Milwaukee
The City of big water, boats, brews, and bridges.
Published: Friday, February 27, 2026
By: James Proffitt
While Milwaukee is a great place to visit via boat, it’s also a great city to visit by any mode of transportation. The city on Lake Michigan’s western shore is the proud home to Americana like Harley Davidson, Molson-Coors Brewing, and more than 20 moving bridges. Where the city meets the water is a great place to start, and with the Milwaukee, Kinnickinnic, and Menomonee rivers winding through downtown, the city and water seem inseparable.
Driving to Milwaukee from the east could be a pain for folks not fond of driving through Chicago. If so, the Lake Express runs from Muskegon, Michigan to Milwaukee every day and it’s not your typical Great Lakes ferry – it’s more like a ferry on steroids. At just under 200 feet in length, displacement of more than 1,700 tons and powered by four 3,100 horsepower water jets, the catamaran can haul 44 vehicles and 248 passengers at a speed close to 40 mph. The trip across Lake Michigan takes about 2.5 hours. A luxurious cabin with a large digital board (including lake depth) is available so passengers can chart their progress as well as enjoy snacks, food and adult beverages.
For those visiting by boat, a number of marinas are available both on Lake Michigan as well as on the rivers, which dissect the city’s streets and are all connected by a small army of moving bridges. That includes the lakefront’s only public marina, McKinley Marina. Like most area marinas, McKinley offers seasonal memberships for those who want to spend as much time as possible on the water in the downtown area as well as transient dockage for those just passing through. Services include fuel, pump-outs, a convenience and marine supply store, marine services and restrooms/showers.
For those visiting McKinley or other city marinas there are dozens of hotels within several miles of Lake Michigan, from modern budget-conscious sites to high-end luxury stays. Airbnb and VRBO rentals are plentiful in the city, as well.
Bridges
If you spend any amount of time in the downtown area either on a river or a street, you’re likely going to get stuck at a lift bridge. But “stuck” is such an ugly word! While Milwaukee ranks 31st in the nation in population size, it ranks 2nd in the nation for moving bridges, with about 20 inside the city limits. The mix of bascule and vertical lift bridges continually stop vehicles on the streets and boats on the rivers.
These bridges are amazing to watch as they slowly open up two halves to let river traffic through, or completely lift straight up in the air. Either way, these mechanical marvels will entertain visitors who haven’t had much exposure to the sight of thousands of tons of concrete and steel moving dozens of times per day.
Things to Do
Beer, Suds, and Brews
Whatever you want to call them, Milwaukee has them – and plenty. The city famous for its brewing heritage going back to the 1840s still produces the ambrosia many call beer. Lakefront Brewery is on the Milwaukee River in the downtown area and features tours, tastings, and beer hall dining. There are more than a dozen craft breweries in the downtown area and more as the city spreads in other directions.
Harley Davidson Museum
Established by two friends in Milwaukee in 1903, the Harley Davidson brand is the classic American bike. Their history is uncovered and on display at the only official Harley Davidson museum. From humble beginnings in a 10- by 15-foot back yard shed to factories in Wisconsin, Brazil and Thailand, these machines and all that has risen around them is on display at the museum that draws folks from around the world.
Milwaukee Art Museum
Since being established as the city’s first art gallery in 1888, the Milwaukee Art Museum is Wisconsin’s largest art institution. Its expansive collection features more than 34,000 works of art and is situated on a 24-acre campus on the Lake Michigan waterfront. The buildings themselves are works of architectural art.
Fishing
Getting on the water and catching (and eating) big fish is easy in Milwaukee. Charter captains like Robert Manhardt of Manhardt Charters are always ready to get folks on the water in search of big fish anywhere from a mile or so out to deep water ten miles out April through October. Lake Michigan is home to brown, lake, and rainbow trout as well as king and coho salmon. Catching a 20-plus pound fish is not uncommon. And, Manhardt said, everything is included with trips, including cleaning and bagging customers’ fish.
While getting onto the lake can be a great experience, for a quicker or more budget-friendly option, try shore fishing from Lakeshore State Park, Milwaukee Harbor, and other waterfront sites where various species of salmon, trout and other big, tasty fish can be found. In fact, 15 of the state’s 84 hook-and-line gamefish records were taken from Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic rivers.
Summerfest
This hugely popular music festival runs on various Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays between June 4 and July 3 at several venues on the Lake Michigan shore near downtown. Artists playing this year include Post Malone, Ed Sheeran, and Garth Brooks, among others. In addition to concerts the annual Summerfest is flush with food, games, shopping and family-friendly activities.
Places to Eat
Blue Bat Kitchen and Tequilaria: This waterfront eatery near the confluence of the Milwaukee and Menomonee rivers is, of course, flush with dozens of tequilas, plus a wide variety of street foods from around the globe including Cajun, Mexican, Thai, and Indian influences, among others.
Harbor House: Situated overlooking the city skyline, the lake and the iconic architecture of the Milwaukee Art Museum, this New England-style seafood restaurant features a menu heavy on seafood, steaks complemented by premium salads and desserts.
Screaming Tuna: Sushi with a view. This riverfront restaurant is within sight of multiple lift bridges and features a breathtaking variety of appetizers, maki, rolls, sashimi and nigiri. A generous drinks selection includes dozens of sakes, wines, craft cocktails and beers.
tags: Boat, Bridges, Fishing, Great Lakes, Harley Davidson, Lake Michigan, Marina, Marinas, Milwaukee, Molson-Coors Brewing, Summerfest, transportation, Wisconsin
