Just minutes north of downtown Milwaukee, a different side of the city is waiting to be discovered. Milwaukee’s North Shore—made up of Glendale, Whitefish Bay, Shorewood, Brown Deer, Bayside, Fox Point, and River Hills—is where lakefront beauty, local flavor, outdoor adventure, and welcoming communities come together.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or looking for somewhere new to explore just beyond the city, the North Shore offers an experience that feels distinctly Wisconsin.
Start your day with coffee and a locally owned breakfast spot before heading outdoors. Along the North Shore, nature is never far away. Explore the trails and gardens of Lynden Sculpture Garden, wander the grounds of Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, or make your way to Lake Michigan for a walk along the shoreline. At Kletzsch Park, visitors can hike, fish, bike, and enjoy some of the area’s most scenic natural spaces.
Then, come hungry.
The North Shore’s food scene offers everything from Wisconsin classics and locally owned neighborhood favorites to international flavors, craft beverages and memorable dining experiences. Grab a butter burger, enjoy a leisurely brunch, discover a new favorite coffee shop or settle in for dinner and a Wisconsin-made beer or cocktail. Food here isn’t simply part of the itinerary, it’s part of the experience.
And for those who like their travel with a little culture, there’s plenty to explore. Live music, local art, historic landmarks, community festivals, and seasonal events fill the calendar throughout the year. From summer celebrations and outdoor concerts to Oktoberfest traditions and holiday happenings, every season brings another reason to visit.
The North Shore also makes an ideal home base for exploring Milwaukee. Downtown attractions, Summerfest, professional sports, museums, and the lakefront are only a short drive away, while visitors can return to the quieter pace of the North Shore at the end of the day. With hotels, short-term stays, and locally owned businesses throughout the communities, it’s easy to turn a day trip into a weekend.
What makes the North Shore special, though, isn’t just what you can see and do. It’s the feeling you get while you’re here. Each of the seven communities has its own personality, but together they create a destination that feels connected, welcoming, and authentically Milwaukee.
So, the next time you’re visiting Milwaukee, venture a little farther north. Spend the afternoon by the lake. Stay for dinner. Find a hidden gem. Raise a glass to Wisconsin. Take the scenic route.
Milwaukee’s North Shore is close to everything—but far from ordinary.