The Godmobile has been a Milwaukee fixture for at least 25 years, when, similar to a scene in The…read moreBlues Brothers, an ancient station wagon complete with an electronic bullhorn strapped to the roof began driving up and down Wisconsin Avenue, blaring out religious sermons. Scores of pious Marquette students were either spiritualized or traumatized by its appearance. The Godmobile still lives and reigns supreme, albeit in a newly incarnated 1982 Chevy Caprice Classic. For easy reference, current and past iterations of the Godmobile are attached so one can easily spot it. The Godmobile has been spotted all around town, from Lake Drive in Shorewood to Brady Street in front of the Dry Hootch to the intersection right outside Discovery World. No matter what you believe, you can have faith that if you are in downtown Milwaukee you will eventually spot and scope out - The Godmobile!

Every major city has it's share of...unusual...but beloved characters. Chicago has the Walking…read moreDude, Atlanta has the fabulous Baton Bob and NYC has the Naked Cowboy. Milwaukee is lucky - we've got Freeway, Milverine, the late Dick Bacon and of course, Brother Ron driving the Godmobile. There have been several iterations of the famous Godmobile over the years - generally all of them are total beaters and most have been station wagons. They start out subtle, with just a few bible verses and sayings painted on them but eventually the current Godmobile becomes a rolling art project - completely covered in verses, sayings, a giant megaphone, creepy baby dolls, a sandwich board and sometimes those giant plastic candles you put in your yard on Christmas. You can expect to see Brother Ron all over town - mostly cruising up & down Wisconsin and Water but sometimes you might see him parked at the McDonalds on South 27th St. Itinerant preachers gotta eat too, I guess. My favorite Brother Ron/Godmobile story comes from a former co-worker: he claims that he was in line behind Brother Ron at Leon's Custard and dude's total came to exactly $6.66 and the man FREAKED out and left. No Satan Custard for him! Anyway, I like to appreciate the Godmobile for what it is - a little piece of what makes Milwaukee unique.

named in honor of Daniel Webster Hoan (a socialist before the cool kids wrecked socializing)…read moreun-originally dubbed the Harbor Bridge it was finished in 1972 but only opened to traffic five years later - but still not completely connected up until 1998 because, well, you know... Milwaukee!! clocking in at just over 10,000 feet long the Hoan Bridge carries six lanes of I-794 some 120' above the Milwaukee River. the crazy yellow arch dominates the view eastward during the day and multi-color LEDs create a spectacle after sunset. one more thing: contrary to local rumor the Blue Brothers' car chase was NOT filmed here (M. J. Prigge, Sheppard Express, 12-Sep-2016)

Boy oh boy do I love heading north on the Hoan Bridge....this beautiful and stinky bridge gets me…read morefrom Bay View to Downtown Milwaukee in 5 minutes! I love crossing over Lake Michigan and seeing the Downtown Milwaukee skyline. You have plenty of great views including Lake Michigan, Summerfest, Milwaukee Art Museum and so on. It truly makes Milwaukee look great! The only problem I have with Hoan Bridge is that smells terrible...some days are worse then others, but overall, it smells like poo. It's not the bridge's fault, of course. I love this bridge!

Black Cat Alley is an eclectic art experience in Milwaukee. It's what Black Alley calls "an outdoor…read moreart gallery" or simply said a collection of cool murals. I love seeking out new street art, so I added this alley to my Milwaukee itinerary. You can say it was right up my alley. LOCATION: I Uber'ed to the East Side to the Axe Bar (AXE MKE) which is right next to the alley. You'll find the alley behind the historic Oriental Theater at the intersection of North Avenue and Ivanhoe. Entry from Prospect Avenue and Ivanhoe are both available. Personally, I get lost everywhere and found it right away entering from the Prospect Avenue. The locals must not all know about this alley because my Uber driver was unfamiliar with this location. The area has some cool businesses, grab some food nearby! ART: Free and open 24/7. You'll find 21 murals by 24 different artists in the alley. You'll find the stories behind the art on Black Cat Alley's website or via QR codes next to the art. All murals are vibrant and creative. It's an equivalent of a museum where you'll linger by the art and try to find some meaning. The art is by global artists from places like Germany, Colombia, and others. My favorite mural was Catalina Bayona's "We Are All Immigrants" depicting wild animals and migration. It's very powerful when you think about it a little longer. All art is photogenic but be sure to check what releases you'll need for any commercial use. I wish that every city had art alleys. It's such a creative way to beautify cities. I look forward to my next visit to Milwaukee and another visit to the alley. I'll read up more about the art here before my next visit.

[Please keep in mind I travel a lot and hunt graffiti everywhere so this review is a direct…read morecomparison to other graffiti areas.] It's a small alley dedicated to graffiti. Some professional, some tagging. Some look like they were commissioned, some you can tell some were definitely done on the fly. It's not the best graffiti but I appreciate that Milwaukee has a small dedication to one of my favorite things- graffiti. Also- it's a safe alley. We went early in the morning and got donuts nearby. Drove by again a day later and a boba place is right around the corner.

The Calling has been a symbol of Milwaukee since its inception and placement in 1982, in what was…read morethen an Urban Park with an unfettered view of Lake Michigan. It made the album cover of Milwaukee's second-most famous band, Citizen King. And while its industrial design predated Milwaukee buying it, what better way to honor Milwaukee manufacturing, than a world-class sculpture made with industrial materials? "When the piece was first commissioned, the Milwaukee Art Museum did not extend to its present location. The sculpture's backdrop consisted of the bluff and Lake Michigan. With the rising sun behind it, The Calling truly captured di Suvero's intent." Santiago Calatrava deferred to world-famous sculptor di Suvero when asked if The Calling should be moved 20 years after installation. Game respects game, Calatrava himself understood The Calling and its relation to the Art Museum's extension. The Calling got a fresh coat of paint in 2023, and looks better than ever! I love that the annual Sculpture Milwaukee exhibition starts nearby on Wisconsin Avenue, I'm not sure why there are so few reviews of Sculpture Milwaukee here, but art appreciation isn't Yelp Milwaukee's strong suit. I encourage making Sculpture Milwaukee an annual visit and grab those pictures of The Calling-Henge with straight sightlines west down Wisconsin Avenue, and appreciate the view to the east. The Calling is real Milwaukee.

Special thanks and Shout out to Carrie G. For adding (The Calling) A piece of MKE art on Yelp!…read more So. What is Art? I'm certainly not an expert but I've been moved by a positive, warm way. A good feeling like a good song or a happy memory. Or like a phone call from an long lost friend. I never really knew the real name of the artist or the sculpture. I'm guessing 95% of Milwaukee's residents may not even know either. I've always called it the Big Orange Asterisk. Or Sunburst sculpture. When it was first installed the MAM wasn't even built yet. There it sat at the east end of E. Wisconsin avenue. A reminder to turn L as it becomes N. Prospect ave. Some of my friends who don't Yelp HATE IT. They called it junk art some complained of the cost. Not really sure who paid but it. But I like the color and symmetry of this modern I beam sculpture. Coincidentally the 4 stars above almost match the color of the big orange asterisk. There are parking structures nearby as it's nearby a park. I recommend walking or biking to really enjoy. If you drive by you really can't appreciate its size and its surroundings. It would be nice to have more seating or perhaps allow a food vendor to setup a food cart. Food: none BYOF. And beverage. Amb: 5 Serv: none Loc : 2 minimal seating and close parking in structure. Oddly placed IMO but it kind of goes with the Calatrava. Value: 5 free but somebody paid pile to get it here, my guess the Milwaukee art museum owns and maintains it. 77/2014

It's changed a lot. This year there were only three stages, one beer vendors, and a few food…read moreoptions. It was crammed with vendors to the point that moving through was a problem. Typically this is our fav festival but this year was really disappointing for the lack of music alone. Meh.

One of Milwaukee's best festivals! It's Riverwest, through and through, and I love it all. See some…read moregreat local bands, the food selection is really good and diverse, as is the crowd. There was a good variety of Lakefront Brewery beers on tap, and I also enjoy spending a little time in Riverwest Public House for WMSE DJs, and conviviality. Make sure to leave some money with the many high-quality DIY makers that sell here. Overall, this is a great summer hang in Milwaukee.

It's so great to see a community of people who work together to help make this event happen year to…read moreyear. Talk about a group people who love celebrating for more than just 24 hours. I had a chance to experience this event on a reservoir rd aka twizzler alley this is an open road event with intersection spotters at a few locations hopefully in the future they could have more volunteers help warn bikers as they approach some of the most heavily traveled sections day and night. it made me nervous watching how fast they go and how easy a collision can occur Riverwest is a community that cares. Roll on Thank you sponsors and community volunteers! 36/2016

RW24 is as good as the soul of a city can breathe out! It is the culmination of good vibes and…read moremasterful planning, uh hum, or at least flying by the seat of your pants. My Milwaukee neighborhood of Riverwest is alive more than usual for a full 24 hours of parties and camaraderie. Anywhere you walk the streets are shut down or at least barricaded off. A buzz is in the air from an event so killer, only a Milwaukee neighborhood nestled on the West side of the river could dare pull it off. All things Riverwest are in full swing, all hands on deck for a truly good time. Most streets are a mayhem of elated pandemonium to show the world or at least Wisconsin how much it means for a neighborhood to come together. Some sleep and others don't. Either way by the time the 24 is up any involved are feeling it. Long live the RW24!

Situated in an upscale neighborhood in suburban Fox Point is a one and one-third lot on the west…read moreshore of Lake Michigan. On this lot is a modest home that belonged to Mary Nohl. What makes it unique is Ms. Nohl's collection of sculptures, silhouettes and paintings that surround the cottage and are part of it. Technically it is named the Mary Nohl Art Environment but in popular lore it is also known as "The Witch's House". Mary L. Nohl was born in 1914, the youngest of three children. Her father, Leo Nohl was a noted attorney in Milwaukee. In 1924, he purchased this parcel of land on the shore of Lake Michigan to build a summer home for his family. Mary graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago in 1938 and started a career as an art teacher in Baltimore junior high schools. Unhappy as a teacher, she gave up teaching and returned home to pursue her art. She ran her own commercial pottery studio for 10 years. When the studio was in the path of what is today I-43, she closed it and returned here, where she stayed. (Her oldest sibling died as an infant and her famous brother, marine engineer Max Nohl, died in a tragic head-on collision in 1960.) Her mother passed away in 1968, leaving her the home on the shore of Lake Michigan and enough of a fortune to live out her life and pursue her artwork. She created sculptures with concrete, stone and tree trunks. Her whimsical subjects were mystical creatures, fish, children, mythical structures, couples and a miniature Easter Island display comprised of four sculpted Moai-like heads. If you were fortunate enough to visit this home, you would also have seen groups of stylized figures and architectural structures. Ms. Nohl's reclusive nature and unusual artworks were the subject of numerous urban myths. She was rumored to be a witch ("The Witch of Fox Point") and her home became known as "The Witch's House." Mary took it in stride, even creating a mosaic on her front porch that spells, "BOO!" Her property was the target of many youthful visits, most by the curious, but some visits were from malicious vandals. No matter how many more reasonable explanations were made, the popular culture persisted. The vandalism forced her to put up a chain link fence with barbed wire topping it. Ms. Nohl passed away in 2001. She left her estate to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, her property, and all her artwork to the Kohler Foundation. The Kohler Foundation is a friend of the arts and restores art sites in Wisconsin and around the country. Several of the sculptures were removed to the Kohler Foundation facilities for restoration. Local zoning prohibits the property from being opened as a museum, but the Kohler Foundation maintains the site, it is restoring artwork that needs attention and keeps someone at the property at all times. The Greater Milwaukee Foundation used her gift to fund the Mary L. Nohl Fund Fellowships for Individual Artists program administered by the Bradley Family Foundation. At one time, the Kohler Foundation planned to dismantle Ms. Nohl's home and carefully move it to Sheboygan County. The sculptures were also to be moved and the site recreated in a safe and viewable place. However, the sculptures are too fragile to move and will remain onsite and for now, inaccessible. Parking is virtually impossible and you are not allowed on the property. You can only view the artwork through the fence, but there are coffee table books published about Ms. Nohl and her delightful artworks. Despite the rumors and legends, despite what her neighbors might (or might not) think about her and her home, Mary L. Nohl was a friend of the arts, and dedicated to her work as an artist. She was more than just an artist. Her life was art, and she lived her art, right here on the shore of Lake Michigan.

Right on the Lake and behind some vined fences, you can see National Register of Historic Places…read more#05001109, the Mary Nohl Art Environment. This was also designated a Milwaukee County Landmark in 2006. The late Mary Nohl was a sculptor and jeweler, and many of her concrete statues are on display at her former house. There are dinosaurs, moai, and spooky walls of faces. Really cool stuff. You can stop by and take pictures, but the works are on private property, so no touching. There is an illegal parking spot nearby that you can use if you want to risk it. Definitely worth a jaunt to this offbeat attraction.

They moved this a few years back to its current location in Franklin at the Croatian beer garden…read more Though we don't appreciate the longer drive, there is a lot more space for events. They have a series of food vendors and then some good drinks (beer, scotch). Unfortunately, this year, the food ran out pretty quick as they only have a few vendors for what turned out to be a large crowd. Adult tickets are $15/pp but there's free parking. Unlike 2024 when it was rainy and not as busy, it was booming in 2025. It was hard to find parking. We regretted not ordering food right away too because many kept running out of something while we were in line. However, they had a lot of great events - live music, dance, heavy and bagpipe competitions, haggis taco eating competition, sheepdog demo, etc. We love coming here and can't wait for next year!

Real family fun for a Saturday afternoon…read more The 2012 Highland Games did not prove to be a large festival. But they did serve up some great festival fun that was family friendly. Some of the entertainment included cricket, athletic competition (men and women throwing objects for distance), dancing, and bag pipe bands. There were also demonstrations on axe throwing, knife throwing, sword fighting, and sheepdogs. There were cultural tents, vendors, and a beer tent with music for much of the day. Sadly, the food we experienced wasn't note-worthy. There was a Papa John's pizza truck along with 2 other food vendors serving regional fare (1 was McBob's, and I forget the other). We got food from the other. I spent $18 for a Fish & Chips and a Shepherds Pie. The Fish & Chips were decent, but I had a hard time stretching their value to the ~$9 price tag. I also expected a bit more out of the Shepherds Pie. Portions were not very big either. And there was some inconsistency. Two people in our group got Fish & Chips. One person got 3 pieces of fish, the other person only got 2 pieces. And it wasn't because they happened to get bigger pieces than everyone else. They all seemed to be pretty much the same size. So I don't know what that was all about. But here's the thing, they were serving 20oz cups of Guiness, Harp, and Smithwicks for $5. Yes... that's correct. An imperial pint for $5! And the bartenders were happy to pour a half-and-half for you. My first thought was, "did someone make a mistake on the beer pricing??" Well, I'm certainly not going to say anything! So after spending the afternoon taking advantage of those beer prices, all the food really had to do was fill my belly. I like to think that I forgave the food experience because of the price offset by the beer. But it could just be because I was a bit sauced up. Oh... and they were also serving 12oz ciders and 12oz gluten-free beers for $4. Admission was $10 and I felt it was a very fair price for the afternoon. In general, some of the event locations felt a little disjointed (that is partly because of the layout of Hart Park). But they had signs pointing the way to specific event areas. The one thing I missed was the Haggis Taco eating contest. But that might be a good thing after downing all those Guiness.