May 14, 2022

Your Guide to Spring in Milwaukee

Spring is a magical time in Milwaukee. Temps are rising, flowers are blooming, and people are finally ending their months long hibernation. Sure, spring also means lawn care and rainy spring weather... but with all Milwaukee has to offer for spring activities, you're sure to enjoy this season!

From patios and al fresco dining to Brewers baseball, killer art, and lakefront adventures.... we've outlined all the can't-miss Spring happenings in Milwaukee on our Guide to Spring in Milwaukee!

THE PATIO GUIDE

The Yard at Iron Horse Hotel

500 W Florida St, Milwaukee   https://theironhorsehotel.com/milwaukee-restaurants-at-the-iron-horse-hotel/

Now open for the season, The Yard is a lush urban oasis! Located at the Iron Horse Hotel. Rain or shine, this cozy space will allow you to enjoy the weather with with communal fire pits and comfy lounge furniture. Another huge plus? This patio and restaurant is always pet friendly! 

Tied House

124 N Water St, Milwaukee  https://tiedhousemke.com/

In the historic Third Ward, this culinary craft cocktail bar is a favorite around here at 2A. As they say, Tied House has something for everyone and everyone is welcome! From innovative cocktails to tried and true classics, you'll love hanging on their enchanting patio anytime of the day with lush greenery, fire pits, and café lights. 

Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen & Craft Distillery

320 E Clybourn St, Milwaukee  https://thecentralstandard.com/

The only rooftop patio in Milwaukee with 360 degree views of downtown... say no more. Having a cocktail on their rooftop patio, the Aviary, just hits different. This craft distillery is making some bomb cocktails with their in-house mixologist and offers a menu inspired by local chefs. Their award winning spirits are mixed with real organic juices & botanicals in fresh, yet familiar flavors, sure to please any sized crowd!

Café Benelux Rooftop

346 N Broadway, Milwaukee  https://cafebenelux.com/

We're suckers for a good rooftop, and Café Benelux doesn't disappoint. Located in the heart of the Third Ward, Café Benelux embodies the culture of Lowlands Europe and offers an award-winning Belgian bier selection, a scratch kitchen, and is routinely voted one of the best patios in the Milwaukee!

onmilwaukee.com

Shanghai MKE

Black Cat Alley: 2238 N Farwell, Milwaukee   https://www.facebook.com/shanghaimke/

Known as Milwaukee's most elusive back alley oasis... this Murray Hill hotspot is small, intimate and offers bomb cocktails and unique spirits.  This hidden speakeasy off North Ave can be accessed via Black Cat Alley... once you've found the hidden "S", you're there. A truly unique spot in both atmosphere are their outstanding bar program, don't miss Shanghai.

Journeyman Rooftop

310 E Chicago St, Milwaukee,   https://www.outsiderrooftop.com/

Located in the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel, the Outsider Rooftop Bar is as stunning as it is relaxing... and delicious. This swanky rooftop offers indoor and outdoor spaces with killer cocktails and light bites. With firepits, lounge furniture, and views of Milwaukee, it's easy to make yourself at home here... and we recommend that you do!

GET OUTSIDE

There’s nothing better than being outside with the sunshine on your face and wind in your hair… and the perfect place to do that? Hit the trails! There are tons of trails in Milwaukee, perfect for anything from biking or running to a leisurely walk with the family. Not to mention, trails are a great way to explore and see more of the city! Our faves? The Beerline trail. Not just a clever name, this trail was named due to it’s close proximity to where many of the old Milwaukee breweries were located. The Beerline trail runs just west of the Milwaukee River. Seven Bridges Trail – one of the most scenic in the area – is a local favorite and the perfect length for a stroll at just about 2 miles. The Hank Aaron State Trail is one of the best ways to see the city stretching from Miller Park to the lakefront and beyond. You’ll enjoy a mix of nature and urban settings, as this trail runs right through the Historic Third Ward. The Oak Leaf Trail is ideal for the nature lover. Bikers, runners and joggers love this 100+ mile trail. Other local trails include Wehr Nature Center Trails and Havenwoods State Forest Trails.

Spring in Milwaukee is synonymous with the Lakefront. There’s nothing more relaxing than a day on the lake or a fun-filled family day of water activities. From sightseeing boat tours, walking along the Milwaukee RiverWalk, urban kayaking, or enjoying a day at the beach with jet-skis, there’s truly something for everyone. You can even take your boat to the docks at Lakefront Brewery!

One of our favorite things to do? Spend the day at Veterans Park. Along the lakefront is this beautiful piece of nature with city views. With a kite shop, tons of open space, access to the Oak Leaf Trail, and a lagoon with paddle boats, this is truly an urban oasis. Pro tip: Stop at 2A Wine before you go to grab a spring bottle of rose or sauvignon blanc and a few snacks!

Milwaukee has no lack of beer gardens, and Estabrook Park is one of our faves! Grab a huge German beer (or 2) and a pretzel and enjoy while the kids play in the park! Some other popular spots include Hubbard Park Beer Garden, The Landing at Hoyt Park, South Shore Terrace Kitchen & Beer Garden, Traveling Beer Garden, and The Beer Garden.

SPRING SPORTS

Spring in Milwaukee might just be the best season in Wisconsin for sports... can you say "Bucks in Six" anyone?! Cheer on the Milwaukee Bucks at the Fiserv Forum on their journey for a second NBA Championship in 2 years! Can't score tickets to the game? Head to basically any bar in the city to watch Giannis dominate... or our personal preference, grab a bottle from us at 2A Wine and watch from the comforts of your own couch!

Next up… a great American classic. Catch a Milwaukee Brewers game at American Family Field (formerly Miller Park). With the retractable roof, you don’t have to worry about weather. While we prefer a gorgeous, sunny day for some baseball, a Brewers game doubles as a great rainy-day activity or family outing. With unique and freaking delicious ballpark bites and cold beer, it’s always a great day to watch the NL Central leaders.

Feeling like playing instead of watching? Spring in Milwaukee means Golf is back! With several courses around the city and nearby including Lake Park Golf Course, Brown Deer Park Golf Course, Dretzka Park Golf Course, Haskell Noyes Park Golf Course, and Hansen Park Golf Course… catch a tee time and enjoy some time outdoors! Want more information? Check out Milwaukee County Golf. With 13 local courses, MKE Golf can accommodate beginners to pros!

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Milwaukee is home to tons of festivals, art exhibits and museums and spring is the perfect time to visit! Check out the Boerner Botanical Gardens, internationally renowned for gorgeous landscapes, flowers, and gardens located in Whitnall Park.

Milwaukee is known for Summerfest, but before it begins, there are plenty of other festivals in the city you can enjoy! Spring festivals in Milwaukee include Bayshore Art Festival, Food Truck Festivals, Maifest, Milwaukee On Tap Beer Festival, and Pride Fest.

Want to include a little culture in your spring activities? Spend a day enjoy public art on the Public Art Tour of Milwaukee. Our personal favorite? Gallery Nights in the Third Ward! Experience local creative culture while you discover local galleries, art, and artists. We’ll be participating this year over here at 2A, so save the date and make sure you stop by! Other options include Broadway shows at the Marcus Center for Performing Arts, enjoy a concert or musical at Fireside Dinner Theatre, or see a play at the Sunset Playhouse.

While we love the warmer temps that Spring brings, the season also brings a good amount of rain. Check out these options for some great rainy day activities that make perfect date days or family-friendly activities! Harley Davidson Museum, Milwaukee County Zoo, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Public Museum, Mitchell Park Horticultural, Milwaukee Public Market, and Discovery World.

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