April 14 (or 414, which is also Milwaukee’s area code) has been designated Milwaukee Day. It’s an opportunity to recognize what makes MKE unique and to celebrate the largest and most culturally diverse city in Wisconsin. We’ve compiled ideas on how to participate, appreciate, contribute and make MKE stronger together.
1. Celebrate MKE’s ongoing downtown revival. Head to the Third Ward, stop at the Milwaukee Public Market, explore the Historic King Drive Business Improvement District, ramble along the lakefront, or drop in at any of the unique shops and businesses that help shape the backbone of MKE.
2. Sample a beer from one of the 50+ local craft breweries. If the weather’s right, any number of restaurants, bars, cafes, distilleries or wineries offer a place to appreciate the outdoors.
3. Check out some of MKE’s architectural marvels or most iconic places.
Tour MKE for the area’s most interesting architectural landmarks: Milwaukee City Hall, Frank Lloyd Wright’s buildings, the Art Museum, the Allen-Bradley Clock Tower, the Mackie Building, the Basilica of St. Josaphat, the Milwaukee Public Library, and others. A historical or walking tour around downtown Milwaukee is a fun idea as well.
4. Enjoy the spring weather at a Milwaukee County Park — check out some of MKE’s amazing walking, hiking and biking trails, including the lakefront, Three Bridges Park, the Milwaukee River Greenway and dozens more.
5. Bone up on MKE’s love affair with supper clubs — try some food and wine pairings at the Milwaukee Public Market, or try any number of outstanding ethnic restaurants throughout MKE’s diverse neighborhoods: Mexican, Greek, Polish, Italian, German, African, Scandinavian, Cajun, Chinese, Mediterranean, Japanese, Hmong, fusion, and more. Get some ideas at the MKE Lifestyle Eat & Drink resource.
6. Hang out in the the Deer District to celebrate the NBA World Champion Milwaukee Bucks as they prep through another playoff run. Read some of Bucks GM Jon Horst’s favorite things about MKE from our March 2022 issue
7. Learn about some of Milwaukee’s most reMKEable residents and impact couples, and find out how some Milwaukeeans have made the most of MKE’s digital dating scene.
8. Spend some time walking/biking any stretch along the 14-mile Hank Aaron State Trail, with stops at Discovery World, the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Harley-Davidson Museum, the Mitchell Park Domes, or any of the several parks along the way.
9. Plan your farmer’s market visit, or participate in a Community Sourced Agriculture program. And next time you grocery shop, buy a few extra non-perishable items and donate to a local food shelter to help those in need.
10. Take in a local attraction. The Milwaukee County Zoo, Milwaukee Public Museum, America’s Black Holocaust museum, Jewish History Museum, the LUNA Center, the Museum of Wisconsin Art and dozens of other points of interest capture the historical quirks that set MKE apart.
For more ideas, go to milwaukeeday.com or visitmilwaukee.org. MKE