Why South Milwaukee is a Great Day Trip Destination
Taking a day trip to a nearby community is a great way to spice up your usual routine. Whether you’re venturing out with a friend, with your family, or by yourself, there are three main reasons why South Milwaukee is the perfect destination for your next day trip outing: food, fun, and fresh air. Let’s dive in!
1. Food!
As a self-proclaimed foodie, I pride myself on discovering the most delicious local spots in town. If you’re in the mood for something quick and sweet, check out Bakehouse23 for freshly-baked treats, or Better Together Cafe for a one-of-a-kind milkshake.
If you need something a bit more filling, South Milwaukee is home to the best Mexican food in the midwest: Azteca Restaurant. From tacos, to enchiladas, to fajitas, the menu is brimming with fresh flavors. Not to mention the plethora of refreshing, house-made beverages. I come for the food, and stay for the friendly staff. The Azteca family always welcomes me with open arms!
You can never go wrong with Italian food. I mean… who doesn’t love pizza? For those craving a taste of Italy, Barbiere’s, Paisano’s, and Pat’s Oak Manor have all the Italian classics we know and love.
2. Fun!
Full of good times and good people, South Milwaukee is an absolute blast to explore. There are hidden gems sprinkled throughout the city that you can’t find anywhere else. The Omen sister stores (Omen Subculture Clothing & Accessories and Omen Alternative Music & Media) are located right next to one another and feature a plethora of alternative clothes, jewelry, and vinyl records. Mari’s Flowers is the perfect place to buy a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of wine for that special someone. Everything for Less is always a unique shopping experience with a diverse range of knick knacks—they even have foster dogs and cats from MADACC that you can pet and play with!
For history buffs, the Bucyrus Museum is a cool place to learn about South Milwaukee’s legacy—from engineering innovation to world-class mining machinery. I never get tired of hearing the rich history behind my favorite city!
If you find you’re still in town after the sun sets, catch a show at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center—home to hundreds of shows every year. Check out upcoming concerts on their event calendar!
3. Fresh Air!
Good old-fashioned outdoor fun is my favorite way to spend a day! Highly acclaimed as the best hiking spot in the greater Milwaukee area, South Milwaukee is home to Grant Park—featuring Seven Bridges Trail, Grant Park Beach, and the Grant Park Golf Course. Whether you’re in the mood to hike miles of stunning trails, watch the sunrise, take a dip in the lake, or play a round of golf, Grant Park encompasses 380 acres of stunning, natural beauty along Lake Michigan’s shoreline.
For those who enjoy bike riding, Oak Leaf Trail is a great place to gear up and ride through the fresh air. But if fishing is more your style, Mill Pond is the perfect spot. Its waterfall dam makes a gorgeous backdrop for casting your rod and waiting for a bite.
If your day trip happens to be on a Thursday from June to October, you’ll notice that the streets of South Milwaukee are dazzled with live music, local vendors, and delicious food—brought to you by the Downtown Market. It’s always a Sam-tastic time!
Venturing outside of your daily routine and becoming a local tourist at a nearby community is one of the many joys in life. So next time you’re looking for a day trip, look no further than South Milwaukee. We may even run into each other!
