Wauwatosa Travel Guide

Explore the best things to do, eat, and see in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Wauwatosa

Wauwatosa is a charming suburb located in Southeast Wisconsin. It is part of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Area and is known for its beautiful parks, lively downtown area, and rich history. With plenty of things to do, see, and explore, Wauwatosa is the perfect destination for travelers who are looking for a mix of urban and outdoor adventures.

List of Places to Visit in Wauwatosa

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Wauwatosa is home to a variety of cultural attractions, including museums and historical places. Here are some of the must-visit attractions:

  • Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear: This museum showcases the history of Milwaukee from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s through exhibits and artifacts.
  • Kneeland-Walker House: This historic home was built in 1860 and is now a museum that offers a glimpse into the life of a wealthy family in the Victorian era.
  • Wauwatosa Historical Society: This society preserves the history of Wauwatosa and offers walking tours, exhibits, and educational programs.

Natural Attractions of Wauwatosa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Wauwatosa has plenty of natural attractions to explore. Here are some of the best outdoor adventures and scenic views in town:

  • Hart Park: This park has a variety of facilities, including baseball fields, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. It also has a beautiful walking trail that runs along the Menomonee River.
  • Milwaukee County Zoo: The Milwaukee County Zoo is just a short drive from Wauwatosa and has over 2,000 animals to see.
  • Menomonee River Parkway: This scenic parkway runs for miles along the Menomonee River and offers stunning views of the river and surrounding nature.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Wauwatosa

Wauwatosa is a great destination for hikers and bikers. Here are some of the best routes in the area:

  • Oak Leaf Trail: This 120-mile trail runs through Wauwatosa and offers stunning views of Lake Michigan.
  • Menomonee River Parkway Trail: This paved trail runs alongside the Menomonee River and offers a scenic and peaceful ride.
  • Hart Park Loop Trail: This 1.25-mile loop is perfect for a quick hike or jog and offers great views of the river.

Best Things to Do in Wauwatosa: Activities and Tours

Wauwatosa has plenty of activities and tours to offer. Here are some of the best things to do in town:

  • Tosa Farmers Market: This market runs every Saturday from May to October and features local produce, crafts, and live music.
  • Wauwatosa Village Tour: This walking tour takes you through the historic downtown area of Wauwatosa and showcases some of the town’s most important landmarks and buildings.
  • Tosa Pool at Hoyt Park: This pool is a popular summer spot for families and has a variety of facilities, including a water slide and a kiddie pool.

Week-Long Itinerary for Wauwatosa

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Wauwatosa, here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

  • Day 1: Visit the Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear and take a stroll through Hart Park.
  • Day 2: Spend the day at the Milwaukee County Zoo.
  • Day 3: Take a walking tour of the Wauwatosa Village and have lunch at one of the local restaurants.
  • Day 4: Rent a bike and ride along the Oak Leaf Trail.
  • Day 5: Drive to Lake Michigan and spend the day at the beach.
  • Day 6: Visit the Kneeland-Walker House and take a hike along the Menomonee River Parkway Trail.
  • Day 7: Relax at the Tosa Pool at Hoyt Park.

Food and Drink Scene of Wauwatosa

Must-Try Dishes

Wauwatosa has a variety of restaurants and cafes that serve delicious food. Here are some of the must-try dishes:

  • Burgers at The Landing at Hoyt Park: This restaurant serves some of the best burgers in town and has a great outdoor seating area for warm summer days.
  • Pizza at Cranky Al’s: This local pizza joint is famous for its New York-style pizza and homemade garlic knots.
  • Craft beer at Camp Bar: This cozy bar has a great selection of local and regional craft beers to choose from.

Local Beverages

If you’re looking for a drink in Wauwatosa, here are some local beverages to try:

  • Sprecher Brewery: This local brewery produces a variety of sodas and craft beers, including their famous root beer.
  • Colectivo Coffee: This local coffee chain serves delicious coffee, tea, and baked goods and has a cozy atmosphere perfect for relaxing or working.
  • Wine at Ruby Tap: This wine bar allows you to sample a variety of wines by the ounce and offers a great selection of small plates to pair with your drinks.

Where to Stay in Wauwatosa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Wauwatosa has a variety of accommodation options to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay in town:

  • Home2 Suites by Hilton: This modern hotel is located in the heart of Wauwatosa and offers spacious rooms and great amenities.
  • County Clare Irish Inn & Pub: This cozy inn has a great pub on site and offers comfortable and affordable rooms.
  • Kolya’s Guest House: This charming guesthouse is located in a historic home and offers a unique and memorable experience.

What to Buy in Wauwatosa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs or local products to bring home from Wauwatosa, here are some great options:

  • Wisconsin Cheese: Wisconsin is famous for its cheese, and there are plenty of local cheese shops in Wauwatosa where you can pick up some delicious cheese to bring home.
  • Craft Beer: If you’re a fan of craft beer, make sure to pick up some local brews from Sprecher Brewery or any of the local bars or restaurants.
  • Wauwatosa-themed Merchandise: There are plenty of local shops and boutiques in Wauwatosa that sell Wauwatosa-themed merchandise, such as t-shirts, hats, and mugs.

Local Culture and Customs of Wauwatosa

Wauwatosa is a friendly and welcoming town that values its history and community. Here are some local customs to keep in mind:

  • Respect for History: Wauwatosa has a rich history, and it’s important to respect and appreciate the town’s historic landmarks and buildings.
  • Friendly and Welcoming: The people of Wauwatosa are known for their friendliness and welcoming attitude towards visitors.
  • Love for the Outdoors: Wauwatosa is a town that loves the outdoors, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to hike, bike, and explore nature here.

Best Time to Visit Wauwatosa

The best time to visit Wauwatosa is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and there are plenty of outdoor activities and events to enjoy, such as the Tosa Farmers Market and the Wauwatosa Blues Festival.

Do’s and Don’ts of Wauwatosa

Do:

  • Do visit the local parks and outdoor attractions, such as Hart Park and the Menomonee River Parkway.
  • Do explore the historic downtown area of Wauwatosa and visit the local museums and attractions.
  • Do try the local food and craft beer scene.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or leave trash in public areas.
  • Don’t disrespect the town’s historic landmarks or buildings.
  • Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and bug spray for outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Wauwatosa

Wauwatosa is a safe and friendly town, and visitors are unlikely to encounter any crime or safety issues. However, it’s always a good idea to exercise basic precautions, such as locking your doors and keeping valuables out of sight.

Health in Wauwatosa

Wauwatosa has several hospitals and medical centers, including the Froedtert Hospital and the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. If you need medical attention, don’t hesitate to seek help.

Getting to Wauwatosa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Wauwatosa

The closest airport to Wauwatosa is General Mitchell International Airport, which is located in Milwaukee, just 12 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Wauwatosa

The Milwaukee County Transit System provides bus services throughout Wauwatosa and the surrounding areas.

Other Options

If you’re driving to Wauwatosa, there are several major highways that run through the town, including I-94, I-43, and Highway 45.

How to Get Around in Wauwatosa

Wauwatosa is a walkable and bikeable town, with plenty of sidewalks and bike lanes. There are also several taxi and ride-sharing services available, such as Uber and Lyft.

Where to Go Next from Wauwatosa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of Wisconsin, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Milwaukee: Just a short drive from Wauwatosa, Milwaukee is a vibrant city known for its breweries, museums, and sports teams.
  • Lake Geneva: This picturesque lake town is located about an hour and a half away from Wauwatosa and offers scenic boat tours and hiking trails.
  • Door County: Located about three hours away from Wauwatosa, Door County is a beautiful peninsula known for its charming towns, wineries, and outdoor activities.

Conclusion

Wauwatosa is a charming and welcoming town that offers a mix of urban and outdoor adventures. With its beautiful parks, rich history, and vibrant food and drink scene, Wauwatosa is the perfect destination for travelers who want to experience the best of Wisconsin.