TnGrandma wrote:
We are going to Milwaukee Wisconsin and Moline Illinois next month and will be spending two days in each. Although we have visitors guides etc. I would appreciate any suggestions for photos especially for scenery, wildlife, unusual or old buildings. Thanks for your help.
Hope you're not coming here August 29 - September 2 as it is Harley-Davidson's 115th Anniversary celebration in Milwaukee, WI. It will be loud with the incessant revving and rumbling of engines . Plus, most likely, all hotel accommodations already booked within 30-50 miles. But, if you are part of the celebrants, then enjoy your time with the HOGs (Harley Owners Group)
Some of the places worth visiting are the following (not in any particular order):
1. Milwaukee Art Museum with the Calatrava's Wings. The museum display is great. You can check their website as to what time the wings open and close. Really neat to watch and take a video of the wings opening/closing with the accompanying music. The museum and wings faces the lake (Michigan). They do this weather permitting. If it's too windy, they won't open the wings. See attached photo. With photo # 1, the wings are open; photo # 2, the wings are closed.
2. Mitchell Park Horticulture Conservatory (The Domes) - flowers and garden display indoor.
3. Boerner Botanical Garden (Whitnall Park) - similar to 2 but mostly outdoor.
4. Well, Harley-Davidson Museum
5. Milwaukee Lake Front
6. Someone already mentioned the Pabst Mansion
7. Basilica of St. Josaphat - display of old architecture building
8. If you have time to travel about 45 minutes from Milwaukee, you have more chance of seeing wildlife and birds - Horicon Marsh (check their website for more Thereinfo and review from visitors)
9. While you're there in Horicon Marsh, might as well swing to and spend some time in Holy Hill Basilica located in Erin, WI (Home of the golf US Open in 2017, Erin Hills). Beautiful and serene place. Best time to go there is about mid-October when the leaves are in their full bright colors. The basilica is open daily (not sure of the time). You can climb the tower and take pictures from there. I believe the tower is open from May 1 - Oct. 31, weather permitting. Warning: There are 178 steps to the top and the stairs get narrower as you climb higher. Listen, if I (old fart) could climb that tower with a backpack, so can you. Here's the secret - Don't look down. (Check their website for more info). See attached photo - photo # 3.
10. Well, Madison, WI is just 60 miles from Milwaukee. Other than the State Capitol, not that much familiar with the place.
Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip to WI and post some nice pictures.