What To Do On A Layover In Milwaukee WI

Don’t fret if you see General Mitchell International Airport as a stop on your flight itinerary. While Wisconsin is considered by some to be a “flyover state,” there is plenty to do both within and outside of Milwaukee’s main airport. Flying through the city also has the added perk of not having to deal with the stress of Chicago O’Hare, so if you find yourself with a few hours to kill on your layover in Milwaukee, take a look at these suggestions.

If you have 3 hours…

Feeling discombobulated after your flight? The Milwaukee airport has a dedicated recombobulation area to help with this. In the grand scheme of travel, three hours isn’t that much time, so it might not be worth the effort of leaving the airport. The interfaith meditation room is a great place to find some peace and relaxation during your short stay in Milwaukee. For those looking for something a little livelier to kill time, head over to the Leinie Lodge in Concourse D and pour yourself a pint of one of Leinenkugel’s local brews, or grab a friend and play a game or two of ping pong at the table installed in the airport.

Ping Pong at General Mitchell International Airport

If you have 5 hours…

If you have 7 hours…

If the weather is pleasant and there is a bit of time, take a trip to the Milwaukee County Zoo. It is home to more than 3,100 animals from all over the world, and it is considered to be one of the finest zoos in the country. With exhibits spanning over 190 acres and a number of wildlife shows and attractions, there is plenty to keep anyone with a long layover entertained.

If you have 12 hours…

Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward is reachable within 15–20 minutes by car and is a perfect spot to head to for those with a lot of time to spend in the city on a layover. Spend some time exploring the historic neighborhood, and pick up some local Wisconsin cheese from the Milwaukee Public Market. You won’t have to go too far from this area to also tour the Great Lake Distillery, which is Wisconsin’s first distillery since Prohibition. Finish the day off with an authentic German dinner at Mader’s Restaurant, and catch a show at the historic Pabst Theater.

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.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.