milwaukee has the scene you’re looking for.

USA Today

Best Beer City? Readers name these cities as the 10 best

November 4, 2022

There’s good reason the Milwaukee baseball team is called the Brewers. Beer giant Miller Brewing put the city on the beer map, and a host of modern craft breweries and beer bars have maintained its legacy as an epic beer destination.

The Ascent

Best Midwest Cities for Millennials

August 18, 2022

Milwaukee is a city on the shores of Lake Michigan that balances both blue-collar roots and youthful modernity. It has a diverse population, a variety of restaurants, and a walkable downtown with plenty of accessible public transit options. 
 

AARP

Where to Go for Summer’s Last Long Weekend

August 26, 2022

On the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has direct flights from many U.S. destinations and ample lodging options. 

Essence

Luxurious Destinations That You Don't Have to Travel Far to 

August 15, 2022

This area has a long history of offering top of the line spa treatments for health and wellness due to the numerous natural water sources available.

WTMJ-TV TMJ4

Milwaukee Lakefront Events in July Generated $3.2M Economic Impact

August 4, 2022

The return of Milwaukee's lakefront events generated a major economic boost during the month of July.

U.S. News & World Report

24 Top Weekend Getaways From Chicago 

June 8, 2022

Located about 80 miles north of Chicago on Lake Michigan is the Brew City of Milwaukee, which boasts more than 200 breweries, museums, festivals and the Harley-Davidson Museum.

BizTimes

Wisconsin Tourism Impact Rose 21% in 2021

June 8, 2022

Wisconsin’s tourism industry in 2021 generated $20.9 billion in total economic impact, up 21% over 2020, according to data released Wednesday by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.

New York Times

52 Places for a Changed World

January 6, 2022

The 2022 list highlights places around the globe where travelers can be part of the solution.

Meetings Today

7 Historic Event Venues in Wisconsin

December 13, 2021

Historic venues always make for crowd-pleasing offsite locations for special events like receptions, awards ceremonies or even corporate meetings. In the Midwest, Wisconsin has a varied history that has produced a host of venues across the state that tell unique stories about its past.

MeetingsNet

Doubling Down on Conventions in Milwaukee

November 30, 2021

The Wisconsin Center District, which runs a trio of event facilities in downtown Milwaukee, is betting big that a major convention-center expansion will bring more and larger groups to the city.

Milwaukee Business Journal

Wisconsin Center convention bookings continue to rebound heading into 2022

November 25, 2021

The Visit Milwaukee team used that difficult year of 2020 and into 2021 to try to rebook as many events as possible. For larger conventions, that meant looking several years down the line as associations schedule their yearly events far in advance.

Only In Your State

Wisconsin's 135-mile Oak Leaf Trail Is Your Ticket To Milwaukee's Biggest Parks And Attractions

November 8, 2021

There's no need for a car to enjoy some of the best spots in Wisconsin’s largest city. If you’re a biker, hiker, runner, or walker you can explore the heart of Milwaukee via the Oak Leaf Trail, a 135-mile pedestrian route that encircles the city. It’s popular with both locals and visitors alike, and because it’s so long, you’ll find segments all over town. If you’ve spent any time in Milwaukee, you’ve probably encountered a stretch of the Oak Leaf. Here’s what you need to know about this incredible Wisconsin trail. 

CBS 58 WDJT-TV

Milwaukee takes down New York City to win 'best US city' in Twitter poll

November 6, 2021

There is plenty to love about Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and apparently, voters on Twitter agree as the Cream City won a national poll for the best city in the country Saturday morning, Nov. 6. 

After advancing to the finals, racking up victories over cities like Chicago and Minneapolis along the way, Milwaukee earned a championship victory over New York City, the country's largest city, with 70% of voters believing Milwaukee is the 'best city' in the country.

Connect Meetings

4 U.S. Convention Center Expansions to Have on Your Radar

October 25, 2021

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Midwest meetup, Wisconsin’s Cream City is calling. 

Connect Faith

Milwaukee Prepares to Welcome Cru

October 22, 2021

Milwaukee will be teeming with 5,000 Cru college ministry staff and 1,800 children July 14 to 24, 2022, and the VISIT Milwaukee team couldn't be more excited to host them.

Travel + Leisure

Milwaukee's Black Holocaust Museum Will Open in February After Being Closed Over a Decade

October 13, 2021

The museum has been sharing its exhibits online since 2012.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 

The pandemic kept them off the road. Now, travel writers convene in Milwaukee, find find 'so much cool stuff going on.'

October 5, 2021

This is an example of a city that is a little off people's radar nationally for a travel destination," Bleiberg said. "Like  so many other cities this size there's so much cool stuff going on, there's so much to see. So we as an organization, our members are loving it here. And frankly that means that there's great stories to write."

Lonely Planet

10 must-do things on your trip to Milwaukee

September 25, 2021

Back in the day, Milwaukee was best known for beer, cheese and Happy Days, but the city has recently undergone a revival of sorts.  Between its thriving art and live music scene and its killer culinary cred, you’ll find plenty to do on your visit to Milwaukee.

Fox 6 WITI-TV

Milwaukee Tourism Flourishes Thanks to Ryder Cup

September 24, 2021

The Ryder Cup has brought people from all over to southeastern Wisconsin including the Milwaukee area. And that's good news for the city's tourism. 

Lonely Planet

From Summerfest to winter surfing, Milwaukee has plenty to do all year​

August 28, 2021

While Wisconsin gets a bad rap for its winters (and, truth be told, they are some of the coldest in the country), winter in Milwaukee has its charm. But warm weather fans are still in luck because the city has festivals, concerts, fairs and all sorts of unique distractions between spring and fall. 

Sports Destination Management

Sprecher 150 ARCA Menards Series Driving Excitement

August 26, 2021

Race fans in and around southeastern Wisconsin and throughout the upper Midwest are getting excited about the Sprecha 150 ARCA Menards Series events scheduled for Sunday, August 29 at the Milwaukee Mile Speedway. And for good reason.

Reise Magazine

Enjoy traveling the Great Lakes

Big cities, beach resorts, dunes, forests, wine regions: many people fulfill their dream of exploring the Great Lakes region by rental car. If you want to experience something special, you can enjoy Lake Michigan from the water - and take the car with you. The “Lake Express” catamaran takes you from Milwaukee in Wisconsin to Muskegon in Michigan.

Groups Today

A Milwaukee Cultural Tour

Milwaukee is a city that cherishes its roots while looking toward a vibrant future. The city has been and always will be powered by the people who call Milwaukee home. Embark on a journey spotlighting the diverse groups that make up the cultures of MKE.

Esquire

5 Unexpectedly Awesome Domestic Cities to Fuel Your Wanderlust

Alice Cooper said it’s pronounced mill-e-wah-que, which is Algonquin for “the good land.” What he failed to explain is what exactly makes Milwaukee so good.

The Daily Beast

Why is Everyone Surprised by How Cool Milwaukee Is?

In recent years, when I tell others that I’m from Milwaukee, I’m surprised by how many respond by saying they had recently visited. Virtually all of them tell me they loved the city and I can tell by the shock in their voices that every single one of them was surprised they had such a great time. What did they expect from the land of beer and cheese? Actually, they probably expected little more than fantastic beer and cheese (which they surely found) but were then blown away by everything else the city has to offer – and how cheap it is.

Conde Nast Traveler

Best Weekend Getaways From Chicago

January 28, 2021

On a drive of just over two hours, cruise past Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha (hit the brakes to load up on Wisconsin gold), and lakefront Milwaukee, on your way to Kohler.

Trade Show News Network

How CVBs Are Designing Virtual Experiences to Promote Their Destinations

April 9, 2020

In early April, VISIT Milwaukee launched a special video put together by staff to send a message of hope and solidarity to its clients, partners and community. This complements the CVB’s #GoodThingsBrewing in Milwaukee page, which features stories of Milwaukee residents coming together to support local businesses and each other during the pandemic.

Milwaukee Business Journal

Youth volleyball tournament provides boost to Wisconsin Center, downtown Milwaukee

As the region’s professional and college teams are finally able to bring fans back into stadiums, youth sporting events have also returned to downtown Milwaukee, providing a welcome economic boost.

Group Travel Leader

Milwaukee’s Rebound Year

January 1, 2021

Milwaukee was supposed to be Party Central in 2020. The Democratic National Convention was going to fill up the city, the Society of American Travel Writers was to open its readers’ eyes to the city’s charms, golf’s Ryder Cup was to be played only an hour away, and leisure groups aplenty were going to roll into town.

We know what happened instead.

However, the downer that was 2020 is in the rearview mirror. Group travel leaders now have the enviable opportunity to explore anew Milwaukee’s appealing mixture of art, history and pizazz as better times approach.

Today Show

The Best Places to Travel in 2020

January 3, 2020

You’re got some really great cities in this part of the country. Milwaukee has great food right now in that city, and also it’s site of the July Democratic National Convention, so a lot of people are going to be going there in the summertime.

USA Today - 10best

10 Beer Experiences You Should Experience in 2020

December 30, 2019

Milwaukee has been a beer city since before the craft beer boom; it's the home of Miller Brewing and the Original Pabst Headquarters. Even their baseball team is called the Brewers, celebrating the city's relationship with beer.

New York Times

36 Hours in Milwaukee

October 10, 2019

Welcome to this small town in big-city clothing, where bobbleheads, ice-cream cocktails and Frank Lloyd Wright are on your weekend itinerary.

Travel Channel

10 Reasons to Make Time for Milwaukee

October 3, 2019

Now is the time to give some love to one of the coolest – and certainly most underrated – cities in the Midwest.

Food + Wine

There's Never Been a Better Time to Eat and Drink Milwaukee

June 21, 2019

The Midwestern city is having a major moment—here are the bars, restaurants, cafés, and shops we can't get enough of.

Home Business

Have an Upcoming Business Trip to Milwaukee? Ensure These Places are in Your Travel Plans

June 17, 2019

Home Business Magazine visits Milwaukee to find the best places for business travelers to stay, work, and play.

New York Times

Our Guide to the Milwaukee Convention: A 'Spotted Cow' Isn't a Cow

March 12, 2019

"Miami had glamour; Houston, vastness. But in the race to win the 2020 Democratic National Convention, it was Milwaukee — plucky, proud and a little faded, that triumphed over its sunnier competitors.."

Midwest Living

New Experiences in Milwaukee This Year

February 6, 2019

"Following a year that saw the debut of a downtown street car and the opening of a major sports and entertainment complex, 2019 promises to keep the momentum going in Milwaukee with new sights, bites and experiences."

Cedar Rapids Gazette

Brew City: In Milwaukee, history is served up along with the beer

September 15, 2018

"Sometimes it seems as if every town in America has its own microbrewery. But one place has loved beer long before it became trendy: Milwaukee, a community whose heritage is intertwined with brewing."

Trivago Magazine

7 Coolest Hotels in Milwaukee Surrounded by the Best of the Third Coast

October 16, 2018

"Milwaukee’s downtown scene has undergone a rebirth of sorts over the past decade: Think top-tier chefs revitalizing the foodie scene; a stunning Riverwalk dotted with bustling bars and dining hotspots; big and bold public art; a new Milwaukee Bucks arena and world-class concert venue; and of course, hotels that capture the essence of the country’s chic yet approachable “Third Coast."

USA Today

Milwaukee Breweries from Classic to Craft

June 6, 2018

"A beer-making (and drinking) tradition that spans more than 175 years has earned Milwaukee the nickname Brew City."

Chicago Tribune

Milwaukee pours on the old style at these 7 neighborhood taverns

March 13, 2018

"Long before trendy gastropubs, tony taprooms and multiscreen sports bars, drinkers imbibed at the neighborhood tavern. That still happens in “Brew City” Milwaukee, whose oldest bars may lack frills and hype but make up for it with quirks and personality."

Chicago Tribune

Milwaukee's ‘Gallery Night & Day’ shows off city's vibrant art scene

September 20, 2017

“Wisconsin’s largest city has many charms: Summerfest, a less crowded lakefront, beer. More beer. But Brew City has a seriously good art scene, too, and it knows how to show it off during Gallery Night and Day.”

Travelocity

7 Insanely fun things you didn't know you could do in Milwaukee

September 07, 2017

“With its vibrant food scene and envious location on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has the charm that some other larger cities are lacking….If Milwaukee is not already on your radar, it should be! This city is constantly evolving, so there’s no time like the present for a visit.”

Conde Nast Traveler

Best Places to Go in 2022

December 1, 2021

The Great Lakes comprise 95,000 square miles of freshwater flanked by thick forests, historic sights, and skyline-speckled cities. But despite the waterside attractions, this stretch of the upper Midwest and Canada has long been off the cruise-industry map. Soon, those tides will turn.

CBS 58 WDJT-TV

Milwaukee takes down New York City to win 'best US city' in Twitter poll

November 6, 2021

There is plenty to love about Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and apparently, voters on Twitter agree as the Cream City won a national poll for the best city in the country Saturday morning, Nov. 6. 

After advancing to the finals, racking up victories over cities like Chicago and Minneapolis along the way, Milwaukee earned a championship victory over New York City, the country's largest city, with 70% of voters believing Milwaukee is the 'best city' in the country.