Milwaukee Getaway and Hotel Guide

Before the settlers came to Milwaukee, the Algonkian Indians called the land region, Millioki, meaning, “gathering place by the waters."

It’s not known if the Indians chose the name because it was used for tribal gatherings or because they had observed how three rivers (Menomonee, Kinnickinnic and the Milwaukee) met before flowing into the waters of Lake Michigan.

With a population of 610,700, covering nearly 96 square miles, Milwaukee is the 19th largest city in the country. The four-county metropolitan area of Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Wakesha counties has a population of about 1.5 million. Milwaukee is located in the center of the Midwest, in the southeast corner of Wisconsin. This prime location makes it a convenient locale for all travelers.

Wisconsin’s largest airport, Mitchell International, services 16 airlines, matching its 220 daily departure numbers to its arrival numbers.

Milwaukee is conveniently located near the intersection of Interstates 94 and 43 and just eight miles north of the airport. The city is a regular stop for Amtrak and Greyhound. Once in the city, travelers enjoy the courteous and prompt service of both the Milwaukee Transit System and the many taxi and limousine services.

Milwaukee has four distinct seasons with an average yearly precipitation of about 33 inches per year. Lake Michigan exerts a considerable influence on the climate and average temperatures are: Summer (June to August), 77.7 F; Fall (September to November), 58.6 F; Winter (December to February) 29.4 F; Fall (March to May), 52.5 F.

According to the Guiness Book of World Records, Milwaukee hosts the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest. This 11-day event (showcased on 12 separate stages), features a variety of music from national headline acts to up-and-comers.

Milwaukee celebrates its cultural diversity beginning early in the year with the International Arts Festival and ending the year with the Holiday Folk Fair. “The City of Festivals” invites travelers to experience traditions and customs of different cultures with authentic food, entertainment and exhibits at over a dozen year-round ethnic festivals.

Ranked No. 1 in the country for arts donations raised per capita, Milwaukee hosts the world’s most renowned performers and visual artists in the symphony, ballet, opera, Broadway shows and theater. The Downtown Theater District offers audiences the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts such celebrated performances as the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Florentine Opera and the Milwaukee Ballet. This district offers myriad other companies featuring Reperatory Theater, the Pabst Theater, Renaissance Theater, among others.

Milwaukee will dazzle travelers with tours, wineries, river cruises, breweries, neighborhood or gallery tours or for those Harley Davidson fans -- one heck of a selection of everything Harley!

Milwaukee County Parks offers nearly 15,000 acres of recreation enjoyment. The Milwaukee County Park System offers year-round activities, including 16 outdoor and indoor pools, five beaches, nine community and recreation centers, 122 tennis courts, two family aquatic centers and more than 200 athletic fields for every sport imaginable. The Park System also includes the 90-mile Oak Leaf Trail, used for biking, in-line skating, cross-country skiing, running and walking.

Milwaukee’s lakefront beckons the lover of fishing, boating, and other water sports while Lake Michigan welcomes sailing and windsurfing enthusiasts. Fully-equipped fishing charters lure die-hards out to catch perch, salmon, bass and trout.

The Greater Milwaukee Area offers about 12,500 guest rooms, from first-class downtown properties, to motels and resorts and apartment hotels in the immediate, outlying regions.

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