3-Day Adrenaline-Pumping Getaway in Milwaukee

If you still have energy to burn, take to the skies, hovering beneath a helicopter’s whirring blades during the sightseeing trip of a lifetime. Your bird’s-eye view of Milwaukee begins at MyFlight Milwaukee’s standalone terminal, located on the northern end of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE). Choose from flightpath options that showcase coastline attractions like the Hoan Bridge and Milwaukee Art Museum, westward landmarks like American Family Field and the Milwaukee Mile, or part of the skyline in between. MyFlight also offers celebration packages that include special extras like commemorative photography, in-flight champagne and even a dozen roses. 

Fuel up-Breakfast: Colectivo Lakefront. Lunch: SafeHouse. Dinner: The Packing House.

We’re declaring this a driving day! Head to Milwaukee’s western suburbs for an adrenaline-filled afternoon at Waukesha’s K1 Speed, where you can race blazing-fast indoor go-kartz. Their high-performance, all-electric karts approach speeds of 45 miles per hour, and the winding courses will test your driving skills–and nerve. Kart setups are available for beginners, experts and drivers young and old. K1 Speed even offers specialty experiences like Drift Night, where karts are modified to allow for some serious turn-drifting, and Grid Night, with an extra emphasis on passing and racing.

For a driving experience with a unique twist, head for WhirlyBall in Brookfield. Imagine combining bumper cars, lacrosse, hockey and basketball, and you’ll get a good sense of what awaits. Divided into two teams, players work together to score the most goals by passing Wiffle balls with their lacrosse scoops to get a shot off at the elevated basket. Oh, and you have to do it all while steering your vehicle and avoiding opponents who are trying to bump you off your rhythm. If you want to switch things up a bit, WhirlyBall also offers bowling and laser tag. And when you need a break, the on-site Pivot Room offers a full menu of tasty food and drinks.

But to truly take your driving to the next level, plan to be in town September 4-7 for the Xtreme Xperience at the historic Milwaukee Mile Speedway. It’s the rarest of chances to live out your racing dreams by clocking laps on the same track that the pros will use at the Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250s this August, and you’ll do so inside some dream supercars. We’re talking Lamborghinis and Ferraris, Porsches and Corvettes. No matter if you choose to do a ride along with a pro driver or to get behind the wheel yourself, you’re in for an unforgettable thrill ride.

Fuel up-Breakfast: Blue’s Egg. Lunch: Kopp’s Frozen Custard Brookfield. Dinner: Eldr+Rime

You’ll go a bit wild today, both in the things you’ll see and the things you’ll do, and you’ll begin it all at the Milwaukee County Zoo. Sure, you’ll want to commune with some of the 2,200-plus animals, many housed in breathtaking habitats that are accessible year-round. But in between hanging out with giraffes, elephants, big cats and playful otters, your goal during the warmer months is to conquer the Sky Adventure Zip Line and Ropes Course. This three-story structure features fun and challenging obstacles that’ll test the balance and coordination of kids and adults. The most thrilling part is a zip line that sends you flying at treetop height over the animals and zoo patrons far below. Feel free to let out that triumphant roar in mid-flight.

Finally, you’ll cap your Milwaukee adrenaline adventure with one final, cleansing blast of stress relief because you’re heading for Bust-N-Stuff. Whether you call it a rage room, a smash room or even a bustaporeum, you definitely won’t call it boring. Their full-service crew takes care of everything, from gearing you up safely to cleaning up your hard-earned mess. All you have to do is decide what types of things you want to smash and what exactly you want to smash them with. Creative types can even add a little paint into the mix, then take home their rage-fueled masterpiece while fondly thinking about all of the tension they’ve just left behind.

Fuel Up–Breakfast: Story Hill BKC | Lunch: Café Hollander Wauwatosa | Dinner: DanDan.