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Milwaukee Guys Weekend – A Destination for Manly Men

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Guy getaways tend to follow the same broken record of trips โ€“ a bachelor party in Vegas, a golf trip somewhere, or a weekend of debauchery in Mexico. Put on repeat. Over and over again. Men, Iโ€™m here to tell you that there are better options than unsuccessfully trying to relive your youth in an oomph-oomph club or spending a frustrating weekend making up excuses about why your golf game is so bad. Here are six cool things to do in Milwaukee for a guys weekend getaway.

Milwaukee Guys Weekend - A Destination for Manly Men

Why a Milwaukee guys weekend?

Why not a Milwaukee guys weekend getaway? Milwaukee, Wisconsin has to be one of the manliest towns out there. Not only is the cityโ€™s claim to fame beer and cheese โ€“ two very manly things โ€“ but itโ€™s also home to Harley Davidson and Usinger Sausage. Yeah, I just added brats and motorcycles to the mix. Plus, thereโ€™s professional sports, plenty of golf courses (if you must swing some clubs), and a plethora of water activities on Lake Michigan.

Why does Milqaukee make such a good dude's weekend? Beer!(Photo credit: Bryan Richards)

Why does Milwaukee make such a good dude's weekend? Beer! (Photo credit: Bryan Richards)

Get your bike fix at Harley Davidson Museum

Begin your weekend by experiencing some Milwaukee iron between your legs at the Harley Davidson Museum. I suggest opting for the behind the scenes tour for an extra special Harley Davidson experience. The tour will take you backstage to see the worldโ€™s largest collection of unrestored Harleys. Even if you donโ€™t own a Harley, itโ€™s still worth checking out. The exhibits delve into both the history and culture surrounding the iconic motorcycle brand. Heed my warning though; once you sit on a display motorcycle at the end of the tour, you just may buyย one.

Dreaming of owning a motorcycle at the Harley Davidson Museum (Photo credit: Bryan Richards)

Dreaming of owning a motorcycle at the Harley Davidson Museum (Photo credit: Bryan Richards)

Hit the water on Lake Michigan

Another unique Milwaukee adventure is the three-masted Great Lakes schooner that sits outside Discovery World. The recreation of the 19th century sailing vessel offers both day trips and multi-day trips. Book one to get a glimpse of what it was like to be the captain of a sailboat in centuries past. If a planned outing on a sailboat isnโ€™t your thing, there are plenty of other water activities on Lake Michiganย from kayaking to surfing. (Yes, surfing!)

Learn to sail a Great Lakes Schooner at Discovery World (Photo credit: Bryan Richards)

Learn to sail a Great Lakes Schooner at Discovery World (Photo credit: Bryan Richards)

Tour and taste Milwaukee's beer history and future

Of course, the main reason why Milwaukee is a manly destination is beer. Milwaukee has a rich beer history; hence its nickname, Brew City. Thereโ€™s a rapidly growing craft beer scene as brewers build upon their cityโ€™s legacy. Buildings throughout Milwaukee carry reminders of the city's four original breweries: Miller, Pabst, Blatz, and Schlitz. Today, only Miller remains, but Pabst is mounting a comeback under their new ownership with a new craft brewery. The new Pabst will be located in the former First German Methodist Church โ€“ originally built in 1873 โ€“ in the Brewery District where the blue ribbon brewery was formerly headquartered.

Enjoy a brewery tour at Lakefront Brewery during your Milwaukee guys weekend

Enjoy a brewery tour at Lakefront Brewery (Photo credit: Bryan Richards)

For a look at the future of beer in Milwaukee, start with Lake Front Brewery. I normally donโ€™t recommend guided brewery tours because once you see the process, itโ€™s the same everywhere. I do, however, recommend the Lake Front Brewing tour. Led by actors and comedians, the tour has been lauded as the most entertaining brewery tour in the country.ย Be sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time.

For brewery tastings, the Walkerโ€™s Point neighborhood is your spot with MobCraft Beer, Brenner Brewing, Urban Harvest Brewing and Milwaukee Brewing.ย Milwaukee Brewingย offers a self-paced, interactive tour with plenty of beer samples, including some from the brewer's secret stash.

Or, if you prefer to do your tastings atย beer bar, Milwaukee is home to four of Draft Magazine 100 Best Beer Bars in the Country: Burnhearts, Palm Tavern, Sugar Maple, and Romanโ€™s Pub.

Hanging out at Urban Harvest Brewing - Milwaukee Guys Weekend

Hanging out at Urban Harvest Brewing (Photo credit: Bryan Richards)

Get your fillย of man food

I ate one of the best steaks of my life at Five Oโ€™clock Steakhouse. You should, too. Five Oโ€™clock Steakhouse is actually a supper club, a tradition that dates back to Prohibition. The experience is uniquely Wisconsin. Upon arrival, even if you have a reservation (which is recommended), the host will direct you to a seat at the bar for a cocktail and menu perusal. Order a Milwaukee Old Fashioned Sweet; trust me on this one. When you're ready, give your order to your server who will thenย prepare your table, and present you with a traditional steakhouse salad. Everything at Five Oโ€™clock is made from scratch, and the steaks are Wisconsin-bred and wet-aged for 30 days.

Eat the best steak of your life at Five O'clock Steakhouse ~ Milwuakee Guys Weekend

Eat the best steak of your life at Five O'clock Steakhouse (Photo credit: Bryan Richards)

For traditional Milwaukee fare, check out the Wisconsin Cheese Mart and the Uber Tap Room for all things cheese plusย a robust beer list. The Vanguardย is where to go forย sausages made from scratch and cocktails on draft. There'sย something called Milwaukee pizza, too, which is thin like St. Louis style but without the gross processed cheese. I didnโ€™t get to sample any but I wish Iย did. A foodie friend recommendsย Alphonsoโ€™s the Original.

Scratch made sausage at the Vanguard = man food (Photo credit: Bryan Richards)

Scratch made sausage at the Vanguard = man food (Photo credit: Bryan Richards)

Stay in a manly hotel

Step aside Las Vegas, because hotel choices donโ€™t get any cooler than Milwaukee. And yes, there is a hotel and casino, too. Potawatomi Hotel and Casino is a favorite not only for gaming, but also for its sleek, newly finished rooms. For beer fans, book your stay at the Brewhouse Inn and Suites, a hotel that used to be a Pabst brewery. Motorcycle fans will enjoy the motorcycle themed Iron Horse Hotel, a AAA Four Diamond Hotel.

Yes, this is the interior of a hotel - the Brewhouse Inn and Suites (Photo credit: Bryan Richards)

Yes, this is the interior of a hotel – the Brewhouse Inn and Suites (Photo credit: Bryan Richards)

I had such a good time exploring Milwaukee with my buddies, I canโ€™t wait to plan a second trip afterย the new Pabst brewery opens in 2017.

Have I convinced you? Book your Milwaukeeย guys weekend with TripAdvisor now!

Do you have any questions or tips for cool things to do in Milwaukee for a guys weekend getaway? Tell us in the comments below.

A Note from The Hungry Daddy: I was hosted by Visit Milwaukee. All opinions are mine, as always. This story includes affiliate links. Your clicks and purchases help to keep TravelMamas.com a free resource for readers like you.

About Bryan Richards, The Hungry Travel Daddy

Bryan M. Richards began his blog, TheWanderingGourmand.com, to document his culinary adventures with his wife around the world (and around the kitchen). During the first eight years of their marriage, they followed their taste buds across five continents, 20 countries, and 71 cities and drank plenty of beer along the way. Then Deacon was born, and theyโ€™re learning how to incorporate their son into their culinary adventures. Currently, Bryan balances his role as stay-at-home dad to his young son with his novel writing and freelance gigs covering craft beer, food, and travel. He lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Follow his adventures on Facebook and Instagram as @BRichWrites.

Comments
  1. Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says

    Hmm….According to this article I may be a DUDE!!!! ROFLMAO

    Debauchery in Mexico? CHECK – been there done that.
    Brewery Tour Lover? CHECK – YAS and YES!!!!

    Sounds like Milwaukee needs to be added to my travel bucket list pronto, I’m here for all of this! ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. A really good post for men. I would suggest it to my husband, he will love it for sure.

  3. Reesa Lewandowski says

    Wow Milwaukee looks like so much fun! I never would have guessed!

  4. Kita Bryant says

    My husband can’t wait to get a motorcycle. When he does though, I doubt I’ll see him very much. This looks like an incredible experience, I just hope I can go with him!

    • Bryan Richards, The Hungry Travel Daddy says

      Thanks for reading, Kita! Unfortunately, girls aren’t invited on guys weekends. You’ll just have to plan a girls weekend there!

  5. How fun for the men. You dont often see many posts for the men so this is really great. My husband would love a weekend out like this!

    • Bryan Richards, The Hungry Travel Daddy says

      You bring up a good point. There aren’t many articles for guys weekend. I could be onto something here!

  6. Annemarie LeBlanc says

    My husband would love to visit these places, however they are too far from where we live. Maybe if we plan a tour to the North Central United States, we can arrange to spend a day or two in Milwaukee so he can enjoy a guy weekend with a girl – me! LOL.

  7. I didn’t know there was a Harley Davidson museum. That really is cool!

    • Bryan Richards, The Hungry Travel Daddy says

      Honestly, I didn’t know there was one either. Nor did I know Harley Davidson’s headquarters were in Milwaukee. Know we are both all the wiser!

  8. This sounds like a trip my hubby would jump at the chance to go on. Especially if there were beer and food involved lol.

  9. Mu husband would enjoy all of these attractions and activities. He is long overdue for a guys trip, and since his 40th birthday is coming up, it would be the perfect time to arrange one.

  10. This looks so fun. My husband would love a guy’s day out.

  11. Our Family World says

    I’m pretty sure that you had fun there! Such a nice place to visit with my family as well.

    • Bryan Richards, The Hungry Travel Daddy says

      I had a ton of fun in Milwaukee. And yes, there are a lot of family activities as well.

  12. Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says

    My husband would absolutely love this. If he saw this, he’d have a trip planned out within the hour. LOL

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