Craftsman-style bungalows line Story Hill’s streets, a neighborhood flanked by Miller Park (Milwaukee Brewers’ home field) to the South and West Wisconsin Avenue to the North. Downtown-Milwaukee offices plus Marquette University are a quick five-minute drive east.
Settled by Vermont resident Hiram Story during the 1840s, the neighborhood is perched on a bluff. Residents used to leave the neighborhood for nourishment and entertainment but within the last five years this has changed. Now, restaurants and green spaces are right outside their front door.
Dining & Drinking
1) Story Hill BKC
Where: 5100 W. Bluemound Rd. | 414-539-4424
Maxie’s and Blue’s Egg’s Black Shoe Hospitality Group sister opened in 2014. Wine snobs like the attached bottle shop (served with a corkage fee) and craft cocktails draw spirits enthusiasts. Milwaukee Beef Tartare and Leek-Baked Walleye are on the farm-to-table lunch and dinner menu, which also includes weekend brunch.
2) City Lights Brewing Company
Where: 2200 W. Mt. Vernon Ave. | 414-436-1011
Tucked into the adjacent Menomonee River Valley and open since 2017, beer brewed on site is paired with dishes folding in suds, like fish tacos, Bavarian pretzels, cheese curds and wings. Brewery tours offered Saturdays.
3) Kelly’s Bleachers
Where: 5218 W. Bluemound Rd. | 414-258-9837
Whether it’s hopping free shuttles to Miller Park, beer pong tournaments, music bingo, trivia night or tuning into the Packers, this Irish-themed sports bar has been a destination since opening in 1984.
Shopping
4) Fruit Ranch
Where: 6301 W. Bluemound Rd. | 414-476-9600
Filling gift baskets with fruit, nuts, cookies, flowers and chocolates for more than 65 years, this fourth-generation business is a go-to for locals.
5) Appliance Gallery and Granite Gallery
Where: 4550 W. Wisconsin Ave. | 800-876-1044
Fixing up your abode? Or want some design inspiration? This twin set of showrooms specializes in high-end appliances and granite countertops.
6) Bark ‘N Scratch Outpost
Where: 5835 W. Bluemound Rd. | 414-444-4110
Fidos who call Story Hill home are probably getting outfitted and fed thanks to Bark ‘N Scratch Outpost, a pet-supply store that’s open daily. Pets are welcome to shop with their owners so long as they are kept on a leash. Events such as animal-communication sessions, holiday photos with Snata and pre-game tailgate photos are held at the store.
Nature
7) Three Bridges Park
Where: 610 S. 35th St.
Hosting Shakespeare productions during the summer months, this 24-acre park — one of the newest Milwaukee County parks, open since 2013 — is located along the Menomonee River in the Menomonee River Valley between 27th and 37th Streets, accessible along West Canal Street. Included in the grounds are 42 community gardens, two miles of hiking and bicycling trails, places to launch kayaks or canoes, and fishing access, too. Rent kayaks from the Urban Ecology Center’s 3700 W. Pierce St. location.
8) Mitchell Boulevard Park
Where: 5115 W. Bluemound Rd. | 414-342-0215
South of Bluemound Road between North 51st and North 52nd streets, and stretching south to North Story Parkway, is this 15.6-acre green space. During the summer months, the Story Hill Summer Concert Series is hosted here.
The “Tree of Life” sculpture by Nancy Metz White can be reached just south of Bluemound Road, on the park’s North end.
9) Doyne Park Golf Course
Where: 5300 W. Wells St. | 414-257-3718
This nine-hole golf course in Milwaukee County is a great beginners’ course with no tee times required. It’s all first-come, first-serve. Par is 27. Paying a round of golf will cost you only $5.
Entertainment & Culture
10) Miller Park
Where: One Brewers Way | 414-902-4400
It’s home field for Milwaukee’s MLB team, the Milwaukee Brewers, since 2001. Between April and October, the stadium is hopping a few hours before game time with tailgating as well as pre-game grub at Friday’s Front Row.
Bus Stops
Catch Milwaukee Country Transit System’s #64 along North Hawley Road, stopping at West Park Hill Avenue and West Bluemound Road. GoldLine runs along West Wisconsin Avenue.
