15 free things to do in Milwaukee

10.01.2025 - 13:31 / lonelyplanet.com / Art Museum

Jan 9, 2025 • 7 min read

Often called one of the most underrated cities in the Midwest, Milwaukee is full of farmers markets, festivals, beer gardens and more than 150 spacious parks. The best part? Many of these activities are free to experience.

Here’s our guide to the best free things to do in Milwaukee.

Located in the Historic Third Ward, the Milwaukee Public Market is not your everyday market. Besides offering a cornucopia of fresh produce, local artisan food products, and handcrafted wares, enjoy cooking classes presented by local and national chefs. Dine at one of the market’s many restaurants, such as Cafe Benelux, which is inspired by the eponymous European region that includes Belgium and The Netherlands. Thirsty? Check out one of the market’s seven bars.

Planning tip: Check out the market's website for their list of current events. And, download a market map here.

One of the few curated outdoor street art galleries in the city, visitors to Black Cat Alley can view works by creatives and muralists from Milwaukee, Los Angeles, Berlin and more. Take a moment to snap a selfie or two in front of Black Cat Alley’s many beautiful backgrounds. The art rotates, so check the website to see which artists are showcased and when new work is making its debut.

Alice’s Garden Urban Farm is a locally led community space for people to connect and bond in a beautiful outdoor setting. This two-acre farm on Milwaukee’s north side hosts events such as contemporary dancing with Danceworks, a local dance company, guided and self-guided meditative walks in an herbal labyrinth, art activities for kids, movie nights and live music on fish-fry nights.

Free pre-scheduled tours or self-guided tours are available for those eager to learn the garden's history as a stop on the Underground Railroad. 

Browse the garden’s Artisan Market, where local farmers and vendors sell fresh produce, jewelry, herbal skincare and more. 

Planning tip: Check their website for dates and times. Although most events at Alice’s Garden are free, a few special events require a small fee.

Hit many of the city’s premiere destinations while following the 14-mile Hank Aaron State Trail, named for the Milwaukee baseball legend. As you follow the trail, choose the experiences you’ll encounter along the way: wildlife and nature activities at the Urban Ecology Center, viewing Santiago Calatrava’s white wings art installation that dominates the pavilion of the Milwaukee Art Museum, catching the waves at Bradford Beach and hunting sea glass along the water’s edge at Lakeshore State Park. The trail also connects to other city trails, including Beerline and Oak Leaf.

Planning tip: The Milwaukee Art Museum is free for all visitors on the first Thursday of each month.

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