Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TWO-WHEELING WISCONSIN
Wisconsin has converted an impressive number of abandoned railroad lines into
paved, bike-only paths. They go up hills, through old tunnels, over bridges and
alongside pastures. Wherever you are in the state, there's likely a sweet ride
things-to-do/outdoor-fun/biking-/traffic-free-paved
)
. The
400 State Trail
(
www.400statetrail.org
)
Bike rentals are available in gateway towns, and you can buy trail passes (per
day/year $4/20) at area businesses or trailhead drop-boxes.
History
Milwaukee was first settled by Germans in the 1840s. Many started small breweries, but
a few decades later the introduction of bulk brewing technology turned beer production
into a major industry here. Milwaukee earned its 'Brew City' and 'Nation's Watering
Hole' nicknames in the 1880s when Pabst, Schlitz, Blatz, Miller and 80 other breweries
made suds here. Today, only Miller and a few microbreweries remain.
Sights & Activities
Lake Michigan sits to the east of the city, and is rimmed by parkland. The Riverwalk
path runs along both sides of the Milwaukee River downtown.
Harley-Davidson Museum
MUSEUM
( 877-436-8738;
www.h-dmuseum.com
; 400 W Canal St; adult/child $18/10; 9am-6pm Fri-
Wed, to 8pm Thu May-Oct, reduced hours Nov-Apr)
Hundreds of motorcycles show the styles
through the decades, including the flashy rides of Elvis and Evel Knievel. You can sit in
the saddle of various bikes (on the bottom floor, behind the Design Lab), as well as get a
mini lesson on how to ride (by the front entrance). Even nonbikers will enjoy the place.
It all started in 1903, when Milwaukee schoolmates William Harley and Arthur David-
son built and sold their first motorcycle. A century later the big bikes are a symbol of
American manufacturing pride. The museum is located in a sprawling industrial building
just south of downtown.
Harley-Davidson Plant
TOUR
(
877-883-1450;
www.harley-davidson.com/experience
;
W156 N9000 Pilgrim Rd; 30min tours
free;
9am-2pm Mon)
Hog-heads can get a fix at the plant where engines are built, in
