Milwaukee, The Genuine American City, is steeped in tradition and history, alive in growth and development. From the sparkling clean water of Lake Michigan, to the rich heritage of our ethnic neighborhoods, Milwaukee invites you to discover its unique, diverse community. Heralded as “The City of Festivals,” Milwaukee hosts more than 15 annual festivals, including the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest, and over a dozen ethnic festivals all held along Milwaukee’s spectacular lakefront. The RiverWalk, which meanders through the heart of downtown, recently received a $13 million facelift, and development continues to the north and south. Fine food, cultural venues, eclectic shops, exciting nightlife and a wide array of distinctive sports bars are located along the RiverWalk. Also prevalent along the RiverWalk are many brewpubs and microbreweries. Gondolas and water taxies frequently travel Milwaukee’s scenic RiverWalk area. The Historic Third Ward is quickly becoming the “off-Broadway” of Milwaukee’ s arts scene. It is home to the new Broadway Theatre Center as well as another, smaller, experimental theatre. In addition, this restored warehouse district features a number of art galleries, the well-regarded Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, coffee houses, cafes, and antique stores. An abundance of new housing in the form of loft-style apartments and condominiums are also becoming a part of the landscape in the Historic Third Ward. Milwaukee’s museum scene is also active. The Milwaukee Art Museum has wrapped up a $100 million expansion featuring a dramatic wing-like sculpture rising high above Milwaukee’s lakefront. The Milwaukee Public Museum is in the midst of a $6.5 million project establishing a permanent interpretation of “Butterflies Alive!,” the museum’s most successful exhibit ever. The Milwaukee County Zoo is well-known as one of the finest in the nation. Milwaukee also loves its sports. The city put its stamp on Major League Baseball with the arrival of Miller Park in the spring of 2001. The $400 million, one-of-a-kind ballpark features a convertible roof and natural grass. Offering the finest in ballpark amenities, Miller Park is a park within a park - that is, it includes places to tailgate along the Menomonee River, a sports-themed restaurant, and an elegantly finished restaurant, the .300 Club. Miller Park also played host the Major League All-Star Game in 2002. Two of the city’s other professional sports teams, including the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, play at the downtown Bradley Center. In addition, the U.S. Cellular Arena downtown is now the new home of the UWM men’s basketball team, as well as the Milwaukee Wave of the Major Indoor Soccer League. The arena has undergone major renovations and also hosts a number of concerts and other special events. The Milwaukee Mile, an auto racing track located at State Fair Park, is home to a NASCAR Busch Series race and is expected to add an Indy Racing League event to its schedule next year. Plus, the sports landscape also includes A-League outdoor soccer at Uihlein Soccer Park and one of the best county park systems in the nation. Milwaukee is also a tourist and business destination for travelers around the state and nation. The Midwest Express Center downtown serves as the city ’s main convention center, and draws groups from around the world to host their annual activities in Milwaukee. Milwaukee is also easy to get to, located at the intersections of interstates 94 and 43. Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport has 16 airlines and 440 daily departures and arrivals.
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