Milwaukee Public Museum: Streets of Old Milwaukee & Tropical Rainforest

About this adventure

The Milwaukee Public Museum offers 150,000 square feet of immersive natural history discovery that makes an ideal escape on sub-zero winter days. Step back in time along the gas-lit cobblestone lanes of the legendary Streets of Old Milwaukee, adorned with festive seasonal wreaths, antique shop windows, and historic streetcars. Then leave winter behind entirely as you step into the two-story Costa Rican Rainforest, featuring warm 80-degree temperatures, lush canopy vegetation, and the vibrant Puelicher Butterfly Wing filled with hundreds of live free-flying tropical butterflies. Kids are thrilled by the Third Planet dinosaur hall, showcasing a life-sized roaring Tyrannosaurus Rex in a prehistoric diorama. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Wide ramps and high-capacity elevators connect all three exhibit floors; smooth flooring throughout is ideal for strollers. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Private lactation room on the ground floor; ample seating benches located throughout the exhibit halls and garden cafe. • Age Suitability: Entertains all ages from toddlers fascinated by butterflies to adults exploring world cultural dioramas. • Sensory Tips: The butterfly wing and rainforest provide warm, humid sensory immersion; dioramas vary from dimly lit atmospheric streets to bright halls.