I am going to be in Milwaukee starting on Wednesday and ending on Sunday. What would you recommend for me to see and do while I am there?
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Sobelmans bar and grill for the largest Bloody Mary ever made
Go to the original one west of downtown in the industrial district by the tracks
Sommerfelds! One of the best train stores in the midwest. Also the Lionel Railroad Club, Fridays only.
2356:
How much time during the day(s) do you have? Are you in Milwaukee on business and have only evening hours available or is this a vacation/trip with no other commitments?
Also, will you have access to a car?
Charlie
I am on vacation and have a car. I have nothing scheduled right now but am thinking about attending a Brewers game.
Big_Boy_4005 posted:Sommerfelds! One of the best train stores in the midwest. Also the Lionel Railroad Club, Fridays only.
Any idea of who to contact to visit the Lionel club? I will look up Sommerfelds.
Oscar's on Pierce for the best burgers in Milwaukee. The new Deer District (Bucks Stadium area) is really nice, and for sure take in a Brewer's game.
Sommerfeld's is an awesome O gauge store, and Hiawatha Hobbies in Waukesha has a large selection of O gauge too.
Mader's Restaurant is possibly the best German restaurant this side of Berlin. From which direction will you be approaching Milwaukee? John in Lansing, ILL
2356 posted:Big_Boy_4005 posted:Sommerfelds! One of the best train stores in the midwest. Also the Lionel Railroad Club, Fridays only.
Any idea of who to contact to visit the Lionel club? I will look up Sommerfelds.
I looked the club up on Google maps. It said Friday 1-9, which should mean general public. No other days listed. You can also try forum member Jim R, he's a member. Plan an hour or two at both places. If I remember correctly, they are kind of on opposite sides of town, maybe a half hour apart.
I forgot about Walthers. I think their public shop is still there. Terminal Hobbies. It helps if you know what you want, because there isn't a whole lot on display there, but the "back room" is HUGE.
I thought we were talking trains, not food.
rattler21 posted:Mader's Restaurant is possibly the best German restaurant this side of Berlin. From which direction will you be approaching Milwaukee? John in Lansing, ILL
Mader's is on Old World 3rd Street on the west side of Downtown. My wife and I have been to all the shops around Mader's, we'll have to try it next time. Usingers sausage is across the street, there's a good cheese shop on the north end of the block, and a great spice shop right next door. The whole street is worth a look.
Try The East Troy Trolley Museum in East Troy . You can ride in some Electric Trolleys . https://www.easttroyrr.org/
Both Hobbies shops mentioned are Great . I go to both !
If you like Great German Food , Maders is a great restaurant . Again as mentioned above !
THE UP (BUTLER YARD) is cool to see from the (HAMPTON AVE) bridge near by . Have a Zoom Lens ready !
Have Fun !
rattler21 posted:Mader's Restaurant is possibly the best German restaurant this side of Berlin. From which direction will you be approaching Milwaukee? John in Lansing, ILL
I second Maders - used to take the girl friends there - (over a 40 year period) always impressed them - where my introduction to the Galliano liqueur took place. Don't miss going there & oh yea, take your best credit card - the food is great, but not cheap.
2356 posted:Big_Boy_4005 posted:Sommerfelds! One of the best train stores in the midwest. Also the Lionel Railroad Club, Fridays only.
Any idea of who to contact to visit the Lionel club? I will look up Sommerfelds.
I’m a member of the Milwaukee Lionel Railroad Club. It’s located in a business condo complex called Parkland Plaza in New Berlin. You don’t need to contact anyone ahead of time. The club is open Friday from 1 to 10 p.m.
As Jim said, it's a little inconspicuous in that business condo complex, and you can't see it from the street. The entrance is around the back.
They have a new streetcar line in service. I look forward to riding it on my next visit there.
All good suggestions above. Do not miss the Lionel club - as mentioned, it's a little hard to find.
Best corned beef sandwich ever at McBob's (4919 W North Ave). Don't let the exterior fool you - it's a great neighborhood bar.
The Model Railroad Club of Milwaukee is just south of downtown. The O-scale layout is a bit worn, but the sense of history is unbelievable - literally walking in the footsteps of the gods - founding members included Kalmbach and Walthers. Interesting location under a viaduct. I don't know about hours or contact info.
If you want to see a fantastic HO scale club layout, check out the North American Prototype Modelers. Really hard to find (I circled it about 3 times before figuring it out), but well worth a visit.
Hey 2356:
There are some good suggestions here. I won't speak to the food as I think you should fit the food around the sights as available.
Friday you should see the Milwaukee Lionel Railroad Club. That leave one more evening for the Brewers, during that time, you should try to take in a visit to the Miller Brewing tour. Kind of touristy, but you will be in the area and the building are kind of cool.
Since you have a car, I might take a serious look at Driving to Oshkosh. The Museum is second to none in terms quality and broad selection of aircraft eras. Also, the big Oshkosh Fly-in is gearing up so you will probably see some added activity. The drive from Milwaukee to Oshkosh is only about hour or less depending on where in Milwaukee you leave from.
Another site worth the visit is the Milwaukee Art Museum. While the Museum is very nice, the real interest for you might be the Brooks Stevens Archives. If you love Milwaukee Road Streamline and art deco in general, you should try to view the Archives. I don't believe they have the Brooks Stevens exhibit going on now, but you can still see the archives... call ahead. The building is pretty cool to see the "wings" fold, but you do not have to go in to see that.
Honestly, the hobby shops are good, but depending on what part of the country you are coming from.
Hopefully you have a great trip and share with us your review of what you liked or not liked.
Charlie
