2019 Bucket List

Living in a city, there are always new things to try! We've compiled a list of activities for a UWM student that will help you to experience Milwaukee - a 2019 Bucket List - one that you can actually complete.

1. Go out on the water - we're lucky to live right next to such a great lake, as well as the Milwaukee River! Take advantage of it and go kayaking, on a boat tour, or even scuba dive to see shipwrecks. There are far more things to do than just going to Bradford - but that's fine too!

2. Walk or bike the Oak Leaf Trail or the Milwaukee Riverwalk - if you don't have your own bike, you can rent a Bublr bike, otherwise take a walk along the Oak Leaf Trail - you can take it to Shorewood, the Lakefront Colectivo, Downtown - it's the perfect segue into other activities in your day! And the Milwaukee Riverwalk is an amazing way to explore downtown!

3. The Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse - while you're downtown, head here for some fantastic photo opportunities!


4. Go rock climbing at Adventure Rock - rock climbing is a ton of fun, and it's good for you, so grab some friends or go alone and maybe you'll find your new favorite hobby! Adventure Rock is great for newcomers, as well as those who have been rock climbing for a long time. It's right across from Riverview Residence Hall, so you can even take the shuttle there.

5. Visit the Milwaukee Public Market - there's a variety of different vendors here, and it has a super cool atmosphere! This is also located in the Historic Third Ward, so it's perfect if you're exploring and need a break.


6. Try Kopp's Frozen Custard - rumored to be the best, and with crazy flavors, it's definitely worth a visit!

7. Go to a museum - this is perfect for a rainy or snowy day. Whether it be the Public Museum, the Art Museum, Discovery World, the Harley Davidson Museum, the Domes, or some other museum entirely, there are a ton of options for when you want to go out - but also stay in.

8. Check out the Milwaukee Film Festival - this is one of my favorite times of the year. Pro tip: for each shift you volunteer, you get a free pass into the Film Festival. There's always plenty of diverse and amazing works playing, you're sure to find one you like! Bonus points for this one because you also get to experience the beautiful Oriental Theatre.

9. If you need a break from Milwaukee...Escape MKE - if you've ever wanted to be a spy, this is perfect for you. Take a group of friends (or family), choose from a variety of missions, and see if you can escape the room. 

10. Try new restaurants - this one seems pretty simple, but Milwaukee has a lot of unique and diverse cuisine and restaurants that you should definitely try out - Mader's, AJ Bombers, and the Waterfront Deli are all great choices! Mader's has had a lot of celebrity guests, from Katy Perry to John F Kennedy, and if you sit on the second floor of the Waterfront Deli, they send your food up in a basket on a dumbwaiter! 

11. Go Hang Gliding - everyone seems to talk about skydiving, but I've always wanted to try hang gliding! There are a few different places around Milwaukee that offer you the opportunity to fly (or at least feel like you are), so research which one is best for you and go!

Let us know when you complete any of the activities and what you think! If you have any other ideas, be sure to tell us! Enjoy your next year in Milwaukee!

*Some activities may be dangerous. This list is provided from a UWM student perspective and not specifically endorsed by the university. If you participate, do so at your own risk.