WISCONSIN’S EASTERN SHORES AT A GLANCE

This three-day itinerary spotlights some of the most outstanding attractions in Sheboygan, Milwaukee and Kenosha. Admire captivating works of experimental art, get immersed in motorcycle culture, revel in the Gilded Age and take one of the best brewery tours in America.

 

Pabst Mansion, Milwaukee

Pabst Mansion, Milwaukee

Enjoy These Wisconsin Attractions and More:

  • Pabst Mansion, Milwaukee
  • North Point Lighthouse Museum
  • Jewish Museum Milwaukee
  • Harley-Davidson Museum
  • Grohmann Museum

 


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Art Preserve, Sheboygan. (Randy Mink Photo)

Art Preserve, Sheboygan. (Randy Mink Photo)

WISCONSIN DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY


Day 1. Tourist Attractions in Manitowoc, Sheboygan and Milwaukee, WI

Disembark the S.S. Badger in Manitowoc and head south to begin your journey along the Lake Michigan shore. At the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and the Art Preserve in Sheboygan, discover the works of self-taught and contemporary artists.

Continue south to Milwaukee with your first stop at the North Point Lighthouse Museum in Lake Park. On a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, it showcases a wide variety of artifacts pertaining to the lighthouse and its keepers. Visitors can also see exhibits about the role Milwaukee has played in the regional maritime activities of the Great Lakes. Members of your group can climb the 84 steps and ladder to reach the lantern room at the top for a beautiful view of the lake and city.

Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee

Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee

 

 

Day 2. Things to Do in Milwaukee

At the Jewish Museum Milwaukee, step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Wisconsin’s Jewish community, tracing its roots back to the first wave of Jewish immigrants. Marvel at thought-provoking exhibits that delve deep into the unique experiences, traditions and contributions of this vibrant community. The museum goes beyond historical narratives, providing a fresh perspective on contemporary issues such as social justice and human rights through the lens of Jewish values.

Get an in-depth look into the lifestyle and culture of the motorcycle community that only the Harley-Davidson Museum can provide. Learn how it all started and discover the motorcycle’s influence on law enforcement, WWI and WWII, racing and pop culture. A highlight will be the Tsunami Motorcycle display, which features a bike that had drifted over 4,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean after being washed away in a storage container during the devastating tsunami that struck Japan back in 2011. The bike’s remains serve as a memorial to the tragedy that claimed more than 15,000 lives.

Prepare to be transported back in time to the glamorous Gilded Age with a visit to the Pabst Mansion. This architectural gem preserves and interprets the opulent lifestyle of one of Milwaukee’s most iconic figures, Captain Frederick Pabst, the renowned beer baron. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of a historic home meticulously restored to its former glory. Marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship of the lavish interiors that reflect the Pabst family’s wealth and influence. From stunning chandeliers to intricate woodwork, every corner tells a story of a bygone era. Learn about Pabst’s immense impact on Milwaukee and his legacy as a visionary entrepreneur.

Lakefront Brewery offers an experience that combines history, entertainment and, of course, beer. As you embark on this delightful tour, you’ll be treated to a captivating blend of facts, lore and jokes. But let’s not forget about the star of the show—the exceptional beer. Sip the meticulously crafted brews as you dive deeper into the artistry behind each pint. And what better way to complement your tour than with some of the finest fried cheese curds in Milwaukee. As you revel in the unforgettable flavors and stories at Lakefront Brewery, make sure to save room for its traditional Milwaukee fish fry.

Grohmann Museum, Milwaukee. (Photo credit: Visit Milwaukee)

Grohmann Museum, Milwaukee. (Photo credit: Visit Milwaukee)

Day 3. More Activities in Milwaukee and Kenosha, Wisconsin

Another Milwaukee gem is the Grohmann Museum, home to the world’s most comprehensive art collection dedicated to the evolution of human work. The collection comprises more than 1,900 paintings, sculptures and works on paper from 1580 to the present. They reflect a variety of artistic styles and subjects that document the evolution of organized work from manpower and horsepower to water, steam and electrical power. Paintings show tradespeople engaged in their craft, such as the blacksmith, chemist, cobbler, cork maker, glass blower and taxidermist. A unique collection of 17th century medical paintings depicts the primitive beginning of early medical treatments. More recent works are images of machines and men embodying the paradoxes of industrialism of the mid-18th century to post-World War II. These works, often commissioned by the factory owner, are views of steel mills and foundries surrounded by train tracks or dark factory interiors where glowing molten metal is juxtaposed with factory workers and managers.

As you leave Wisconsin, our final stop along Lake Michigan is Kenosha. Visit the Civil War Museum, ride an authentically restored electric street car, and tour the Southport Light Station, Kemper Center and Durkee Mansion.

The eastern shores of Wisconsin have some great attractions for groups, so be sure to Download the Circle Wisconsin magazine for FREE and read the other Wisconsin itineraries available.

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