Hidden Gems | MKE
Milwaukee is known for the Harley-Davidson Museum, Summerfest, the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Riverwalk Art Walk. We highly recommend all new Milwaukeeans check out those places, but there is so much more that can be found in the city! Here are 12 hidden gems of Milwaukee that you should go explore.
Food
- Don’s Diner : This Cheers themed diner serves everything from burgers to mouth watering milkshakes. Recently, it converted into a grocery store to serve the needs of the community during COVID-19. However, you can still order the menu for curbside, pickup or delivery!
- Zocalo Food Park : Located in Walker’s Point, Zocalo is Milwaukee’s first food truck park! Yes, they are open for business, offering carryout with strict social distancing rules.
- Crossroads Collective : With options available for everyone, Crossroads Collective is a foodie’s dream. With all different types of food right at your fingertips, from handmade pasta to gourmet ice cream, you need to grab some carryout here!
Art
Milwaukee is an art city at heart. You can find all different works of art, big and small throughout the city. Even though the Milwaukee Art Museum is closed, you can still get an art experience just by going around the city.
- City Murals : Take a drive around the city or grab some bikes and see how many murals you can see! Check out the MKE Mural map to see where you can find all these different murals.
- Sculpture Milwaukee : Featuring 22 works of art along Wisconsin Ave., Sculpture Milwaukee brings art to life. Take a walk down Wisconsin Ave. to check some of them out!
- Gallery Night MKE : Every couple of months Milwaukee art galleries participate in Gallery Night MKE where people can come discover new artists. Check back at their website for updates for the July 17 & 18 event.
Activities
- Charles Allis Museum : Though it’s not open right now, the Charles Allis Museum needs to be on your Milwaukee bucket list for the future! This historic house emphasizes art and MKE history, originally owned by Charles and Sarah Allis.
- Urban Ecology Center : The Urban Ecology is a wonderful place that brings out the nature of the city. They currently have UEC in my backyard resources to learn and explore where you’re at!
- Bay View Park : For an amazing view of the city and Lake Michigan, make your way down to Bay View Park. Just past the city, Bay View is beautiful and quiet with part of the Oak Leaf trail that runs along the lake.
Hiking Trails
Each of these hiking trails comes with unique views and new places to explore in Milwaukee. From Miller Park, to the city, to the beach, these trails cover it all. Get some fresh air and explore some new parts of the city.
We hope that at least one of these hidden gems becomes your new favorite spot in Milwaukee. Milwaukee is full of surprises and we know there are more hidden gems out there! Let us know what your favorite low-key spots in the city are.
