Waukesha Travel Guide
Explore the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and what to eat in Waukesha with this complete travel guide.
- Introduction to Waukesha
- List of Places to Visit in Waukesha
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Waukesha
- Best Things to Do in Waukesha: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Waukesha
- Food and Drink Scene of Waukesha
- Where to Stay in Waukesha: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Waukesha: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Waukesha
- Best Time to Visit Waukesha
- Do’s and Don’ts of Waukesha
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Waukesha: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Waukesha
- Where to Go Next from Waukesha: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Waukesha
Waukesha is a charming city in Southeast Wisconsin, located in the heart of Lake Country. The city is known for its beautiful parks, scenic lakes, and historical sites. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or relaxing getaway, Waukesha has something to offer for everyone. With this comprehensive travel guide, explore the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and what to eat in Waukesha.
List of Places to Visit in Waukesha
Waukesha is a destination that offers a range of activities for visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring its museums, natural resources, or historical landmarks, the city does not disappoint. Here’s a list of must-visit places in Waukesha:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- (1) Waukesha County Museum
- (2) Les Paul Museum
- (3) Old World Wisconsin
- (4) Ten Chimneys Estate
- (5) Fox River Park
- (6) Glacial Drumlin State Trail
Natural Attractions of Waukesha: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- (1) Pewaukee Lake
- (2) Minooka Park
- (3) Retzer Nature Center
- (4) Lapham Peak
- (5) Frame Park
- (6) Fowler Park
Hiking/Biking Routes of Waukesha
The city of Waukesha offers an extensive range of hiking and biking routes that offer breathtaking views of the city’s natural beauty. Here are some popular routes to choose from:
- (1) Bugline Trail
- (2) Glacial Drumlin State Trail
- (3) Ice Age Trail
- (4) Fox River Trail
Best Things to Do in Waukesha: Activities and Tours
There are plenty of fun things to do in Waukesha, from exploring its parks and trails to experiencing its cultural and historic attractions. You can also explore the city’s food and drink culture. Here are some of our top picks:
- (1) Visit the Waukesha Farmers’ Market
- (2) Take a Brewery Tour
- (3) Enjoy Shopping at the Downtown Area
- (4) Take a Scenic Flights
- (5) Attend the Waukesha County Fair
Week-Long Itinerary for Waukesha
For visitors looking to experience the best of Waukesha, a week-long itinerary can be helpful. Here is a sample itinerary to help you discover the city and make the best of your visit:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore the Waukesha Farmers’ Market |
| Day 2 | Visit Old World Wisconsin and lunch at Antigua Real |
| Day 3 | Golf day on Springdale Golf Course or Currie Park Golf Course |
| Day 4 | Take a scenic flight with Fly High Wisconsin |
| Day 5 | Enjoy outdoor adventure at Fox River Park or Minooka Park |
| Day 6 | Visit the Les Paul Museum and lunch at The Steaming Cup |
| Day 7 | Take a break and relax at the Pewaukee Lake Beach |
Food and Drink Scene of Waukesha
Waukesha is home to many restaurants and bars that offer local and international cuisines. Here are some of the must-try dishes in Waukesha:
Must-Try Dishes
- (1) Cheese Curds
- (2) Frozen Custard
- (3) Beer-Battered Fish Fry
- (4) Bratwurst
- (5) Duck Fat Fries
Local Beverages
- (1) Craft Beer
- (2) Cider
- (3) Bloody Mary
Where to Stay in Waukesha: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Waukesha has plenty of places to stay, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly lodgings. Here are some of the best-rated accommodations in the city:
- (1) The Clarke Hotel
- (2) The Delafield Hotel
- (3) The Ingleside Hotel
- (4) Staybridge Suites Milwaukee West-Oconomowoc
- (5) The Roost Bed & Breakfast
What to Buy in Waukesha: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Waukesha offers a range of stores that sell unique souvenirs, crafts, and local products. Here are some stores to visit during your trip:
- (1) Martha Merrell’s Books
- (2) Spring City Wine House
- (3) Almont Gallery
- (4) Colectivo Coffee
Local Culture and Customs of Waukesha
Waukesha is a city that celebrates its culture and tradition. The city is known for its vibrant community of artists, musicians, and craftsmen. Visitors are encouraged to participate in local events like art fairs, music festivals, and farmers’ markets to experience the local culture.
Best Time to Visit Waukesha
Waukesha is a city that can be visited all year round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. Spring and fall seasons are also great times to visit, as the city’s natural beauty is at its peak during these seasons. The winters can be harsh, but the city offers winter activities like ice skating, skiing, and snowboarding.
Do’s and Don’ts of Waukesha
Do:
- (1) Visit the local farmer markets
- (2) Take a tour of the local breweries
- (3) Explore the natural parks and trails
- (4) Try local cuisines and drinks
Don’t:
- (1) Litter in the parks and trails
- (2) Park in no-parking zones
- (3) Ignore traffic signs
Safety and Health
Safety in Waukesha
Waukesha is a safe and friendly city, with low crime rates and a well-equipped police department. However, it’s important to take general safety precautions while travelling, such as avoiding walking alone at night and locking your car doors.
Health in Waukesha
Waukesha has several hospitals and clinics that offer quality healthcare services. Visitors are advised to carry health insurance and necessary medications during their trip.
Getting to Waukesha: Transportation Options and Logistics
Waukesha is easily accessible by air, road, and rail. Here are some transportation options for getting to and around the city:
Airports Near Waukesha
- (1) General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee, WI (MKE)
- (2) O’Hare International Airport, Chicago, IL (ORD)
Bus Stations Near Waukesha
- (1) Greyhound Bus Station, Milwaukee
- (2) Badger Bus Station, Madison
Other Options
- (1) Rent a Car
- (2) Use Ride-Sharing Services
How to Get Around in Waukesha
Waukesha is an easy-to-navigate city, with many transportation options available. Here are some of the best ways to get around in Waukesha:
- (1) Rent a Car
- (2) Take a Taxi
- (3) Use Ride-Sharing Services
- (4) Ride a Bicycle
- (5) Walk
Where to Go Next from Waukesha: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Waukesha is located in a region with many interesting and exciting places to visit. Here are some nearby destinations to explore after your Waukesha trip:
- (1) Milwaukee
- (2) Madison
- (3) Chicago
- (4) Wisconsin Dells
Conclusion
Waukesha is a hidden gem in Wisconsin, a city that celebrates its natural beauty, history, and culture. With its many parks, museums, and outdoor adventures, the city promises to offer a memorable experience to all its visitors. Use this comprehensive travel guide to explore the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and what to eat in Waukesha, and make the most of your trip.
