10 Free And Cheap Date Ideas In Milwaukee To Try

When you’re young and in love, it isn’t always easy splurging on five-star dinners every night. Luckily, there are plenty of things to do, especially in Milwaukee, that require little to no money so that two lovebirds can celebrate their relationship without worrying about breaking the bank.

1. Miller Brewery Tour

Brewery

This tour makes for a particularly fantastic date spot. The atmosphere and staff are hilarious and welcoming, so the entire tour is a memorable experience. On top of everything else, it’s free. Not only are the tours of no cost, but the beer sampling at the end (for those 21-plus, of course) is also free. So if you and your significant other like beer, then head right over to Miller for a classic and fun Milwaukee date.

Take a sunset walk on the Lakefront Trail

Nowhere in Milwaukee is more beautiful than the Lakefront Trail. The people-watching is excellent, and in the summer, the weather is just about perfect. A sunset stroll is an ideal, romantic way to end a day or trip to Milwaukee, perhaps stopping for coffee at Colectivo or an ice cream cone at one of the pop-up vendors. Sometimes there is no better way to connect than connecting to nature.

Do you and your loved one often quote Empire Records and High Fidelity? Then check out some of Milwaukee’s record stores on your next date. Due to MKE’s large hipster population, these stores are brimming with the crème de la crème of up-and-comers as well as oldies. The vibes at places such as The Exclusive Company and Rush-Mor are popping and prime for musically inclined tourists.
The Exclusive Company, 1669 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI, USA, +1 414 271 8590
Rush-Mor Ltd Music & Video, 2635 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI, USA, +1 414 4816040
https://www.instagram.com/p/BW_scatjUkj/?taken-at=12495027

2. Go to a cultural festival

While Milwaukee is home to “The World’s Largest Music Festival” (SUMMERFEST), the city also offers up celebrations for all different occasions and finds any reason to use the Henry Maier Festival Park, from concerts to fairs, but its cultural festivals are where it’s at. Milwaukee loves celebrating its diversity, so if you marry into a Milwaukee Italian or Irish family, you will be expected to attend festivals such as Festa Italiana or Irish Fest. If you or your significant other are proud of their heritage or culture, this is a fantastic way to spend a day. Plus, the entrance is usually free—it’s just the Guinness and spaghetti and meatballs that might drain the wallet.

Henry Maier Festival Park, 639 E Summerfest Pl, Milwaukee, WI, USA, +1 414 273 2680

Red Hair Contest | © Third Coast Daily / Flickr

Take an MKE Historic Walking Tour

From serial killers to iconic beer, Milwaukee certainly owns its fascinating history. For those couples who must know every little detail about their destination, taking a walking tour around Milwaukee is a fantastic idea for a date. Get acquainted with the surroundings as expert tour guides show you all that the great city by the lake has to offer, and the best part is that you can take a bunch of tours for an incredibly low price.

3. Milwaukee Art Museum After Dark

Museum

Now, this next idea is for the couple who likes to party together. Once a month, the MAM puts on its After Dark party, often with different themes or music. And since this museum sits inside one of the coolest venues in the entire city, you don’t want to miss it. Tickets are only $10 in advance and $12 at the door, but they do tend to go fast as the night approaches, so grab them while you can.

4. Get tickets to a Brewers Game

Park

To the chagrin of many Milwaukee residents—the Brewers haven’t been good for decades, so cheering for them is a bit tough. However, that’s great for out-of-towners or young couples who are looking for a cheap but exciting date. Getting tickets to a Brewers game is incredibly simple and cost-effective. They even have $1 tickets called “Uecker seats.” And while they have an obstructed view of the game, you’re really only going to be there for the hot dogs and beer.

Miller Park, 1 Brewers Way, Milwaukee, WI, USA, +1 414 902 4452

Miller Park Panorama | © Bryce Edwards / Flickr

5. Climb the North Point Lighthouse

Nicholas Sparks fans, this one is for you. If you want to kick up the romance level and have a sunset kiss, the North Point Lighthouse is the place to do it. The lighthouse resembles something straight out of a movie, so it’s the best place to get that Instagrammable couple pic while also learning the history of one of Milwaukee’s most recognizable landmarks, which also offers a plethora of free and cheap events sure to bring a good time.

North Point Lighthouse, 2650 N Wahl Ave, Milwaukee, WI, USA, +1 414 332 6754

North Point Lighthouse | © PunkToad / Flickr

6. Go stargazing at the UWM Physics Building Skydeck

Building

Live out some major Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone La La Land dreams by going stargazing for free! Milwaukee is one of the best places to stargaze, considering the lack of light pollution in the city and the clear air found throughout Wisconsin. It is a romantic way to have your own movie magic moment right in the heart of MKE.

7. Get some Kopp's Frozen Custard

School

If you grew up in Milwaukee, it’s likely that your first date was at Kopp’s Frozen Custard. The awkward hand-holding and the first kiss—it’s all nostalgic, just like Kopp’s. Have an old-school date, and visit Kopp’s to sample some of their phenomenally unique custard flavors or a 1950s-style burger.

Kopp’s Frozen Custard, 5373 N Port Washington Rd, Glendale, WI, USA, +1 414 961 3288

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The perfect treat for a summers day! 🍦😍 . #KOPPS #KoppsFrozenCustard #DoubleScoop #Wisconsin #SummerTime . Sweet pic 😋: @mkimfood

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