A museum trip is a great way to spend the weekend with your family or friends. This list will give you everything you need to know about the best museums that Milwaukee has to offer.
There is something for everyone, no matter your age or interest you can go out, learn and explore some really amazing places. So take some time and find a great place to spend the day in a great way.
Harley Davidson Museum
The Harley Davidson Museum is like walking through the history of America. They feature bikes of all kinds and years. Its 20-acre campus has a park-like feel and has activities going on every week.
It is one of Milwaukee’s top things to do. They have over 450 motorcycles dating back to the very first Harley Davidson motorcycle. You can tour archives, some have never been seen before. The riverfront provides excellent views from the museum.
They also have a fun shop full of great gifts. The Motor, a delicious restaurant on the Musume campus, has some great offerings like loaded tots, patty melts, and cool ranch wings. They have lighter fare like salads and soups that are just as wonderful.
You can visit the restaurant without having to purchase a ticket to the museum. Children under 5 have free admission, children 5-17 have $8 admission, students, military, and seniors have $16 admission, and adults have $22 admission.
- Address: 400 W Canal St, Milwaukee, WI
Discovery World Museum
This science and technology museum has fun and educational experiences for everyone in the family. They have a ton of exciting experiences, like interactive exhibits, the on-site aquarium, and educational labs. The labs cover more than 10,000 square feet. The Kohl’s “Design It! Lab” has guides that will help your kids create new and unique projects (currently not operating).
The virtual explorer uses virtual reality to immerse an audience in a story. These are just a few of the great offerings at Discovery World.
- Address: 500 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee Art Museum
The Milwaukee Art Museum has over 30,000 pieces of art for you to explore with family and group trips available. Like all other art museums, they have a no-touch policy in the exhibits, but they do have some fun days where you and your kids can get interactive. Kohl’s Art Generation Family, the weekends feature fun arts and crafts at the museum. They have special programs for teens to explore art and make some themselves and even an internship program.
They are open every day from 10 AM- 5 PM and they stay open until 8 PM on Thursday. They also have really affordable rates and discounts for students and seniors, plus kids under 12 are always free.
- Address: 700 N Art Museum Dr, Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee Public Museum
The Milwaukee Public Museum is an awesome natural history that has something for everyone.
They have tours for people of all ages. An added bonus is that they are all really affordable. The Highlights Tour will take you to look at the best the museum has to offer. It is a guided tour for groups of 20. It lasts about an hour, and you’re sure to be impressed.
Overnight in the Museum – An overnight stay can be arranged as well. They are $55 dollars per person, and each comes with a fun theme, like mummies or dinosaurs. The evening will be full of hands-on activities, shows, and a sleepover in one of the exhibit areas. The standard admission for the museum is $12 dollars with an add-on for other exhibits available. Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. They are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays and 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sundays.
- Address: 800 W Wells St, Milwaukee, WI
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
This is a fun museum for any child. They have hands-on experiences that help build cognitive function. And promote early learning. All of the exhibits are interactive. This museum was opened in 1995 by three women in southeastern Wisconsin. The exhibits constantly change, so there is always something new for everyone.
They are available for parties that include a 90-minute private room for up to 20 guests. You can bring in your own food and drinks as well as decorations (no wall decorations, latex balloons, water guns, or silly string). They can receive delivery from many local restaurants to make that easy.
Check for free days in Milwaukee.
- Address: 929 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI
Haggerty Museum of Art
The Haggerty Museum of Art is located on the campus of Marquette University. They have a constantly rotating amount of exhibits. The art is diverse and interesting. This museum is one that is best for interested teens and adults. This is a great afternoon activity and an opportunity to see some truly unique pieces.
Admission is free for everyone, every day.
- Address: 1234 W Tory Hill St, Milwaukee, WI
Old South Side Settlement Museum (Temporarily Closed)
This specialty museum is a great trip in the making. You can only visit this historic location through tours. It’s like walking through history. Every section of the small museum is set up like home used to be, with every section dedicated to the different ethnic groups.
The dining room is in a polish theme, ad the kitchen has a tribute to the area’s Hispanic community. You can wander around the rooms, and really great to see everything without any roped-off areas. Admission varies, and calling to make reservations will ensure there are tours available.
- Address: 707 W Lincoln Ave, Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee Fire Museum
The Fire Museum is perfect if you have a little firefighter in your home. What is great is that the trip is completely free of admission. They do appreciate donations, though.
The firefighters are great when you visit. They tell wonderful stories and are great for kids. Everything is displayed well. The events are the Fire Museum hosts family events like antique fire truck shows. They welcome photographs which is a fun benefit that many museums don’t allow.
It’s fun to see how fire stations worked years ago before the advent of fire trucks and the construction and style of the old firehouse compared to new ones. You can follow a tour guide while they explain the ins and outs to you. If you prefer, you can go on a self-guided tour and wander around to discover all that the building has to offer.
- Address: 1615 W Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee, WI
Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear
A quirky look at the late Avrum Chudnow’s collection of early 20th Century Americana. A fascinating and educational look at the world of the 1900s.
- Address: 839 N 11th St, Milwaukee
Grohmann Museum
The collection here is dedicated to the evolution of human work. A fascinating idea and one that is well worth a few hours wandering. Also, this museum is housed in Milwaukee School of Engineering’s Campus, which is worth another wander. Take an afternoon and explore!
- Address: 1000 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI