Southeast Wisconsin Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and food to try in Southeast Wisconsin with our informative travel guide.


Introduction to Southeast Wisconsin

Welcome to Southeast Wisconsin, a region brimming with rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural wonders, and exciting outdoor adventures.

Located in the Midwest region of the United States of America, Southeast Wisconsin occupies a significant portion of the state and comprises of several picturesque counties, including Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Racine.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a food lover, Southeast Wisconsin has something for every kind of traveler. From exploring cultural and historical attractions to hiking and biking, enjoying local cuisine, and immersing yourself in the local culture, Southeast Wisconsin has it all.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we will highlight the best places to visit, things to do, and food to try in Southeast Wisconsin, along with essential travel tips and helpful information to make your trip memorable and hassle-free.

List of Places to Visit in Southeast Wisconsin

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Southeast Wisconsin is home to several museums and historical attractions that showcase the area’s rich cultural heritage and fascinating history. Some of the must-visit cultural and historical attractions in Southeast Wisconsin include:

Milwaukee Art Museum

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the Milwaukee Art Museum is a world-class museum that houses an impressive collection of over 35,000 artworks from ancient to modern times. The museum’s iconic Quadracci Pavilion, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, is a work of art in itself and worth a visit.

Harley-Davidson Museum

For motorcycle enthusiasts, a visit to the Harley-Davidson Museum is a must. The museum traces the history of Harley-Davidson, one of the most iconic American motorcycle manufacturers, with exhibits showcasing vintage motorcycles, artifacts, and memorabilia.

Old World Wisconsin

Located in Waukesha, Old World Wisconsin is an open-air museum that showcases the life and culture of early settlers in Wisconsin. The museum features more than 60 historic buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s, including log cabins, farms, and businesses.

Natural Attractions of Southeast Wisconsin: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Southeast Wisconsin is also known for its breathtaking natural beauty, with parks, lakes, and trails offering fantastic outdoor adventures and scenic views. Some of the best natural attractions in Southeast Wisconsin include:

Kettle Moraine State Forest

Located in the heart of Southeast Wisconsin, Kettle Moraine State Forest is a paradise for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers. The forest features over 30,000 acres of rolling hills, forested ridges, and glacial lakes, with several hiking and biking trails offering breathtaking views of the landscape.

Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva is a beautiful freshwater lake located in Walworth County, surrounded by charming towns and picturesque scenery. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in the lake, or take a stroll along the scenic lakeshore path.

River Bend Nature Center

Located in Racine County, the River Bend Nature Center is a 780-acre nature preserve that offers fantastic outdoor adventures and educational opportunities for visitors of all ages. The center features several hiking trails, a butterfly garden, and a nature museum with interactive exhibits.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southeast Wisconsin

Southeast Wisconsin is home to several scenic hiking and biking trails, offering fantastic opportunities to enjoy the area’s natural beauty up close and personal. Some of the best hiking and biking routes in Southeast Wisconsin include:

Oak Leaf Trail

The Oak Leaf Trail is a 125-mile hiking and biking trail that traverses through several counties in Southeast Wisconsin. The trail offers scenic views of the area’s natural beauty and passes by several parks and historical landmarks.

Glacial Drumlin State Trail

The Glacial Drumlin State Trail is a 52-mile hiking and biking trail that runs from Waukesha to Cottage Grove, passing through picturesque countryside and charming small towns along the way.

The Ice Age Trail

The Ice Age Trail is a 1,200-mile hiking trail that runs through the heart of Wisconsin, passing through several scenic areas in Southeast Wisconsin. The trail offers incredible views of the landscape, including glacial lakes, rolling hills, and gorgeous forests.

Best Things to Do in Southeast Wisconsin: Activities and Tours

Apart from exploring cultural and natural attractions and hiking and biking, there are several other exciting things to do in Southeast Wisconsin. Some of the best activities and tours in Southeast Wisconsin include:

Riverboat Cruises

Riverboat cruises on the Milwaukee River offer a unique perspective of the city and its iconic landmarks, including the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Milwaukee skyline.

Brewery Tours

Southeast Wisconsin is home to several craft breweries, including Lakefront Brewery, Milwaukee Brewing Company, and Sprecher Brewery. Visitors can take brewery tours and sample some of the area’s best craft beers.

Lake Michigan Fishing Charters

Fishing charters on Lake Michigan offer fantastic opportunities to catch some of the area’s best game fish, including salmon, trout, and walleye.

Week-Long Itinerary for Southeast Wisconsin

If you have a week to explore Southeast Wisconsin, here is a suggested itinerary:

  • Day 1: Explore Milwaukee’s cultural and historical attractions, including the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Harley-Davidson Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum.
  • Day 2: Discover the natural beauty of Kettle Moraine State Forest with a hike or bike ride, followed by a visit to nearby Lake Geneva.
  • Day 3: Visit Old World Wisconsin and experience what life was like for early settlers in Wisconsin.
  • Day 4: Take a riverboat cruise on the Milwaukee River and explore the city’s iconic landmarks, followed by a brewery tour.
  • Day 5: Enjoy a day of fishing on Lake Michigan, followed by a relaxing afternoon at one of Milwaukee’s nearby beaches.
  • Day 6: Explore the charming small towns and countryside of Southeast Wisconsin with a drive along the Glacial Drumlin State Trail.
  • Day 7: Visit the River Bend Nature Center and enjoy a hike or bike ride through the beautiful nature preserve.

Food and Drink Scene of Southeast Wisconsin

Southeast Wisconsin has a rich food and drink scene, with several local specialties and craft breweries worth trying. Some of the must-try food and drink items in Southeast Wisconsin include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bratwurst: This German sausage is a local favorite in Wisconsin, served with a variety of toppings and condiments.
  • Fried Cheese Curds: A Wisconsin classic, fried cheese curds are made from fresh curds of Wisconsin cheese and are served crispy and golden.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer: Southeast Wisconsin is home to several craft breweries, and there are plenty of excellent craft beer options to try. Some of the best breweries to check out include Lakefront Brewery, Milwaukee Brewing Company, and Sprecher Brewery.
  • Bloody Mary: A Wisconsin tradition, the Bloody Mary is taken up a notch with elaborate garnishes like pickles, cheese, and sausages.

Where to Stay in Southeast Wisconsin: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Southeast Wisconsin has several excellent options for accommodation, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some of the best places to stay in Southeast Wisconsin include:

  • The Iron Horse Hotel: Located in Milwaukee’s trendy Third Ward, the Iron Horse Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel that offers fantastic amenities and excellent service.
  • The American Club: In Kohler, the American Club is a historic landmark and a luxury resort that offers excellent service, top-notch amenities, and access to several championship golf courses.
  • The Milwaukee Hostel: For budget travelers, the Milwaukee Hostel is a centrally located hostel that offers affordable accommodation and a fun atmosphere.

What to Buy in Southeast Wisconsin: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Southeast Wisconsin is known for several local products and souvenirs that make for great gifts and mementoes. Some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home from Southeast Wisconsin include:

  • Wisconsin Cheese: Wisconsin is famous for its cheese, and there are plenty of excellent cheese shops in Southeast Wisconsin where you can stock up on local varieties.
  • Harley-Davidson Merchandise: If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, Harley-Davidson merchandise makes for a great souvenir. Visit the Harley-Davidson Museum store for a selection of branded gear and accessories.
  • Local Crafts: Southeast Wisconsin is home to several talented artisans, and there are several shops and markets where you can buy locally made crafts and artwork.

Local Culture and Customs of Southeast Wisconsin

Southeast Wisconsin has a rich cultural heritage and several local customs worth exploring and experiencing. Some of the most notable customs and traditions in Southeast Wisconsin include:

  • Brat Fry: A Wisconsin tradition, the brat fry is a summer staple that involves grilling bratwursts and serving them with a variety of toppings and sides.
  • German Fest: One of Milwaukee’s most popular festivals, German Fest celebrates the area’s German heritage with plenty of food, beer, and music.
  • The Friday Night Fish Fry: Another Wisconsin tradition, the Friday night fish fry is a weekly event at many local restaurants, featuring battered and fried fish served with sides like coleslaw and fries.

Best Time to Visit Southeast Wisconsin

The best time to visit Southeast Wisconsin is from May to September, when the weather is warm and pleasant, and the outdoor attractions are open. The fall months of September to November are also a great time to visit, with beautiful autumn foliage and several seasonal festivals and events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southeast Wisconsin

Do:

  • Try the local food and drink specialties, including bratwurst, fried cheese curds, and craft beer.
  • Explore the area’s natural beauty with a hike or bike ride through a state park or nature preserve.
  • Embrace the local culture and customs by attending festivals and events and trying local traditions like the Friday night fish fry.

Don’t:

  • Underestimate the importance of sunscreen and bug spray, especially during the summer months.
  • Forget to pack comfortable shoes for hiking and exploring.
  • Drink and drive. Wisconsin has strict laws against drinking and driving, and it’s essential to plan your transportation accordingly.

Safety and Health

Safety in Southeast Wisconsin

Southeast Wisconsin is a safe destination for travelers, with friendly locals and low crime rates. However, it’s always essential to take basic precautions like locking your car and valuables and avoiding unfamiliar areas at night.

Health in Southeast Wisconsin

The tap water in Southeast Wisconsin is safe to drink, and there are several respectable hospitals and medical facilities in the area in case of emergency.

Getting to Southeast Wisconsin: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are several transportation options available to get to Southeast Wisconsin, including flights, buses, and trains.

Airports Near Southeast Wisconsin

  • General Mitchell International Airport: Located in Milwaukee, this is the area’s largest airport with connections to several major cities.
  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport: Located about two hours south of Milwaukee, O’Hare is one of the largest airports in the United States, and it’s easy to get to Southeast Wisconsin from here via rental car or train.

Bus Stations Near Southeast Wisconsin

  • Greyhound Bus Lines: Several Greyhound buses run to and from Milwaukee and other nearby cities.
  • Megabus: Megabus also has several routes to and from Milwaukee and other nearby cities.

Other Options

  • Amtrak: Amtrak runs several trains a day to and from Milwaukee, making it a convenient option for travelers coming from other parts of the country.

How to Get Around in Southeast Wisconsin

The best way to get around Southeast Wisconsin is by car, either by renting one or driving your own. The area has several well-maintained highways and scenic byways, making it easy to explore the area’s many attractions.

Public Transportation

Milwaukee County Transit System runs several bus routes throughout the area, making it easy to get around Milwaukee and nearby towns.

Where to Go Next from Southeast Wisconsin: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Southeast Wisconsin is a great base for exploring other nearby destinations and attractions in the Midwest, including:

  • Chicago, Illinois: Just a two-hour drive from Milwaukee, Chicago is a bustling metropolis with world-class museums, restaurants, and attractions.
  • Door County, Wisconsin: Known as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” Door County is a picturesque destination that’s great for hiking, biking, and exploring charming small towns.
  • Lake Michigan Coastal Drive: The Lake Michigan Coastal Drive is a scenic byway that runs through four states and passes by several charming towns and picturesque landscapes along the way.

Conclusion

Southeast Wisconsin is a fantastic destination for travelers looking to explore beautiful natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and exciting outdoor adventures. With plenty of things to see and do, delicious food to try, and friendly locals to meet, Southeast Wisconsin is a destination that is not to be missed. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or an extended trip, this comprehensive tour guide will help you make the most of your time in Southeast Wisconsin.



    Grafton
    Kettle Moraine State Forest
    Milwaukee
    New Berlin
    Pewaukee
    Racine County
    Slinger
    Walworth County
    Waukesha
    Wauwatosa
    West Allis
    West Bend