Along the cobblestone streets of Milwaukee in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, immigrants arrived from around the world to begin the rest of their lives. Because of this, the Wisconsin city developed ethnic neighborhoods that preserved European heritage so successfully that they continue to influence Milwaukee culture today.
German, Polish, Irish and Jewish immigrants left their mark on Milwaukee in ways groups can experience today at festivals, cultural centers, museums and ethnic restaurants.
German Heritage
At one point in Milwaukee, German immigrants were so prevalent that many German shopkeepers didn’t speak English. As early as 1848, Germans represented one-third of the entire population of the city.
Site to See: Bavarian Bierhaus Brewpub and Beer Garden
Formerly the Bavarian Inn, the Bavarian Bierhaus is scheduled to open this month as the city’s premier year-round destination for German culture. With seating for 500 indoors and more than 2,000 outdoors, the venue will offer live entertainment, a microbrewery, a traditional beer hall, a full-service craft beer bar, a restaurant and two beer gardens.
Festival to Attend: German Fest
About 20,000 bratwursts and 15,000 pieces of strudel help make German Fest one of the largest German celebrations in North America. First held in 1981, the festival runs the last full weekend in July to expose guests to the culture, food and history of Germany and other German-speaking communities around the world.
“German Fest takes up 76 acres, 11 stages, and offers all of the German food and beer you can eat and drink,” said Kristin Settle, director of communications for Visit Milwaukee. “There is a lot of great music and a lot of people in lederhosen.”
Groups can experience German culture with language games, parades featuring traditional garments and the Marktplatz’s German crafts.
Restaurant to Visit: Mader’s
Though the days of 3-cent beers ended long ago, Mader’s continues to offer German cuisine and beer as it has for more than 100 years. The restaurant offers not only traditional cuisine but also collections of art, medieval armor and antiques dating back to the 14th century.
Irish Heritage
Since Irish immigrants became one of Milwaukee’s largest ethnic groups, the Emerald Isle’s customs remain prevalent in the city at workshops, festivals and local pubs.
Site to See: Irish Cultural and Heritage Center
Visitors can listen to haunting Irish tunes and admire complicated Irish dance at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center. Located inside the former Grand Avenue Congregational Church, the center showcases Irish concerts, lectures, art exhibits and music classes regularly.
Quinlan’s Pub also operates inside the 19th-century limestone building for a social Irish experience.
Festival to Attend:Irish Fest
After its premiere in 1981 on a shoestring budget, Irish Fest has blossomed into a four-day festival with music from about 250 acts on 17 stages.
“Irish Fest is one of the world’s largest Celtic festivals,” said Settle. “We get people in from a lot of places. Hotel rooms book up early for it.”
Every third weekend in August, Irish music, dancing, sports, crafts and cuisine fill Milwaukee’s lakefront. Groups can choose from numerous workshops that teach Irish dance steps, language, art, literature and history.
Restaurant to Visit: County Clare Irish Restaurant
Groups can order shepherd’s pie, root soup and other Irish favorites at the County Clare Irish Restaurant. Part of the County Clare Irish Hotel, the restaurant serves traditional cuisine along with plenty of Guinness and live music at the adjacent pub.
