Plan romantic getaways in Milwaukee and surprise your partner with unforgettable experiences.
When I travel Wisconsin with my partner, I spend at least several nights in the beautiful city of Milwaukee.
I’ve been to pretty much every corner of the state, but believe me, Milwaukee is holding its spot as the most romantic Wisconsin city on my list!
That’s because pretty much anything you do in Milwaukee can be romantic.
Whether walking along the river, grabbing a bite at the local restaurant, or checking out local shops, the city’s vibe will make your visit romantic and memorable!
However, there’ll undoubtedly be activities that’ll feel more intimate and special than others.
So, in this post, I’ll cover the top romantic getaways in Milwaukee based on my and my partner’s most recent trip to the city!
I recommend reading this with your loved one to plan which lovely activities you want to add to your itinerary!
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Overview: romantic getaways in Milwaukee
1. Stay at the Pfister Hotel
Romantic getaways always mean relaxation, comfort, and good food, and one of the easiest ways to achieve all three is to stay at romantic hotels in Milwaukee, like the Pfister Hotel.
This hotel is located in the heart of downtown, making it easy to access all the other activities on this list!
Plus, the building’s ambiance portrays luxury and timeless elegance, which is fitting for romantic getaways in Milwaukee!
All its amenities, including the rooftop lounge with fantastic skyline views, make it the perfect Milwaukee weekend getaway for couples.
Our room also had a great, vast view of Lake Michigan, so talking to my partner before bed felt like a paid date in a luxurious setting.
I highly recommend spending at least a night at the Pfister Hotel. It’s worth the price, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion as a couple!
2. Stroll Through the Milwaukee Art Museum
Taking quiet museum dates is a classic when having romantic getaways in Wisconsin or any other place.
Good news: Milwaukee’s Art Museum is one of the best museums in the country!
From the moment you set eyes on the stunning building with its wings until you roam inside the galleries, you’ll surely have an amazing time appreciating art and peace with your loved one in this museum.
You can easily spend hours exploring the different displays and exhibits here without the experience feeling too repetitive.
If you get hungry or thirsty, the museum also hosts one of the best cafes in Milwaukee. We got the cobb salad and the cheese panini and were very impressed with both.
Before or after entering the museum, be sure to take some moments to walk along the lakefront to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake, especially around sunset.
3. Dinner at Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro
Since I mentioned having a nice meal, I just remembered how great Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro is at providing guests, especially couples, with a lovely, romantic date.
We spent several dinners here when we stayed two weeks in Milwaukee.
Every single time, the service, food, and ambiance were nothing short of being the best!
With the quality of French cuisine this restaurant offers, dining here feels like finding Paris in the center of Wisconsin—except the view of the Seine River is replaced by Lake Michigan!
We always get the Haute Bistro Menu, a customizable 4-course meal.
If you prefer more vegan options, I suggest taking a short drive to Odd Duck.
Although it is not solely vegan, it is often regarded as one of the best vegan restaurants in Milwaukee due to its extensive selection of vegan meals!
4. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise on Lake Michigan
Whenever my friends ask me for date ideas in Milwaukee, I mention enjoying a sunset cruise on Lake Michigan.
Nothing just feels more romantic than feeling the cool breeze of the lake while your partner’s beside you, especially when the skies are filled with striking colors!
We booked the Rock the Boat Cruise from Edelweiss Cruises and were very happy with how the trip turned out!
The boat tour starts at sunset, so it’s a great activity to settle into the night during your romantic getaways in Milwaukee!
While enjoying the view, we ordered several drinks at the bar, which surprisingly had more selections than expected.
It’s such a bummer that this cruise only lasts 90 minutes. But the good thing is, it ends in Downtown Milwaukee, where you’ll be steps away from some of the best restaurants and bars to continue your enjoyment as a couple!
If you enjoy this cruise, you’ll likely also enjoy more private boat trips like this 2-hour sailing cruise!
5. Spa Day at WELL Spa + Salon at The Pfister
If there’s one activity we did in Milwaukee that I wish we could try again anytime we want to, that’s none other than having a spa day at the Pfister Hotel.
Whether or not you plan to stay at this accommodation, I recommend booking its spa services separately!
Being pampered together as a couple in the same treatment room is much better than having a spa day alone.
It’s relaxing and fun to whisper and share some shy giggles with your loved one as your body just gets all the well-deserved rest it needs!
We enjoyed our time at the hotel’s spa. From the type of music to the ambiance and even the oils used, the spa staff allowed us to personalize our time here as much as possible!
6. Explore the Mitchell Park Domes
The Mitchell Park Domes are one of the most notable tourist attractions in Milwaukee.
Also known as The Domes, these three weather-controlled domes serve as living museums of three different habitats.
So, just by stepping into one of them, you could feel like you’re entering the desert if you choose the Desert Dome, the rainforests if you choose the Tropical Dome, and a flower wonderland once you step into the Floral Show Dome.
Can’t choose which dome excites you more?
No worries!
One ticket to the Mitchell Park Domes gives you access to all three domes, giving you and your partner more than enough plants and environments to see while enjoying each other’s company.
These domes are a must-visit during your romantic getaways in Milwaukee.
7. Attend a Show at the Pabst Theater
The Pabst Theater is not just one of the most architecturally stunning theaters we’ve been to; it also features a diverse selection of shows that are perfect for anyone.
Due to its size, which is both too small and too big, this theater accommodates quite a crowd but still allows the experience to feel intimate.
We booked our tickets quite late, so the closest seats we could grab were in the last few rows at the back. Still, we were able to see and hear the performers!
The only downside of this venue is the tight legroom, which reminds me of airline seating. Over time, though, I got used to it.
8. Wine Tasting at Black Sheep MKE
I’m a huge wine girl, so every time we visit Milwaukee, I make sure to grab several bottles of wine at my favorite wine bars before heading straight to our accommodation!
Unfortunately, one of my favorite bars, the Balzac Wine Bar, closed not too long ago.
However, I’m so happy that Black Sheep MKE, also one of my go-to stops, is still thriving in the wine scene!
This bar is one of the best spots to order craft wines on tap and cocktails in Milwaukee.
It has a rotating selection of 16 bottles, so what we get differs each time!
I love Black Sheep’s simple yet modern interior (a classic Downtown Milwaukee vibe), and of course, the food tastes so good it’ll tempt you to order seconds!
Visiting this bar will always be among my favorite outdoor activities in Milwaukee, plus pair it with a Milwaukee food tour!
9. Stay at The Iron Horse Hotel
Don’t let the seemingly tough name fool you—the Iron Horse Hotel isn’t that rough or intimidating.
It’s a very cozy, industrial-chic hotel that feels like an inn that transports you back to a different era!
We loved hanging out in the hotel’s in-house bar, which always has a great DJ. Plus, the restaurant serves superb food, so we were never bothered eating out while staying at this hotel!
Oh, and the staff are always very attentive at the Iron Horse Hotel.
They very kindly gave recommendations on where we could start hiking near Milwaukee.
I’ll definitely revisit this hotel when I’m in the area!
10. Leisurely Stroll Through the Historic Third Ward
The Historic Third Ward may only be a few blocks wide, but it encompasses the OG history and culture of Milwaukee.
It’s one of the busiest spots in the city, where art, shopping, dining, and recreation excel!
If you just want to have a good time as a couple, strolling through the neighborhood and enjoying delicious food, quick shopping sprees, and cute pics, this is the place to be!
You can explore this ward on your own, take guided walking tours (some are horror-themed tours), or bike through Milwaukee bike trails.
Make sure to keep tabs on festivals or events happening in Milwaukee during your stay.
Chances are, it’ll be held in the Historic Third Ward!
When we spent Christmas in Milwaukee, this place was brimming with lights, gigantic trees, and decorations celebrating the festivities.
If you’re lucky enough, you may even be able to ride a carriage to explore the ward!
11. Visit the Harley-Davidson Museum
The Harley-Davidson Museum isn’t just for motorcycle fanatics or loyal buyers of the brand.
I haven’t owned a single Harley in my life, nor was I ever interested in this motorcycle.
However, when my partner urged me to visit this museum, I loved the entire experience!
The rows and rows of artifacts, motorcycle displays, and even interactive exhibits made this experience one of the most unique museums I have visited.
It’s not too different from other museums.
You’ll learn about Harley-Davidson’s history, struggles, and success and see how its motorcycles are made behind the scenes!
After touring this museum, a pleasant riverside location will welcome you outside, where you can extend the museum date to a lovely romantic walk with your partner.
12. Relax at The Journeyman Hotel Rooftop Bar (The Outsider)
Let’s wrap up this list with one of my go-to activities to wrap up my days during our romantic getaways in Milwaukee: relaxing at the Journeyman Hotel rooftop bar.
Also known as the Outsider, this rooftop patio, with its beautiful skyline view of the city, was my favorite place to hang out with my partner after a hectic schedule.
It’s just above the Historic Third Ward, so it’s perfectly located to be your last stopover during long walks.
The good food at Outsider is often served on shareable plates, so it easily pairs well with your preferred alcoholic drinks!
Make sure to try some of the cocktails, not just their wines, as they honestly tasted amazing.
Grabbing a drink at The Outsider was really one of the most fun things to do in Milwaukee at night.
My final thoughts on romantic getaways in Milwaukee
Milwaukee is one of those special cities where you’ll be able to enjoy a romantic getaway regardless of the activity you do.
Since it’s very well-maintained and offers stunning sceneries, activities, and many dining options, you’ll never run out of making lasting memories during your romantic getaways near Milwaukee!
If you want to eliminate the guessing game of which activities to try, trust the list of getaway activities above.
My partner and I have tried and tested these romantic getaways in Milwaukee, some even more than once!
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
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