Milwaukee: Brewin' Good Times

True to the translation of its American Indian name, gathering place by the waters, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is most distinguishable by its residents. As the largest city in Wisconsin, and the state's primary commercial and manufacturing center, the city of Milwaukee has become synonymous with the term hospitality. This is based on the fact that the current population consists of hundreds of thousands of multinational Milwaukeeans, whom are always ready to celebrate and embrace his or her heritage and individuality. Evident even within its skyline of both modern high rises and classical 19th Century architecture, Milwaukee is an example of how elements of culture and personal involvement can shape a city.

	A Milwaukee Port

ORIENTATION

Milwaukee is positioned on the southeastern corner of Wisconsin, in the heart of the Midwestern United States. The city is located approximately 80 miles (129 km) from Madison, Wisconsin, 93 miles (150 km) from Chicago, Illinois, 117 miles (188 km) from Green Bay, Wisconsin and 326 miles (525 km) from the Twin Cities of Minnesota. The Port of Milwaukee is situated on the city's eastern boundary of Lake Michigan, where the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic Rivers meet. The natural public spaces created by the Milwaukee River have been made accessible to the city through a series of inviting walks, pedestrian bridges and promenades. The banks of the Milwaukee River, which flows through the city’s downtown core, have accumulated a significant amount of commercial and residential developments. Primarily during the summer months, a high concentration of citizens and tourists are found along the Milwaukee River participating in numerous festivities and recreational activities.

HISTORY

Milwaukee was first settled by German brew masters in the 1840s, based on the intrigue that new bulk brewing technology could lead to a large and profitable industry. By 1872, nearly half of the beer brewed in the city was being exported, as a seemingly overnight market became available when the Great Chicago Fire destroyed the majority of area breweries. Naturally, the 44 percent increase in sales from Milwaukee breweries made producers extremely wealthy and competitive. As a result, local brewery owners began purchasing real estate and establishing such commodities as banks, restaurants and hotels. Among the major established local breweries such as Pabst Brewing Company and Jos Schlitz Brewing Company, only the Miller Brewing Company remains in production.

Although Milwaukee's Golden Age of Brewing has long since passed, its formative heritage and culture is still evident today. The dominant industry of local breweries attracted many wealthy immigrants and pioneers from all over the world to the prosperity of the growing Riverfront commerce area. This ethnic integration of the late 19th century allowed Milwaukee to flourish economically, agriculturally and culturally. Today, with the support of neighborhood residents, merchants, community organizations, real estate developers and civic leaders, Milwaukee is a prosperous city focused on the retention and expansion of its businesses and structures. The city's current appeal and growth is based upon the cultural and historical juxtaposition of commerce and community.

Milwaukee's northern location allows its residents to distinctively experience all four seasons. The adjacent water of Lake Michigan moderates the city's weather with cool breezes in the summer and warm winds during the winter. Temperatures average a high of 54ºF (12ºC) in the spring months of March, April and May, 77ºF (25ºC) in the summer months of June, July and August, 59ºF (15ºC) in the fall months of September, October and November and 29ºF (-1ºC) in the winter months of December, January and February. Average annual rainfall is 838.2 mm, and the area also receives and annual 1219.2 mm of snowfall.

TRANSPORTATION

Owned and operated by Milwaukee County, the General Mitchell International Airport is Wisconsin's largest airport. Located 8 miles(13km)from downtown Milwaukee, Mitchell International accommodates more than 400 daily arrivals and departures, and 5.3 million passengers annually. Air transportation is provided from Mitchell International by eight major commercial carriers including American Airlines, America West, Continental, Delta, Midwest Express, Northwest, United and U.S. Airways.

For transportation within the city, the Milwaukee County's Public Transit Systems have 70 local, park-and-ride, freeway flyer and express routes. This transit system is one of the six largest bus systems in the United States of America, since approximately 85 percent of Milwaukee resident live within one-quarter mile of a bus route. Numerous car rental companies are also located within the city. Rail transportation to and from Milwaukee and the Pacific Northwestern United States, is easily accessible through the Amtrak system. Amtrak-Hiawatha features six daily arrivals and departures between Milwaukee and Chicago.

FESTIVALS

In the traditional German spirit of Gemutlichkeit, the celebratory nature for which Milwaukee is famous for, the city hosts over 100 annual festivals and approximately 60 major events throughout the year. The majority of the annual festivals are centered on the celebration of the diverse culture and heritage of Milwaukee's citizens.

Taking place in June is the Asian Moon Festival, the Polish Festival and Pridefest. The Asian Moon Festival entices festival attendees to participate in demonstrations specific to Asian Pacific Islander, Chinese, Filipino, Hmong, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Taiwanese, Thai, and Vietnamese cultural traditions. Celebrations for the Polish Festival consists of promotion of Polish food, dance and traditions. PrideFest celebrates educates the public on all issues pertaining to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community within the city.

Scheduled in July is the Festa Italiana and the German Fest. The country's largest four day Italian-American festival, Festa Italiana, attracts visitors to take part in activities such as cooking demonstrations, dancing and musical performances. The German Fest features live entertainment, a parade and nightly fireworks.

	Summerfest Photo Courtesy VISIT Milwaukee

Ancillary festivals tend to focus on incorporating music, art and culture with the unique surroundings of the city. According to the Guiness Book of World Records, Summerfest is known as the Biggest Music Festival in the world. This 11-day music festival was first held in 1968, and attracts approximately one million people to the festival grounds each July. Summer Sizzle is a two day outdoor music festival in August, which invites local and national jazz musicians to perform on one of two outdoor stages. The Historic Third Ward district showcases its 60 participating shops and venues, for two days in April during the Gallery Night and Day festival. In the first week of December, the Christmas in the Ward festival invokes the spirit of Christmas to the streets of Milwaukee though musical performances, horse-drawn carriages and a visit by Santa.

	Miller Park Photo Courtesy Matthew Weaver

Miller Park

The most notable attraction within Milwaukee is Miller Park. Home to the Milwaukee Brewers since 2001, this ball park has the capacity to seat 42,400 baseball fans. A unique feature of the park is the fan-shaped roof that guarantees each game is played with perfect conditions. The seven panel 12,000-ton roof can silently open and close within ten minutes.

Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory commonly referred to as The Domes, features three large dome-shaped structures containing diverse plant life from around the world. The Arid Dome houses one of the world’s finest collections of shrubs, succulents and cacti. The Tropical Dome encloses jungle-like trails, with a diverse collection of rain forest plants. A colorful themed garden floral exhibit is surrounded by the Floral Show Dome.

Milwaukee County Zoo
Considered to be one of the finest zoos in America, the Milwaukee County Zoo attracts visitors to its 200 acre facility. Approximately 2,000 mammals, fish, birds and reptiles reside in the zoo’s numerous habitats. The zoo presents more than 350 species, grouped together by area of origin.

Milwaukee Art Museum
In 2001, the Milwaukee Art Museum unveiled the Quadracci Pavilion designed by Santiago Calatrava. Weighing 81 million pounds, 20,000 cubic yards of concrete was used to create a building that is as much of an art exhibit as the museum inside. The Museum’s collection includes approximately 20,000 pieces of artwork from the 1800s through to modern times. Featured artists include Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.