Planning a fall weekend getaway? We picked our top seven activities to do in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Let us know if there is anything else you would add! For Milwaukee natives, have you visited any of these fall spots this year?
Grab a Festive Drink at Camp Spooky Bar
If you are familiar with Milwaukee bars, then you will be no stranger to the Camp Bar family. Earlier in 2020, Camp Bar extended into their third bar extension called Deer Camp “Spooky Camp Bar”. You guessed it, this popup bar is fully embracing Spooky season with its themed decor and festive drinks.
On the menu, they have a fun selection of Spooktails from their Haunted Hopper, to their Berry Scary Punch. They currently do not have outdoor seating, but grab your Halloween themed mask and enjoy the spectacle.
Take a Drive Through Holy Hill
One of the best things to do in fall, is to take in the sights of the changing leaves. We are fortunate in the Midwest to be able to experience the beauty (and the curse) of the changing of the seasons. If you are looking for the best Fall view in Milwaukee, you have to check out Holy Hill. Holy Hill is a beautiful Roman Catholic Church located on a hilltop, just 30 miles outside of the city.
There is an observation deck where you can take in a birds-eye view of the sites at 192 ft high. It’s a bit of a hike (123 steps to be exact), but the view is completely worth it. Trees in shades of orange, yellow, red, and brown. Or you can hop in your car and take a drive through Holy Hill. Put on some good tunes and soak in the mood.
Watch a football game in the deer District
The cool thing about the Deer District is that it can be enjoyed no matter what time of year it is. We especially like it in the fall, because it’s football season!
The Jumbo Screen outside makes it the dream spot for cheering on the Packers (or in Wunmi’s case, the Vikings….). There is plenty of outdoor seating for you and friends to hang out.
They have a Beer Garden where they offer local and seasonal beers from popular Wisconsin breweries. On the colder days, try out one of the many bars surrounding the Deer District, like Uncle Buck’s, that have outdoor decks in view of the Jumbo Screen.
Enjoy a Casual Friday Night With A Fish Fry
One of the most distinctive traditions in Milwaukee (in all of Wisconsin!) is the Friday fish fry special. Local restaurants will dedicate their Friday menu to different “Fish Fry” options and sometimes will limit that to truly only Friday. That means expect long wait time for your favorite fish fry in town. BUT! Expect the best comfort meal on a chill, crisp fall night.
Here are just five of our favorite Fish Fry restaurants in the surrounding Milwaukee area, all with their own special Midwest charm and style.
“$” is the most affordable with “$$$” being more expensive.
- Swinging Door Exchange is located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee with an old-time saloon vibe. Choose between Icelandic cod, lake perch or shrimp with a side of potato pancakes or classic french fries. The fish fry is breaded in cornmeal that doesn’t leave your hands greasy or stomach feeling BLEH. “$$”
- County Clare is an Irish inn and pub. If you want to feel like you’re in Ireland enjoying an Irish comfort meal, this is your Milwaukee fish fry spot. They even have airline & hotel packages available to book Ireland tours! “$$$”
- Lakefront Brewery is located on the Milwaukee River. While you wait for your fish fry, enjoy a beer while listening to the live band play polka music. And, if you’re lucky, people will be polka dancing! Make sure to make time for the $10 brewery tour, too! “$$”
- Maxie’s is located 10 minutes west of downtown Milwaukee. This southern restaurant will leave you feeling like you’re in New Orleans enjoying a fresh haddock fish fry or order the catfish to spice up your Friday night. “$$$”
- Old German Beer Hall is just what it sounds like…it’s a replica of the original Munich beer hall with a hearty Bavarian food menu. Doesn’t get more German than this in Wisconsin! “$”
Celebrate Oktoberfest at the Many Breweries
Wisconsin is rich in German heritage so naturally, Oktoberfest celebrations and festivities are always in order at the countless breweries every September. Even if you’re not celebrating Oktoberfest, these are the top five breweries you must visit and tour while in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (in addition to the Lakefront Brewery mentioned above!)
- MKE Brewing Co. the Weekend at Louie is one of our favorite beer on the menu but what we love most about this brewery is the rooftop overlooking part of the city.
- Lakefront Brewery order a beer and a side of fried cheesecurds and head out to the outdoor patio where it overlooks the Milwaukee River. Take in the crisp fall air.
- Hacienda Beer Co. this isn’t your traditional brewery. It has a modern twist to it, and Hacienda is always experimenting with new ales, lagers and mixed ferments.
- City Lights Brewing Co. an iconic building with a rustic vibe inside and a spacious outdoor patio.
- Lost Valley this last one is for non-beer drinkers! It is not a brewery, but it is a fun taproom and cider bar. Lost Valley offers cider flights, cider cocktails, sangria and wine.
Visit the Autumn Harvest Fest at Elegant Farmer
This is a “farm kitchen bakery, deli and market” located 30 miles SW of Milwaukee. It’s known for having the best pie in America, and we can confirm the apple pie is definitely worth the trip! More specifically, get the apple crumble! What makes it special is that it’s baked in a brown paper bag…that’s the signature style.
Every fall, Elegant Farmer hosts the Autumn Harvest Festival. Admission and parking are free! You just pay for the activities. There’s apple picking, pumpkin patches, train, pony and hayrides, corn maze and outdoor laser tag.
Grab a Drink and Bite to Eat at Zocalo Food Truck Park
Located in Walker’s Point, Milwaukee, this food truck park offers six different vendors to choose from and of course, a bar! There is plenty of outdoor seating available, but there is also covered seating for those rainy days. Check the website ahead of time, and you may be able to catch a fun (free) event there.
Still can’t get enough of fall in the Midwest? Check out the 7 Minnesota Apple Orchards You Need to Visit!
Nathalie
These sound like so much fun! Would love to do them