Much To See at Doors Open Milwaukee
Doors Open Milwaukee runs all weekend, with free open houses across the city.
Doors all over Milwaukee will be open this Saturday and Sunday. The 3rd annual Doors Open Milwaukee, attended by 15,000 people last year, features well over 100 buildings that are free and open to the public. There are also in-depth tours exclusively for members of Historic Milwaukee, Inc., and public tours that are free but require a ticket.
With so many buildings to see and only two days to do it in, consider the following must-see buildings worth making the time for.
Brenner Brewing Company – 706 S. 5th St.
Owner and Brewmaster Mike Brenner isn’t quite ready to open his business yet, but he is making swift progress and has an enormous space for his brewery and art gallery that appears to be something truly special. Mike will give visitors a look at the work-in-progress Walker’s Point building and share when you might be able to purchase his sure-to-be excellent beers.
Home to several businesses including Purple Door Ice Cream, the rooftop boasts a garden and spectacular views of Walker’s Point and the Third Ward. Visitors will also be able to sample cheese and ice cream during production tours.
Havenwoods Environmental Awareness Center – 6141 N. Hopkins St.
The state’s only urban state forest, this one is a hidden gem. A naturalist will be leading nature hikes, and a PowerPoint program will inform visitors of the site’s fascinating past (before being a 237-acre state forest it was home to immigrant farms, a House of Correction, and a US Army facility).
Turner Hall – 1034 N. 4th St.
You might have been here for a show or the fish fry, but now is your chance to get a much more comprehensive look at this national and local historical landmark. Dating back to 1882, visitors will be able to see the building’s restaurant, ballroom, Gestern Hall, historical photographs, and (if time permits) the gym.
Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum – 2220 N. Terrace Ave.
This Italian Renaissance –style villa is beautiful inside and out. Overlooking Lake Michigan, the museum houses fine and decorative arts dating back centuries. Tours of the museum and garden will be available.
That is but a small sampling of all the buildings visitors will have access to on Saturday and Sunday. To learn more about all of the buildings and their hours, as well as in-depth and public tours, visit http://doorsopenmilwaukee.org.
Photo Gallery of Event Opening
Great time and what a nice venue. Milwaukee really has a lot to offer and many hidden treasures. When some people say “nothing to do here”, they must have a brain encased in cement.
It’s Sunday, the second day, and for those of you who haven’t enjoyed Doors Open, there’s much more. Do NOT be put off by the pictures above of long lines, it’s just not true everywhere. But, alas, you’ve already missed Laura Bray’s VERY interesting walk Menomonee Valley’s Hank Aaron State Trail and the fascinating new Three Bridges Park.