1. Knowing Summerfest Will Always Rock
The world’s largest music festival lasts 11 days and has something for everyone, whether you’re into pop, metal, country or anything in between.
2. The Milwaukee Brewers (And The Racing Sausages)
The home team is amazing, the concessions are delicious, and the racing sausages are beloved. And even if you came just to actually watch the game, nobody leaves to get more beer while the sausages are racing. You have to see who wins!
3. The Truth: Milwaukee Is Better Than Chicago
“Oh, you live in Milwaukee? Oh, I’m sorry,” Kristin Wiig famously says in “Bridesmaids.” Some feel Milwaukee has a bit of an inferiority complex with Chicago, its so-called big brother to the south. But the fact is Milwaukee does its own thing and residents love it.
Sure, Chicago is nice; but it’s no Milwaukee.
4. The Best Cheesy Photo Op Anywhere
It’s cheesy and there are usually tourists crowding around it every time you go by, but Milwaukeeans are lying if they say they don’t have a photo with the Fonz. They do.
5. The Mighty Milverine
The Wolverine look-alike is the real deal and a modern-day Milwaukee icon. By day, John Hamann is a construction worker, and the rest of the time he walks around the city for hours and trains for cage fighting. A Milverine sighting is a guaranteed high point of the year, and Milwaukeeans just feel safer knowing that he’s out there patrolling for justice.
6. And The Polar Bear Plunge
From the shore. In your hat, scarf, gloves, boots and down-filled coat. With a cup of coffee/hot chocolate in your hand. Repeating everything you were told as a child about “catching your death of cold.”
7. A Fight Over The Best Frozen Custard
Wisconsin is indeed the Dairy State, and no one does dairy like Leon’s and Kopp’s Frozen Custard. Everyone chooses sides and devotees of both Leon’s and Kopp’s can be found in every group of friends, but no one disputes Milwaukee’s position as the frozen custard capital of the universe.
8. Knowing They're Science Nerds And Not Caring
Ah, American Science & Surplus. Never before has there been more cool stuff under one roof. What other store has a toy section, science supplies, tools, electronics, military surplus, and more? Be prepared to spend at least an hour here. Milwaukeeans always do.
9. Beer, Beer And Beer
Schlitz, Pabst, Blatz, Miller. Need I go on? The Lakefront Brewery Tour is a must for locals and visitors alike. They don’t call Milwaukee “Brew City” for nothin’!
10. Also Brats!
Yes, the stereotype of people in Milwaukee sitting around and eating bratwursts and drinking beer is a stereotype, but it’s a delicious stereotype. So, whether you’re at the Brat House or just grilling out, everyone loves a good brat.
11. An Afternoon Strolling Down Brady Street
The nine blocks running from the Milwaukee River to Lake Michigan are home to some of the city’s favorite shops, restaurants, cafés, lounges, taverns and more, and also play host to Harley Fest, a celebration of the city’s own Harley Davidson.
12. The Familiar Smell Of Friday Night Fish Fries
When people venture out of Wisconsin, they’re usually surprised that fish fries aren’t nearly as easy to find (and in many cases, unheard of). Friday Night Fish Fries are a staple all over the state and it seems like every restaurant in Milwaukee offers some kind of special on Fridays. But the best place to go is always wherever your grandparents go (many times a bowling alley or local family restaurant). That’s where the real goods are at.
13. Getting Artsy With Lake Michigan Photos
And immediately posting them to Instagram/Facebook/Twitter with snooty captions like “beautiful sunrise on my morning run,” to show people just how athletic and outdoorsy they are. Not to mention how cool they are to be running by the lake and not around their parents’ cul-de-sac.
14. The Milwaukee Bucks. No Matter What
The city’s NBA team has had a history of ups and downs, as well as a long list of basketball greats in hunter green (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, anyone?). The Bucks are currently getting ready to skyrocket to greatness once again, and Milwaukeeans will always be there cheering them on.
15. Abandoning All Composure Around State Fair Cream Puffs In Heaven
Throw everything you know about table manners out the window and eat a State Fair Cream Puff without shame. That’s the best way.
16. A Night Out At The Pabst
Whether they’re in the mood for a live performance or a movie, Milwaukeeans love a chance to visit the vintage Pabst Theater or Oriental Theatre. And they won’t hesitate to remind you that the Oriental is the world record holder for continual showings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
17. Complaining About The Weather
You know those boots that have never leaked, ever? Just wait until the temperatures are well below zero and your scarf and hat are pulled so tight that you have no peripheral vision, and you step in a pothole full of watery slush caused by someone overzealously salting the frozen ground.
That’s when your boot will leak, without fail.
18. The Smell Of Colectivo Coffee In The Morning
Formerly Alterra Coffee, Colectivo is Milwaukee’s beloved favorite cup of coffee. And its favorite muffin. And favorite scone. And wrap. You get the picture.
19. Knowing Their Weekend Hike Puts All Others To Shame
Just north of Milwaukee is Kettle Moraine State Forest, a favorite spot for hiking, camping and just getting outside and soaking up beautiful views. Formed by glaciers, the unique landscape has just about everything: Forests, enclosed valleys, lakes, rivers, streams and more.
20. Saturdays At The Farmers’ Market
Strolling the South Shore Farmers’ Market from June through October is the perfect Milwaukee Saturday morning whether you’re there for fresh produce, meats and cheeses from local farms, or just to eat your way through the kettle corn, grilled meat, crepes and bubble tea.
21. Their Friendly, Hardworking Neighbors
Although the city is home to some beautiful old mansions and condo high rises that price in the millions, its real backbone is the down-to-earth, hardworking citizens who are proud to be Milwaukeeans and are happy to show newcomers everything that makes the city great.
