A Weekend with Discover with Dallas
Where Accessibility Meets Adventure in Milwaukee
When Dallas asked her mom if she could start a YouTube channel to show people her wheelchair adventures, she sparked a movement. Now, through Discover with Dallas, this spunky kid travels the country discovering which cities truly understand that accessibility isn't just about meeting requirements, it's about creating joy.
In August, Dallas discovered something special: Milwaukee gets it. From beaches where her wheelchair rolled right up to Lake Michigan to playgrounds where she laughed so hard on the pump track her family couldn't stop smiling, Milwaukee showed what happens when a city commits to inclusion.
Follow Dallas's bright pink power wheelchair through a weekend of accessible adventure.
Friday
10:00 a.m. — Bradford Beach
Start at Bradford Beach (2400 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr.), officially America's most accessible beach. A permanent ramp connects to a 100-foot Mobi-Mat pathway leading right to the water's edge. Four free beach wheelchairs await at The Dock, designed to maneuver through sand and into Lake Michigan's waves. Dallas loved it so much she came back twice. This is what accessibility looks like when cities get creative.
1:00 p.m. — Harley-Davidson Museum
Start with a bite at MOTOR on the campus of the Harley-Davidson Museum (400 W. Canal St.). Specializing in burgers and smoky barbecue, these are kid-friendly comfort goods. Then explore exhibits that bring Milwaukee's motorcycle heritage to life with ramps, elevators and wide pathways throughout. Interactive displays keep the whole family engaged. Be sure to visit The Harley-Davidson Shop, where you can create your own one-of-a-kind items that stand out from the crowd.
4:00 p.m. — Renaissance Milwaukee West
Check into the Renaissance Milwaukee West Hotel in Wauwatosa, a few minutes west of downtown. Spacious wheelchair-accessible rooms offer the perfect landing spot. Located near Mayfair Mall with free parking and quick freeway access.
6:00 p.m. — Milwaukee Public Market
Head back downtown to the Milwaukee Public Market (400 N. Water St.), which features wide aisles, diverse food vendors and accessible restrooms. This Third Ward spot is one of America's best public markets. Sample Wisconsin cheese curds at West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shop, grab a bottle of wine or a local craft brew at Thief Wine Shop & Bar, seafood at St. Paul Fish Co. or empanadas at La Masa. Pick up a few C. Adams Bakery items for a sweet treat back at the hotel.
Saturday
8:00 a.m. — Allie Boy's Bagelry
Because kids love bagels almost as much as donuts, breakfast means Allie Boy's Bagelry & Luncheonette (2211 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.). Incredible bagels, generous sandwiches and that legendary Latke Waffle. An accessible ramp to the entrance is located off the patio.
9:30 a.m. — Discovery World
Discovery World (550 N. Harbor Dr.) offers an extraordinary and immersive experience, dedicated to sharing the wonders of science and igniting a lifelong love of endless exploration. The institution serves as a spark of joy, particularly in children's eyes, when they make meaningful connections with living creatures and scientific concepts. Situated within a world-class facility on the picturesque Lake Michigan shoreline.
11:30 a.m. — Zócalo Food Park
Next, head to Zócalo Food Park (636 S. Sixth St.) for Mazorca Tacos, Scratch Ice Cream, Modern Maki, and more. This outdoor food truck park features accessible pathways throughout, multiple food vendors, and a casual vibe where kids can be kids.
1:00 p.m. — The Domes
Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (524 S. Layton Blvd.), aka The Domes, showcases desert, tropical and seasonal environments across three iconic structures. They are the world's only conoidal domes, a unique shape that allows a better angle for solar heating and more height for tall trees. Smooth pathways wind through each climate-controlled space, making every plant accessible.
2:30 p.m. — Firefly Grove Park
This is where Dallas's trip reached pure joy. Firefly Grove Park (7604 Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa) features transfer-height equipment and accessible play structures, and Wisconsin’s first Thomas Dambo Troll Mama Rosa. The defining moment? Dallas took her wheelchair onto the pump track alongside bikes, laughing so hard with her family cheering her on. This is inclusive design at its finest, creating moments of uninhibited joy for every child.
5:00 p.m. — Saz's State House
Saz's State House (5539 W. State St.) serves massive burgers and legendary Friday fish fry in a family-friendly atmosphere with accessible seating throughout. Pure Milwaukee comfort food.
Sunday
9:00 a.m. — Eldr + Rime
Eldr + Rime (Renaissance Milwaukee West Hotel, 2300 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa) offers elevated Scandinavian-inspired breakfast in an accessible, modern space, a treat for the parents.
10:30 a.m. — Milwaukee County Zoo
Milwaukee County Zoo (10001 W. Blue Mound Rd.) features endless paved paths to see giraffes, tigers, bears, oh my! Dallas could navigate independently, getting close to exhibits and experiencing wildlife wonder alongside everyone else.
2:30 p.m. — Wehr Nature Center
Then head to Wehr Nature Center (9701 W. College Ave., Franklin) for accessible trails, a 1-mile All Abilities loop, and free all-terrain wheelchair rentals through Access Ability Wisconsin. Milwaukee's commitment to accessible nature experiences means Dallas could discover the woods and connect with the environment in ways many communities don't make possible.
3:30 p.m. — Return to Bradford Beach
Because once wasn't enough, return to Bradford Beach for a final afternoon by the lake. When you find spaces that truly welcome you, you return to them. The beach wheelchairs make it possible for Dallas to play independently. Creating memories that feel exactly like every other kid's beach day.