Stretched along a bluff
overlooking one of Lake Michigan's most beautiful bays, Milwaukee is said to
have the perfect balance of big-city attractions and small-town values. With
a population of over 600,000 people, Milwaukee is the largest city in
Wisconsin and the 17th largest in the nation. Yet, it is known for its
safety and cleanliness.
The Grand Avenue Mall, a
four block, multi level, totally enclosed marketplace of over 130 shops and
restaurants, has newly revitalized Milwaukee's historic shopping district.
It is a perfect example of the blending of old and new. Milwaukee is a
family friendly city with interactive museums, a spectacular zoo, theaters
ranging from Imax to opera, world-class sporting events, and spectacular
waterways offering fishing and water sports.
There are many beautiful
churches and architecturally noteworthy buildings and homes. Each summer
there is an authentic reenactment of an old time circus parade complete with
bands, animals and horse drawn wagons in the downtown area. Summerfest
brings to the city's waterfront eleven different music stages, along with
food and fun.
Milwaukee hosts lively
ethnic festivals throughout the year. Among these are: Oktoberfest, Bavarian
Folk Fest, Festa Italiana, German Fest, Greek Festival, Polish Fest, Holiday
Folk Fair, Indian Summer Fest, Irish Fest, Mexican Fiesta, African World
Festival, Asian Moon Festival, and Bastille Days. The influence of each of
these cultures is also apparent in the wide variety of local restaurants
featuring mouth watering ethnic cuisine.
In the 1600's and 1700's
Milwaukee served as a French trading post and a campsite between Chicago and
Green Bay. As waves of other European settlers began arriving in the 1820's,
they rejoiced in the combination of fertile land and abundant water that
would insure their prosperity. The French were followed by the English, then
by Scandanavian, Irish, Dutch, Austrian and Polish settlers. Reminders of
these early immigrants are still evident as the community holds on to some
of the traditions introduced over 150 years ago. The immigrants contributed
their strong work ethic, evident everywhere from small family businesses to
industrial giants like the Allen-Bradley Co. and the breweries.
A feeling of warmth and
hospitality is evident throughout the region. Milwaukeeans are proud of
their city and its many "one of a kind" attractions, and they
welcome the opportunity to share these with visitors. The Milwaukee Public
Museum ranks number one in exhibits nationwide. This museum pioneered the
idea of walk-through exhibit designs, and it has featured these since 1882.
The Milwaukee Art Museum is Wisconsin's premier visual arts museum. Brewery
tours and samplings are popular with visitors and local residents alike.
Professional sports abound
in Milwaukee. No matter what the season, Milwaukee has it covered! Top pro
teams such as the Bucks, the Brewers, and the Admirals provide year round
excitement. The Milwaukee Mustangs, a recent addition to the local sports
scene, bring the thrill of fast paced football to the indoor arena.
Milwaukeeans do more than
watch sports action from the sidelines -- they fully participate. Biking,
swimming, skiing, football, baseball, tennis, golf and running are just a
few of the recreational activities available in Greater Milwaukee. There are
15,000 acres of parkland in Milwaukee County and numerous private
facilities. Competitive cycling brings national and international
competitors to Milwaukee each summer. 76 miles of area bike trails are
available to the public and waiting to be explored!
Milwaukee is a city of
beauty and vitality that attracts visitors seeking to discover and enjoy
this gateway to the Midwest. A few years ago, the Greater Milwaukee
Convention and Visitors Bureau adopted a new and most appropriate slogan for
the city: "Genuine American."
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