The Milwaukee Public Museum is a longtime stalwart attraction of Milwaukee's downtown for visitors and locals alike. Newer attractions like the Butterfly Garden, Rainforest Exhibit and Bugs Alive! are great for the kids. Longtime favorites include the Streets of Old Milwaukee, European Village, Wisconsin Woodlands, Living Oceans and Egyptian Mummies areas.
Best and worst time to go to the Milwaukee Public Museum
Saturday mornings can be hectic, as well as school days towards the end of the school year with many field trip groups coming in. The museum is closed July 4, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Must see/do at the Milwaukee Public Museum
A newer attraction, the Butterfly Garden, is a beautiful experience to stroll through a greenhouse garden area replete with butterflies. Be careful where you step and watch faces light up as butterflies flutter about and come to rest on you and others. A longtime favorite of the MPM is the Streets of Old Milwaukee life-size replica of some of Milwaukee's businesses along cobblestone streets from the turn of the 20th Century. Check out the porch outside the photographer's studio and wait for the flash, don't miss any of the amazing details of the insides of the old dry goods store, bustling bar, druggist's chemicals, powders and leeches and so much more.
Admission to the Milwaukee Public Museum
There are two levels of admission: a basic pass and a "total" pass that includes access to the planetarium and dome theater. General admission is just under $20 for adults with reduced rates for youth (5-13), seniors, college students and active military (with photo IDs). The Total Pass is just under $25 for adults, with the same discounts. Children under 4 are free. Free admittance to Milwaukee County residents on First Thursdays with photo ID. (Milwaukee County residents also get $2 off general admission every day.)
How to get to the Milwaukee Public Museum
There is lots of metered parking on the streets around the Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 W .Wells St. A parking structure adjacent to the museum at MacArthur Square has direct access from inside the structure. Coming from the north on I-43, exit at Highland Avenue, turn left on State Street and right on James Lovell Street. From the south, use exit 72A from I-94/43 and o north on 10th Street, right on Wells Street and left on James Lovell Street. From the west, take I-94 and exit on James Lovell Street, go north three blocks. A number of Milwaukee Transit buses stop within a few blocks walk of the Milwaukee Public Museum including Nos. 40, 43, 46, 48 and 49 stopping right across from the front doors on Wells Street. Within a few blocks stopping on Wisconsin Avenue are Nos. 8, 12, 14, 23, 31, 44, 79, 137, 143, 901, 904, 905 and 906.
Insider tip for visitors to the Milwaukee Public Museum
Along the Streets of Old Milwaukee, the Haymarket Candy Store is a fun trip to the past of penny candies and small treats. It's easy to miss on the third floor, but there is a staircase next to the Africa exhibit that goes up to a mezzanine level full of Pre-Coumbian art and artifacts. If you can go later on a Thursday, traffic will be a bit lighter during the museum's extended hours to 8 p.m.
Author's bio: T. Rose grew up in Milwaukee and has lived around or near it much of his life.
Congregation Shalom began with just 14 families, but today services more than 1,000 members. This temple focuses on modern Judaism and offers many different classes, groups and activities.
Congregation Shalom also graciously accepts food donations for the Hunger Task Force and the Jewish Food Pantry.
Mount Carmel Lutheran Church, located on Center Street, prides itself on the congregation's open hearts and hands and the safe enviroment it offers to share ideas and discuss faith. Mount Carmel offers regular Sunday services and also hosts baptisms, weddings and funerals.
