Cheap Flights To Milwaukee

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Cheap Flights To Milwaukee

Overview
When to Go
Airport Information
Weather
Things to Do
Local Attractions
Must See Sights
Insider Tips
Getting Around

Overview
Milwaukee, the largest city in Wisconsin, is located along the southwestern shores of Lake Michigan. Traditionally a middle-class, blue collar city known for its affection for beer and greasy cheese-centric foods, the city is making over its image, revitalizing downtown with trendy restaurants, chic boutiques, farmers market and live music festivals. No longer just a factory town, Milwaukee is becoming a cosmopolitan city worthy of exploration.

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When to Go
High Season
Summer is the most popular time to visit Milwaukee. Days are warm and sunny and the sparkling blue waters of Lake Michigan practically beg visitors to go for a boat ride or relax at a lakefront cafe. The city hosts several popular festivals during this time as well.

Low Season
Milwaukee becomes a much quieter city during winter. Snow blankets the streets and the bitter cold—the wind chill taking temps into the negative numbers—keeps all but the hardiest residents inside. The months of late spring through early fall are all great times to visit Milwaukee. The city is never really overrun with tourists so you won’t have to worry about battling crowds.

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Airport Information
General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
Distance: Eight miles from downtown Milwaukee
Drive time: 15-20 minutes

From the airport, Milwaukee Country Transit System Route 80 serves downtown. The fare is $2.25 per adult. The Amtrak Hiawatha train and Coach USA shuttle run between the airport and the city several times per day and each cost under $10. Most hotels offer free shuttle service to the city, and major car rental companies have offices at the airport.

Most major cities offer direct flights from Milwaukee. Flights originating in smaller hubs and those coming from international destinations often connect in Chicago.

Alternative Airports
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) - 90 miles from Milwaukee
Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) - 80 miles from Milwaukee

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Weather
As in many Midwestern towns, in Milwaukee they say “if you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes.”  Weather in Milwaukee can change drastically, even within one day. The hottest month of the year is July, when temperatures average 82 degrees, but have been known to get as high as 105. June and August are nearly as hot.

During wintertime, heavy snowfalls are not uncommon. The coldest month is usually January, with an average low of just 13 degrees and a record low of -32. Temps from November to March are a little warmer, ranging from 18 to 31 degrees.

Spring and fall months are pleasant with warm, breezy days in spring and cooler, crisp days in fall. Visitors can expect precipitation all year round.

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Things to Do
Brewery Tours
Milwaukee was once known as “Brew City” and though it now has fewer breweries, the beer tradition is still strong. You could easily spend a day touring and tasting at breweries like Sprecher, Lakefront and Miller-Coors.

Brewers Games
Milwaukee’s major League Baseball team, the Brewers, play just outside the city at Miller Field. Attending a game is an all day affair, as fans gather outside the field for hours before each game. The fans take tailgating to a new level, so even if you don’t have your own equipment just bring some beers and snacks and hang out in the lot to watch the pros pre-party.

Lake and City Tours
There are several fantastic tours available to visitors to Milwaukee. Take to the Lake with a booze cruise or brewery cruise, or explore the city by land on a Segway.

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Local Attractions
Pasbst Mansion
Built in 1892, the Pabst Mansion is known as the finest Flemish Revival building in the US. While architecture buffs might be impressed by that, most people visit the estate because it is the home of the founder of the Pabst Brewing Company. Tours are available every day and cost $9 for adults.

Milwaukee Art Museum
The Santiago Calatrava-designed Milwaukee Art Museum may be better known for the beauty of its exterior than the art held within it, which isn’t to say the art isn’t impressive. The collection includes works from artists such as Degas, Monet, Picasso and Warhol.

Third Ward
Once a crumbling, nearly-empty corner of town, the Third Ward is now known as Milwaukee’s Arts and Fashion District. It is full of trendy restaurants, wine bars, cafes, art shops and galleries, modern furniture stores and boutiques selling the latest styles from both famous and up-and-coming designers.

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Must See Sights

Harley-Davidson Museum
For anyone who loves a good “chopper,” a visit to the Harley-Davidson Museum is a must. See the oldest Harley in existence and learn how new bikes are designed and built. The museum provides a comprehensive look at the history of the company, how the motorcycle shaped life in America and what the future holds for the company.

Milwaukee Public Market
The Milwaukee Public Market is the perfect place to get your first taste of the city and stock up on fresh goodies. Vendors sell everything from ready-to-eat sandwiches to artisanal cheeses to fresh produce. The market is open every day from at least 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours several days a week.

St. Joan of Arc Chapel at Marquette University
The oldest building in North America, the St. Joan of Arc Chapel began its life in medieval France. It was dismantled stone by stone and shipped to Long Island, New York in the 1920s. In the 1960s, it was dismantled again and sent to Marquette University, where it has stood ever since. Visitors can tour the chapel or attend mass Monday through Friday when classes are in session.

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Insider Tips

• It can be difficult to hail a cab on the street in certain areas of the city. Store the number of a cab company in your cell phone and call for a cab 10-15 minutes before you need it.
• The weather in Milwaukee can change quickly and drastically. Wear layers so you can adjust depending on the temperature and always pack an umbrella.
• If tickets into Milwaukee are considerably more expensive than tickets to Chicago, fly into Chicago and plan to take the train or bus to the city. Round-trip tickets can usually be found for under $20 per person and the trip takes just two hours.

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Getting Around
The downtown core of Milwaukee is fairly compact, but to explore outside of a few square blocks, you’ll need some form of transportation. Buses are usually reliable and efficient, but don’t service all areas of the city. Consult the Milwaukee Public Transportation website for detailed bus and route information. To supplement, you’ll need to take cabs, which can be expensive, or rent a car. Driving in Milwaukee is safe and easy and parking is not hard to find in most areas.

There are over 65 miles of bike lanes and trails in Milwaukee, most of which run near the rivers and Lake Michigan, making this an easy and scenic way to get around the city. 

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