Day Trip - Madison, WI or Milwaukee, WI

[Longhorn_in_LA]

This fall I'll be in Chicago for a long weekend. I have a Sunday free, and would like to rent a car and drive to either Madison or Milwaukee.

I'm leaning towards Madison, b/c it would give me a chance to see the Univ. of Wisc. Heard it's a pretty cool college town, so might be worth checking out for an afternoon.

Anyone been to both, and would have a recommendation on which one to go to for a day?

 

[tlonghorn]

I've been to Madison a few times, it's a great college town. State Street is awesome. Outside of the college area there isn't much, however.

I've never been to Milwaukee, so I can't comment on it but I know anytime I'm near Madison I try to get over there for at least a little bit.

 

[Eating Club]

Milwaukee is basically a really small Chicago. Madison is what Austin was 30 years ago.

 

[jimmyjazz]

Skipping a day in Chicago for a day in Madison is ill-advised.

Skipping a day in Chicago for a day in Milwaukee is just plain stupid.

 

[kicksumass]

jazz is right. But if you do end up going to Madison, try the pizza at Ian's. It's a very popular local place especially late weekend nights. The campus is pretty and you can grab a beer and relax on the memorial union terrace by the lake. Those and state steet is pretty much all there is in Madison, which is more than what Milwaukee offers.

 

[Longhorn_in_LA]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I love Chicago it's always fun, but just want to see something different for the day.

 

[TornACL]

If you're going to be in Chicago in the fall, have you checked to see if the Packers are at home on that Sunday? If they are, skip both and go directly to Green Bay, WI. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.

Never been to Milwaukee, but I'd think Madison would be hard to beat if you're comparing the two...especially if the weather is nice. However, Chicago is awesome. Why leave? That drive to Madison is a ***** with all the endless toll stops.

 

[EuroHorn]

In Milwaukee they have the Miller Brewery and Harley Davidson plants. I think you can tour them but not sure if they are open on Sunday. There is also the Spy Bar which is supposed to be pretty unique and cool.

 

[next2naus]

you should try for a Badger game on Saturday. try the pizza at Portabello or Piasanos.

a burger and shake at Mickey's Diary Bar right off Regent street or a steak at Smokey's on University Avenue.

Ice cream from Babcock Hall on campus.

Mil: beer and bowling at the Hollerback.

 

[CTGA_Horn]

in milwaukee there are a set of very nice parks along the lake.

i think it is also considerably closer than madison

 

[next2naus]

it's only about 20 mins difference in the drive.

 

[irishtexan]

I went to Milwaukee for a night last week. It rules. The people are insane and they love to party. If you get there early in the season, you have to check out a Brewers game at Miller Park. Very cool new stadium and good brats.

 

[Uninformed]

I've spent a ton of time in Milwaukee. I can give you places to go to but in general, I think it is kind of like a mini-Chicago. You won't get too much of a different vibe. Packers games in Green Bay are cool as are Brewer games in Milwaukee but I don't think that they are so different from Bears and Cubs games in Chicago: I am not a connoisseur though. In any case, I think Madison would be a better choice as it is a little more unique.