12 Ways to Spend a Winter Day in Milwaukee
We all know Milwaukee summers are filled with festivals and fun everywhere you turn… but did you know Milwaukee winters are just as great? Our home has been called one of the best places to travel in the U.S. in January by Travel and Leisure! Here are some of our favorite snowy activities and locations.
Ice Skating at Red Arrow Park
Head downtown for one of our favorite winter activities… ice skating! Whether you’ve been skating for ten years or ten minutes, it’s easy to have a blast with this budget-friendly winter sport. And if you get cold, just pop inside of the Starbucks right next door!
Discovering Discovery World
Discovery World is a crowd pleaser year-round, but we love to warm up our fingers and toes with a trip to this educational funhouse! With awesome technology upstairs and an underwater paradise downstairs, there’s no way you won’t enjoy yourself!
Exploring the Milwaukee Domes
In need of a vacation, but no budget for it? The Domes are the next best thing! Head to the desert or the tropics for a quick dose of warmth and Vitamin D!
Sledding on Humboldt Hill
Embrace the chills with a classic winter activity! The city is filled with hills for sledding, but Humboldt Hill has got to be one of the best. Be sure to stop by Colectivo afterwards for some hot chocolate!
Sippin’ and chattin’ in new coffeehouses
If you’re not into the cold, grab a friend and a cup of joe at your favorite coffeehouse for some quiet chatting. There’s no better way to spend a dark, winter afternoon, and with options like Rochambo, Alderaan Coffee, Stone Creek Coffee, Roast Coffee Company and so many others, you’ll be warm in no time!
Strolling along the lakefront
Covered in gorgeous ice formations and placed against the beautiful backdrop of the city skyline, there’s no doubt that this walk will leave your jaw on the floor and your camera roll with plenty of new Instagrams!
Snowshoeing at the Urban Ecology Center
Try something new this winter at the Urban Ecology Center! Though you may not have ever been snowshoeing, we can promise that it will have you wishing winter could stick around for longer.
Warming up at the Milwaukee Public Market
After a day out in the cold, it’s important to sit down to a great meal. That’s where the Market comes in! With options from all kinds of different cultures, you’ll be sure to find the perfect meal to refuel.
Cheering on your Milwaukee teams
Winter wouldn’t be complete without seeing your team win, so cheer on the Bucks, Admirals or Panthers at one of their home games this season! Sign up for Student Rush to score discounted tickets and who knows - maybe you’ll be their good luck charm.
Shopping ’til you drop at Bayshore Town Center
Though the holiday season is over, Bayshore Town Center is still one of our favorite places to pick up the winter essentials. Whether you’re looking for hats and mittens, the newest iPhone or a great book, this outdoor mall has you covered! Make sure to stop by on February 3 to decorate a cookie for your Valentine.
Enjoying the Cedarburg Winter Festival
Make sure to attend the Cedarburg Winter Festival February 16 & 17! This year’s theme is “National Lampoon Vacation Movies,” so bust out your best Clark Griswold costume and get out there!
Having a day at the Museum
The Milwaukee Art Museum and Milwaukee Public Museum are always a classic, must-do when winter rolls around. You won’t want to miss out on first Thursday’s each month, which offer all visitors free admission to both museums!
Whether you choose to spend your winter indoors or outdoors, Milwaukee is filled with endless possibilities for new experiences and opportunities! Get inspired with more ideas from Visit Milwaukee.
