Top Things to Do on a Budget in Milwaukee

Free summer concerts

Milwaukee is famous for its outdoor summer festivals and events. Jazz in the Park in Cathedral Square fills the air with soulful sounds on Thursday nights (free); Chill on the Hill delivers a dose of funk, blues and rock to Humboldt Park on Tuesdays. Find more summer music events here.

The Hop MKE

A relatively recent addition to the city's downtown, this streetcar connects Milwaukee's central train and bus station to many of the city's attractions and hotels. Take advantage of free rides!

Milwaukee Art Museum

Kohl's sponsors free admission to this striking museum every day for kids 12 and under. (Regular price is $22 for adults). If you don't have time for a full-fledged visit, at least stop by at opening, closing or noon to watch the gigantic architectural "wings" above the Quadracci Pavilion fan open or close.

Milwaukee Public Market

A melting pot of ethnic foods and flavors, this marketplace lures crowds to the Historic Third Ward district for lunch and shopping. You'll find fresh produce, sushi, meats, chocolates, baked goods, coffee, oils, vinegars, spices and, of course, cheese. (This is Wisconsin, after all.)

Bradford Beach

This Lake Michigan beachfront park attracts a mix of visitors when the temperatures soar. Bring a towel and relax, or get in on a soccer game, sand volleyball, yoga class or Frisbee tossing—there's always some activity.

Brewery Tours

Miller Brewery tours cost just $10 per adult (which includes a souvenir glass and beer samples) and are free for those 20 and under. Lakefront Brewery's tours ($12 weekdays; $15 weekends) last 45 minutes and include two 16-ounce pours and a souvenir pint glass, and Sprecher Brewery offers 45-minute family-friendly tours (adults, $12; under 21, $5) that come with a commemorative tour glass and samples of craft beer, craft soda and root beer.

Milwaukee Riverwalk

The 3-mile path along the Milwaukee River winds past restaurants, shops, pubs and outdoor art.

St. Joan of Arc Chapel

This little Marquette University chapel has a big history. Originally constructed in France's Rhone River Valley more than five centuries ago, the Gothic chapel was dismantled and moved to Long Island in the 1920s; then it underwent extensive repairs and renovations. It was later given to Marquette University, moved to Milwaukee, painstakingly reassembled yet again and rededicated in 1966. Tours are free, but donations are welcome.

Grohmann Museum

The Milwaukee School of Engineering campus seems an appropriate setting for a museum dedicated to the evolution of human work. Exhibits cover topics including agriculture, skilled crafts, mining, medicine and intellectual trades. The exterior cuts a dashing profile with a steel-and-glass entrance leading to the three-floor facility. Don't miss the rooftop sculpture garden. Admission is just $5 (children under 12 are free).

North Point Lighthouse

Climb the 74-foot-tall tower for great views over the city and lake, and learn about the Great Lakes maritime industry. Currently open weekend afternoons year-round; $8 adults and $5 children.

Hilton Milwaukee City Center

Location, location, location. From this Art Deco hotel, it's easy to access the lakefront, museums and other downtown attractions. Check special offers for the best deals.