READ OUR GUIDE DOORS OPEN MILWAUKEE 2025 HERE
This week, on Sept. 27-28, dozens of Milwaukee spots open to the public for exclusive tours and normally off-limits access as part of Doors Open Milwaukee. Here are a few of the ones our editors are most excited to see at the annual event. For a full list of Doors Open events, click here.
Jones Island
Ah, Jones Island – your stench enlivens my soul. Ever since I wrote this profile of Kevin Shafer, the executive director of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, I’ve developed a real appreciation for the complex (and innovative) work that goes on at this plant where Milwaukee’s sewage is cleaned and treated. The plant just south of the Third Ward, normally off-limits to the public, is full of vast, fascinating machinery that turns the sludgy mess that enters it into Milorganite fertilizer and water clean enough to discharge back into Lake Michigan. Before my visits, I was skeptical about how interesting this would be, but trust me – while a little gross, it’s really fascinating. – Archer Parquette, managing editor
I really enjoyed the joint event last year with Sturgeon Fest, Harbor Fest and Doors Open at UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences at the Great Lakes Water Institute. UWM students and department heads had stations all around the facility for people to learn about water, weather and climate. And with Sturgeon Fest right there, we were able to release a young sturgeon into the river! Very educational and fun for the kiddos. – Melisa Mackevicius-Leonard, senior media executive
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Lynden Sculpture Garden
This 40-acre space is the perfect blend of peaceful scenery and monumental sculptures. It’s a great place to get some light exercise, relax under the sun, read a book, or simply contemplate the dynamic (and wacky) art around you! – Tessa Almond, editorial intern
This summer, I toured Taliesin, Wright’s home in Spring Green, which was not what I expected, but I don’t know what I expected. The property was beautiful – I understood why he chose that exact spot to build his Wisconsin home. But I also came away with a picture of this architect as more of an artist than a pragmatist. I’ve driven past the Burnham Block houses many times but never toured them. Now seems the right time. Wright designed these six homes in the mid-1910s using a system that saved material waste (he abhorred waste) and brought affordable, architect-designed houses to the middle class. – Ann Christenson, dining editor
Milwaukee’s South Side is home to a gem in this basilica. The remarkably beautiful church was built by Milwaukee’s Polish immigrants in 1901. If you’ve never been, you’ll quickly find yourself craning your neck back to view the towering, ornate ceilings and intricately detailed artwork. – AP
Holler House and Falcon Bowl
Holler House is the oldest sanctioned bowling alley in the country, and Falcon bowl isn’t far behind at third-oldest. Milwaukee has such a rich history with bowling, and these two places seem like a great chance to take a look back in time to see where it all got started. – Megan Guzman, circulation and marketing manager
Carma Laboratories
I really dig factories, so when I saw the maker of Carmex (my only lip product) was participating in Doors Open, I clicked. Vats of menthol? Totally my thing. BUT NO, this is not that. This is a showcase for something much more bizarre and surreal: the world’s largest theater organ. The owner of Carma, apparently a big fan of organs, has been piecing it together from various sources for 15 years, and it now lives in a company warehouse. Milwaukee, you are amazing. You just can’t make this stuff up. – Chris Drosner, executive editor
Firehouse Station 27
I’d love to visit Firehouse Station 27. I caught a glimpse into this historic building – erected in 1903 – when my car broke down right outside, so I spent most of that evening listening to dispatches and watching emergency vehicles roll out. I’m curious to see the interior and equipment. – Sophie Yufa, editorial designer
Broadway Theatre Center
If you haven’t seen a Skylight Music Theatre show, you wouldn’t suspect a wonderfully ornate Baroque-inspired theater inside this brick warehouse like any other in the Third Ward. It’s a treat to see even without a performance. Not only can you take in the Cabot Theatre’ bronze arches, painted ceilings and fanciful sconces, but you can also tour rehearsal spaces, prop and set design studios, and a special shrine dedicated to late founder Clair Richardson. And it turns out the stage won’t be empty: Skylight will be running rehearsals of its upcoming production of Fiddler on the Roof opening next week. – Evan Musil, arts & culture editor
Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum
Another participating business I’d highly recommend, speaking from my own experience, is Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum. Beautiful architecture (“craftsmanship that made Milwaukee famous at the turn of the 20th century”), lush landscapes and rich history are just a few reasons to go. Make sure to see the Forest Home Chapel, made from Lake Superior Sandstone and designed by the architectural firm Ferry & Clas, also known for Milwaukee’s Central Library and the Pabst Mansion. Topping it all off, this year marks their 175th anniversary, which means free cake for all Doors Open visitors! – SY
