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Wisconsin
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- There Are More Things To Do In Whitefish Bay!
Whitefish Bay, Milwaukee, with under 15,000 residents, is considered one of the best places to live in Wisconsin. Just five miles north of downtown Milwaukee, Whitefish Bay has some of the finest restaurants, coffee shops, lakeside parks, and schools anyone could ask of a suburb. With its small-town vibe and nearby big-city attractions, Whitefish Bay enjoys the best of both worlds.
Whitefish Bay sits on the western edge of Lake Michigan, which also makes it one of the most exciting places to visit all year round. Its historic heritage can be seen in its architecture, food, and even its name. Enterprising German immigrants who settled in Milwaukee in the 19th century set up fishing operations on the lake and quickly discovered there was an abundance of whitefish to be caught in its waters.
UPDATE: 2023/08/26 17:38 EST BY NOAH STAATS
There Are More Things To Do In Whitefish Bay!
This article has been refreshed with new stops in Whitefish Bay, as well as tips and expanded information for existing places on the list. From breweries to parks to delightfully charming shops and restaurants, Whitefish Bay is the place to be.
Things To Do
For those wanting to visit Whitefish Bay, there are endless things to experience. Use this guide as the ultimate way to plan your next vacation to Wisconsin!
1 Lakefront Brewery Beer Hall
Lakefront Brewery, Milwaukee
The Lakefront Brewery Beer Hall is world-famous for its craft beers and brewery tours. With its large beer hall and outdoor space, it’s an essential stop for beer lovers looking for a pint or two and interested in learning more about Milwaukee’s brewing heritage.
- Monday to Thursday, 4 pm ‐ 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday, 11 am - 9 pm
- Sunday 11 am - 5 pm
- Private or group tours
- 45 minutes of facts and fun and a free pint glass thrown in
- Live trivia on Wednesday nights
- Plenty of weekly events
- Store Merchandise
- 1872 North Commerce Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Related: What's At The Bottom Of Lake Michigan? As It Turns Out, A Lot Of History
2 Klode Park
Whitefish Bay
Klode Park is one of the many splendid parks spread along the Lake Michigan shoreline. A small idyllic beach offers swimming in summer (or toe dipping for the less brave). The park itself features tennis courts, picnic areas, a playground, a warming house with restrooms, and even ice skating in winter.
- Open 6 am to 9 pm
- Shore Drive, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
3 Veterans Monument And Memorial Garden At Armory Park
Water view from Whitefish Bay hiking trail
Armory Park is home to the Veterans Monument and Memorial Garden. The memorial stands on the original site of the Whitefish Bay Guard Armory. It pays tribute to the sacrifice and dedication of the people who have served in the US military.
- 1225 E Henry Clay StreetWhitefish Bay, WI 53217
4 Cahill Square Park
Whitefish Bay pictured during the day on hike
For active sports lovers, Cahill Square Park is the place to go for tennis, basketball, soccer, and baseball or simply for kids to run around and play at Cahill Square Playground; Cahill Warming House can be reserved for parties and other activities.
- For bookings, call the Recreation Department at 414-963-3947
- 1001 E Fairmount AveWhitefish Bay, WI 53217
5 Old School House Park
Oak Leaf Trail, Whitefish Bay, Milwaukee
Head on over to The Old School House Park opposite the Whitefish Bay Public Library to sit down or wander around among beautiful plants and a fountain.
Besides being the site of the very first school built in Whitefish Bay, it also celebrates the Great Pumpkin Festival every fall with an exhibit of hundreds of beautifully (and scarily) carved and lit pumpkins, food, and live music.
- 5420 N. Marlborough Drive
View surrounding Milwaukee in Wisconsin
- This is a pedestrian-friendly shopping area with specialty stores and restaurants.
West Silver Spring Drive is a pedestrian-friendly strip of specialty stores and eateries. Check out Navy Knot for elegant clothes, jewelry, and accessories, Yellow Wood for earth-conscious and sustainable outdoor gear, and Winkies for toys, games, sporting equipment, crafts, office supplies, and a lot more!
7 North Point Lighthouse
North Point Lighthouse, Milwaukee
Situated in Lake Park halfway between Whitefish Bay and the city of Milwaukee, the North Point Lighthouse is a fascinating and educational insight into the history of Milwaukee's lighthouse keepers and the mariners who braved the Great Lakes.
Visit the museum to learn more about the keepers and their families, see exhibits of boats and photos, or climb the 74-foot (22.5 m) tower for 360-degree views of the lake and city.
- Public Hours – no reservation needed
- Open Saturdays and Sundays year-round from 1:00 to 4:00 pm
- $8 Adults
- $5 Adults 65+
- $5 Children & College Students (with ID)
- Free Children under 4
- Free to active military
- Must be at least 5 years old and at least 38 inches tall to climb the tower.
- There are 84 steps and a ladder to reach the lantern room at the top of the tower.
Related:
8 Bradford Beach
The Polar Bear Plunge, Bradford Beach Jan 1st
From the lighthouse, be sure to take the South Lighthouse Ravine Trail. This forested trail with gorgeous views is a dirt path and steps that lead down to Bradford Beach – considered the best urban beach in Wisconsin!
There’s no better place to cool off in summer than at this pleasant sandy beach, enjoying a little volleyball or catching the volleyball league between May and August. For bird watchers, it’s a hot spot for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl, with 228 bird species known to have passed through.
The Dock, with its lakefront setting, is the best place to chill out with a beer, wine, or co*cktail and an extensive menu of appetizers, salads, burgers, sandwiches, paninis, wraps, and tacos.
- Closed in winter
Or Moosa's Custard Stand: for burgers, hotdogs, brats, wings, custard, and shakes.
- Free beach wheelchair checkout. Wide tires to move easily in the sand and into the water.
- For the especially hardy, there is a chance to join in the fun on Jan 1st with the Polar Bear Plunge.
- 2400 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive
Related: Lake Michigan Weekend: These Small Towns Are Chicago Road-Trip Worthy
9 Painting with a Twist
Fall leaves in woods outside of Milwaukee
Another fun way to spend the day in Whitefish Bay is to head over to Painting with a Twist, a chain of art studios offering easy-to-follow painting classes for groups and individuals.
This is a fun idea for families or even couples in the area, as local art instructors will be guiding you through the class and assignment. Although these are nationally available, the location in Whitefish Bay is known to be especially inviting.
- Address: 155 E Silver Spring Dr #201, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
- Hours: Saturday: 12 pm - 9 pm (other days vary by class schedule)
- Price: From $25 per guest
10 Milwaukee Art Museum
The Exterior of Milwaukee Art Museum
The next stop near Whitefish Bay is the Milwaukee Art Museum, which boasts a collection of nearly 25,000 works of art. This is a world-renowned art gallery and museum with pieces from across the country and the world.
Not only is the exterior striking, but the Milwaukee Art Museum also hosts many traveling shows inside that change the interior rather dramatically. This is the perfect idea for anyone in the area wanting to view beautiful artwork.
- Address: 700 N Art Museum Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202
- Hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM (Open until 8 Thursdays)
- Tickets: $24.20 per person
11 Gallery 505
Neon lit sign in downtown Milwaukee
The next stop in Whitefish Bay is the ever-loved Gallery 505. Here lies one of Milwaukee's finest resources for beautiful oil and acrylic paintings from around the world. Like the Milwaukee Art Museum, Gallery 505 also hosts international works, making it a great place for culture.
- Address: 517 E Silver Spring Dr, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
- Hours: Monday - Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM
12 Havenwoods State Forest
Suburban neighborhood on shoreline of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee
Lastly, a nice outdoor adventure around the Whitefish Bay Area is Havenwoods State Forest. Here is where guests can experience a 237-acre property managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources within the city limits of Milwaukee.
This was created to give those in the city a green, public space to spend time in during the year, and it has become a popular destination among locals.
- Address: 6141 N Hopkins St, Milwaukee, WI 53209
- Hours: Open daily from 6 AM to 8 PM
13 Best Time To Visit Whitefish Bay
Winter Iceskating, Milwaukee
- Best Time To Come: Summer and fall
The best time to visit Whitefish Bay and the neighboring city of Milwaukee is anytime! In summer, the village comes alive with water sports and activities, picnics in the parks, festivals, outdoor eating, and exploring.
In winter, the ice and snow create more fun and games with sledding, skiing, skating, and more. Whitefish Bay is one of the many reasons why Wisconsin is now a top travel destination, any time of year!
Bring a beanie for cold winters in Whitefish Bay
- In the winter months of December, January, and February, temperatures are generally in the early to mid-30s F (-1 to 2 C) but can get as low as 5 F (-20).
Be prepared to shed the layers through spring in Whitefish Bay
- In the spring months of March, April, and May, temperature highs can fluctuate between the early 40s to late 60s F (6 to 19 C).
Related: 10 Best Wineries To Visit Near South Haven, Michigan
Don’t forget the swimsuit for Whitefish Bay in the summer
- In the summer months of June, July, and August, the best temperatures are generally in the 70s and early 80s (24-28 C) but can sometimes reach the 90s F (30s C).
Whitefish Bay in the fall: Pack a sweater!
- In the fall months of September, October, and November, temperature highs can drop from the early 70s (23 C) in September to the mid-40s (8 C) in November.
14 Best Ways To Get To And Around Whitefish Bay
The Fox Bay Theater in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin
- Getting to Whitefish Bay and Milwaukee is quick and easy due to its location and well-connected transport system. The Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is just a 15-minute drive from downtown and a 90-minute drive from Chicago.
- Portland and Seattle are also easily accessible by train from the Milwaukee Intermodal Station at 433 West St. Paul Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203. Check out fares and schedules on their website.
- Long-distance bus routes connect Milwaukee to many destinations in the Mid-West and East Coast.
- Milwaukee has made getting around the city easy with an excellent bus and streetcar system. The Hop Streetcar operates from Monday to Friday, 5 am to 12 am, Saturday, 7 am to 12 am, and Sunday, 7 am to 10 pm.
- Buses go between the city and Whitefish Bay at regular intervals and take only 15 minutes.
- Uber, Lyft, and Taxis are available in the city, but the cheapest, most convenient, and fun way is to rent a bike.
- Bublr Bikes is a nonprofit bike-share program that allows visitors the freedom to ride anywhere by picking up and dropping off a bike at one of the 100+ stations around the city.
- For those looking to get their steps in, a 2-hour walk from Veteran’s Park in the city to Whitefish Bay passes through lakeside parks with wonderful views and tree-lined sidewalks.
Related: This Is What Makes Winter In Holland, Michigan, So Magical
15 Where To Eat In Whitefish Bay
Whitefish Bay homes and Lake Michigan
Being one of the most German cities in the US, the food culture in Milwaukee is hugely influenced by the Germans who immigrated to Wisconsin in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
They brought with them their most traditional recipes, cooking techniques, and iconic staples such as bratwursts, sauerkraut, pretzels, and, most importantly, beer.
Several breweries were set up around Milwaukee, and today you can still find food and beer establishments that have been around for more than 100 years.
Breakfast: The City Market Café
The City Market Café offers a wide variety of breakfast choices as well as sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, and a kid's menu. The café was inspired by the European cafés and bakeries, which is evident in their delicious selection of fresh pastries, artisan bread, crisp baguettes, and locally roasted coffee.
- For breakfasts, brunches and lunches
- Monday to Saturday: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Sunday: CLOSED
- 2205 E. Capitol Drive, Shorewood, WI 53211
Lunch/Dinner: Jack Pandls
The Pandls bought the Whitefish Bay Inn in 1915 when the area mostly consisted of farmland. Today, the restaurant offers fresh whitefish dishes, homemade soups, and other delights such as German pancakes. Between the wonderful display of beer steins and the old-world charm, Jack Pandls is a perfect place to get a taste of the local and historic food culture.
- For lunches and dinners
- Tuesday to Thursday, 11:30 am to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday, 11:30 am to 10 pm
- Sunday. 10.30 am to 8 pm
- 1319 East Henry Clay Street, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Drinks: The Bay
Situated on the edge of Lake Michigan, The Bay is famed for its Friday Fish Fry-Ups, burgers, and mixed drinks. With its relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff, The Bay is a popular place to come for kids and adults alike.
- Bar with a mixology expert on hand for your favorite co*cktail
- Gluten-free options
- Live music
- Large outdoor eating area.
- 342 E Silver Spring Dr, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217-5221
16 Where To Stay Near Whitefish Bay
Water near Whitefish Bay Michigan
When staying in Whitefish Bay, WI, there are many hotels nearby to consider.
Budget: Hampton Inn Glendale Milwaukee, Wi
- 7065 North Port Washington Rd, Glendale, WI 53217
- North of Whitefish Bay
- Indoor pool
- Fitness center
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Wi-Fi
- Business center
- TV
- Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply
- $
Budget: Motel 6-Milwaukee, WI - Glendale
- 5485 North Port Washington Road, Glendale, WI 53217
- Minutes from downtown Milwaukee and the University of Wisconsin.
- Restaurants within walking distance.
- Free Wi-Fi and ATM.
- Business center with meeting/banquet facilities
- Cable or satellite TV
- Parking
- Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.
- Laundry service and facilities
- $
Mid-Tier: Holiday Inn Milwaukee Riverfront
- 4700 North Port Washington Road, Milwaukee, WI 53212-1045
- Near Lincoln Park and the river
- Indoor pool
- Fitness center
- Restaurant with bar/lounge
- Room service
- Free Wi-Fi Free parking
- Business center
- $$
Mid-Tier: La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Milwaukee Airport / Oak Creek
- 7141 South 13th Street, Oak Creek, WI 53154
- Free airport shuttle
- Fitness center
- Wi-Fi available in all areas
- Flat-screen TV
- Free Parking
- $$
Luxury: Four Points by Sheraton Milwaukee North Shore
- Address: 8900 N Kildeer Ct, Brown Deer, WI 53209
- Outdoor pool
- Indoor pool
- Fitness center
- Restaurant
- Bar/Lounge
- Room service
- Free Wi-Fi
- Coffee machine
- Price: $$
Luxury: Residence Inn by Marriott Milwaukee North/Glendale
- Address: 7003 North Port Washington Road, Glendale, WI 53217
- Amenities: Indoor pool
- Fitness center
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Wi-Fi
- Tea/coffee maker
- Free Parking
- Business center
- Price: $$
17 Tips For Visiting Whitefish Bay
Flock of birds flying over beach in Whitefish Bay
For those coming to Whitefish Bay, there are some things to keep in mind:
- Be prepared for fluctuating temperatures, especially during spring and fall.
- Be aware of restricted areas for swimming, fishing, and water sports.
- For the best deals on accommodation, book early to avoid the seasonal holiday rush.
18 How To Spend A Perfect Day In Whitefish Bay
The Milwaukee Art Museum and cityscape
When visiting Milwaukee, Whitefish Bay is a peaceful and picturesque point of departure to some of the best of the city's attractions. While being a haven from the hustle and bustle of a big city, Whitefish Bay affords the visitor easy access to the vibrant cultural scene just a few miles south.
Whether travelers are visiting the less touristy parts of Milwaukee or prefer the quiet solitude of a small village, a perfect day in Whitefish Bay and Milwaukee can be spent many ways; try starting the day with an early morning workout in one of the many foreshore parks followed by a delicious breakfast at one of the local cafés.
Spend the afternoon in the city exploring the Milwaukee Art Museum, Harley-Davidson Museum, or County Zoo. See the world’s largest collection of cacti and desert plants at the Mitchell Park Conservatory, or catch a game at the Miller Baseball Park.
Follow the Oak Leaf Park trail to the lighthouse finishing the day with a summer evening co*cktail on the beach. Regardless of the time of year, be sure to soak up the city views along the Riverwalk and experience the German legacy with a visit to one of the many breweries and restaurants.
With so much history, culture, and natural beauty, it's no wonder that National Geographic voted it one of the 25 Breathtaking Places and Experiences for 2023.
FAQ
Q: What is Whitefish Bay known for?
Whitefish Bay is primarily known for being a commercial fishing spot, but tourism is its other claim to fame. Lake Michigan is also full of history, so a great spot for history enthusiasts to check out.
Q: Where is Whitefish Bay located?
Whitefish Bay is a bay on the western side of Lake Michigan. The lakeshores are a great escape from city living, but also convenient to all that the adventure the lakes have to offer.
Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin is often confused with Whitefish Bay, Canada; another Whitefish Bay, at the lower tip of Lake Superior, that spans both the US and Ontario, Canada.
Q: Is Whitefish Bay a fun place to visit?
Whitefish Bay is a great place to explore Lake Michigan from, and its small-town charm is welcoming to tourists.
- Wisconsin
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