The Best Places to Buy Souvenirs in Milwaukee

Milwaukee Public Market is a great place to shop for specialty foods and souvenirs
Milwaukee Public Market is a great place to shop for specialty foods and souvenirs | © Don Smetzer
Kelsey Grace Pfeifer

Everyone has that one friend who begs for a magnet or a snow globe from another friend’s travels. But sometimes, a key chain just won’t cut it. To get a true Milwaukee delicacy, try shopping at these places to find a unique gift or personal souvenir. Whether it is homemade cheese or sausage, there is something for everyone.

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The Public Museum Marketplace

Market, Fast Food
The Public Museum of Milwaukee is a fascinating and fun place, and its gift shop definitely reflects that. The market next to the museumsells products based on their current exhibits, and even the adults will want to partake in all of the science and technology fun. So walk away with a postcard or a replica of the Herbior Mammoth; the choices are endless.

Market, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Dessert, Seafood, Italian, Thai, European, Northern European, North American, Mexican

© Kim Karpeles / Alamy Stock Photo

The Milwaukee Public Market is usually the first stop for tourists who want tried-and-true Milwaukee products. The vendors at the market are incredibly unique, and finding homemade cheese or sausage for a tailgate lover is a no-brainer. The market, in general, is one of the best places in the city to get fresh food and baked goods, as well as a one-of-a-kind taste of Milwaukee culture.

The Waxwing

Shop
Sometimes, a trip just calls for a precious handmade item, such as a wooden cutout of the state of Wisconsin or a pillow with the words Up North flanked by pines trees printed on it. The Waxwing is the perfect place to live out the dream of owning an item that no one else will have. The shop itself looks as though Etsy came to life. There are quirky items made by locals or sourced to fit the aesthetic of “pure Wisconsin.” Wisconsinites are a proud people, so no doubt, this is where they get their own souvenirs.

Girl in the Moon Brewery Shop, Milwaukee

Brewery, Shop
You will never find a true Milwaukee resident drinking a Bud Light—ever.That’s because the Miller Headquarters calls MKE home. The Miller Brewery Tour is a must-do if there’s enough time, but if not, their Girl in the Moon Shop is open to the public. There you can find everything from funny beer box cowboy hats to Leinenkugel’s buckets so big that they practically resemble easter baskets. It’s always “Miller Time!” at the brewery, and their gift shop is no exception.

Colectivo Coffee

Cafe, Fast Food, $
Good luck finding any citizen of Milwaukee that would choose Starbucks over Colectivo. The coffee is rich and incredibly well made, and each shop has a welcoming feel. Individual coffee bags and beans are for sale, so if a loved one needs a fantastic morning pick-me-up, this is definitely the gift for them. The roasters also have flavors of the week, as well as seasonal offers. Colectivo also sells Omanhene hot chocolate and chocolate bars, which are incredibly unique Milwaukee-made finds.

From Milwaukee with Love

There is no doubt that when they are made by hand, with care from an independent producer, products are just better. That’s the whole point of From Milwaukee with Love, an online shop dedicated to highlighting the best independent producers of arts, crafts, and culinary items in the entire Milwaukee area. They also offer some of the coolest curated boxes around; this way you can always have a daily dose of Milwaukee wherever you are.

The Spice House

Shop
One of the greatest things about Wisconsin summers is that the climate is mild and breezy—perfect for grilling. The Spice House is the first place Milwaukee grill masters go to stock up on the best rubs and herbs for their meats. The Gateway to the Northseasoning will make jaws drop at any dinner party, and rightfully so; the owners of The Spice House come from a long line of spice masters, so they certainly know what they are doing. This location is overwhelming in the best possible way for any cook, beginner or master.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

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Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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