Milwaukee, Wisconsin

United States

Tour the world-class Milwaukee Art Museum with its iconic white wings that open and close like a ship in motion.

💱 Currency US Dollar (USD)

🗣 Language English

🕐 Time Zone CDT (UTC-5)

☀️ Best Time to Visit May–Sep

🚢 Typical Duration 7-14 nights

💰 Price Range From $5,790 pp

⚓ Port Type Departure & Port of Call

🚤 Tender Port No

Gateway to Great Lakes cruising with access to scenic destinations like Mackinac Island and Canadian ports, offering a unique freshwater cruise experience from the American Midwest.

Cruises that visit Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Build Your Day in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM

Usually about 10 hours ashore

🛳 Embarkation port — worth arriving early

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Milwaukee County Zoo There were Halloween displays with activities and photo ops. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 17k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Thu

Milwaukee Public Market Super fun, lots of options and an interesting environment! Event venue · ★ 4.7 · 12k

Harley-Davidson Museum® Family friendly, the exhibits are interactive and very well presented. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 12k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

Mayfair Amazing selection of all stores and extremely clean!! Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 10k 🕐 Open · Closes 8 PM

Southridge Mall The stores were stocked and the employees were very friendly. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 10k 🕐 Open · Closes 8 PM

Milwaukee Art Museum Cool exhibits and nice studio for interactive activities for kids. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 9k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

Mitchell Park Domes Horticulture Conservatory Very fun, reasonable entry fee! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 7k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

Milwaukee Public Museum Great exhibits with varying themes and an immersive experience. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 7k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

Bayshore It's got a good selection of stores, easily walkable and fairly clean. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 7k 🕐 Open · Closes 8 PM

Game Show Battle Rooms - Milwaukee (Brookfield) The games were great, they were both challenging and fun. Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 6k

Discovery World Lots of interactive activities to learn about all areas of STEM. Science museum · ★ 4.6 · 5k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

Veterans Park Love all the activities from the swam boats to the kites!!!!! Park · ★ 4.7 · 5k

SafeHouse There is a tunnel that goes throughout the bar that serves you a martini. Bar · ★ 4.3 · 4k

Mader's Restaurant A must eat restaurant when visiting Milwaukee! German · ★ 4.4 · 4k

Harbor House Best restaurant we visited in Milwaukee. Seafood · ★ 4.6 · 4k

Brookfield Square Clean with a huge variety of stores Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 3k 🕐 Open · Closes 8 PM

The Mayfair Collection You can always find what you're looking for, and the items are reasonable Outlet mall · ★ 4.3 · 3k 🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM

Lakefront Brewery We did the mini brewery tour, which was a fun and unique addition. Brewery · ★ 4.6 · 3k

Seven Bridges Great for all ages to explore and have fun. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 3k

Up-Down MKE Great vibe, great music, and an overall awesome experience. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 3k

Pabst Mansion Free admission with NARM membership. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

The Wicked Hop This cleverly named bar has an excellent location and great service. Grill · ★ 4.4 · 3k

Swingin' Door Exchange Probably my favorite place to eat in milwaukee. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 3k

Point Loomis Shopping Center Lots of name brand clothes for cheap. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 3k 🕐 Open · Closes 8 PM

The Avenue Modern, clean space with so many good choices. Shopping mall · ★ 3.6 · 2k 🕐 Open · Closes 7 PM

Cathedral Square Park It hosts a variety of activities such as Jazz in the Park and Bastille Days. Park · ★ 4.6 · 2k

Betty Brinn Children's Museum The museum had something for everyone, all ages, the kids were thrilled! Children's museum · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

Stella Van Buren I ate here twice on my recent trip to Milwaukee and it was amazing!!! American · ★ 4.7 · 2k

Bryant's Cocktail Lounge Unique, delicious cocktails, and the vibe was immaculate. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 2k

Odd Duck One of the best restaurants in Milwaukee. Small Plates · ★ 4.7 · 1k

Carnevor | Milwaukee’s Premier Steakhouse Easily one of the best restaurants in Milwaukee. Steak · ★ 4.7 · 1k

The Outsider Amazing atmosphere, views of the city skyline, and craft cocktails. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k

At Random Great atmosphere, delicious drinks, and phenomenal service. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 1k

Boone & Crockett Great drinks, atmosphere, food trucks, events and views of the city. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Milwaukee, Wisconsin

About Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee has emerged as a vibrant cruise hub on the Great Lakes, welcoming passengers through two distinguished cruise lines: Viking Ocean Cruises and PONANT EXPLORATIONS. With 67 upcoming cruises and the flexibility to serve as both an embarkation port and a port of call, Milwaukee offers excellent options for those beginning their journey or adding it to their itinerary. Most cruises departing from here are seven-night voyages that explore the scenic beauty of the Great Lakes, visiting iconic destinations like Mackinac Island, Toronto, and charming ports across Ontario and Michigan. The peak season runs from May through September, making it an ideal time to experience these freshwater cruises.

Stepping ashore in Milwaukee, cruise passengers discover a city with genuine Midwestern charm and a rich cultural heritage. The lakefront location provides easy access to the city's famous breweries and museums, while the downtown area offers excellent dining and shopping opportunities. Whether you're embarking on your cruise adventure or enjoying a port day, Milwaukee welcomes visitors with warm hospitality and plenty to explore during your time in port.

Lakefront Views & Riverwalk Strolls

Milwaukee's stunning Milwaukee River Riverwalk stretches through the heart of downtown, offering picturesque views of historic bridges and waterfront architecture. Walk the scenic path lined with galleries, restaurants, and public art installations, or simply relax by the water's edge and watch sailboats drift past. The lakefront is just steps from the cruise terminal.

Brewery Tours & Local Beer Culture

Milwaukee earned its reputation as America's beer capital, and you can experience this legacy firsthand at historic breweries like Miller Brewing Company or Lakefront Brewery. Sample authentic Wisconsin craft beers, learn brewing traditions dating back to the 1800s, and enjoy the warm hospitality of local brewmasters. Many breweries offer quick tours perfect for cruise passengers.

Milwaukee Public Market's Local Flavors

Dive into Wisconsin's culinary scene at the vibrant Milwaukee Public Market, a year-round indoor marketplace bursting with local vendors, artisan foods, and regional specialties. Taste fresh cheese curds, bratwurst, and locally-roasted coffee while mingling with locals. This authentic market captures the heart of Milwaukee's food culture in one accessible location.

Third Ward's Art & Architecture

Explore the historic Third Ward neighborhood, Milwaukee's creative hub featuring galleries, street art, and stunning Victorian-era architecture. Wander through converted warehouses now housing studios and boutiques, or visit the Milwaukee Public Museum to discover the region's rich cultural heritage. The area's walkable streets reveal Milwaukee's artistic renaissance.

Harley-Davidson Museum Experience

Pay homage to an American icon at the Harley-Davidson Museum, celebrating over a century of motorcycle history and innovation. Explore vintage bikes, interactive exhibits, and the brand's deep roots in Milwaukee's industrial heritage. Even non-riders appreciate the impressive collection and the fascinating story of how this Wisconsin company changed the world.