Bowling is the perfect event for any Friday night, and here in Milwaukee, we have the oldest sanctioned bowling alley in America. As this is Milwaukee, it's also an awesome tavern! Grab a PBR, put on some bowling shoes, and experience the oldest bowling alley in the nation.
This bowling alley and tavern opened in 1908 by a man they deemed "Iron Mike" Skowronski, and the establishment was originally named Skowronski's. His son, Gene, and his wife, Marcy, took over the business when he passed away.
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The bowling alley and tavern have gone through a few name changes since it opened.
The interior of the place is nearly identical to the original design. The lanes in the bowling alley are made of real wood, and 'pin boys' reset all of the pins by hand.
When they went through their first thorough cleaning to prepare for the 100th anniversary in 2008, they even came across five 15-pound wooden bowling balls. This is truly an old fashioned bowling alley!
Holler House is definitely a unique spot with some unusual traditions. One is their collection of bras! That's right, women's brassieres. Once upon a time, owner Marcy was drinking with her friends and they started taking their clothes off. Since then, it's become a tradition for women to leave their bras behind, and the tavern has collected nearly a thousand bras, which women autograph and hang from the fixtures.
This is one bowling alley that keeps Milwaukee's history intact. With it's 1910s memorabilia spread throughout the bar, the Polish crests above the lanes to represent Milwaukee's Polish heritage, and more Schlitz beer than you can handle, you'll feel right at home in Brew City. Holler House is home to the nation's oldest sanctioned bowling alley, and we're so glad it's right here at home.
Holler House is located at 2042 W. Lincoln Avenue, Milwaukee.
Have you bowled at Holler House? How was it? Share your experience in the comments!
Being a big city, it can be hard to believe that Milwaukee is full of so much incredible greenery! We’re home to over 150 parks and even more secret spots that are simply out of this world. If you want to be transported somewhere magical without leaving The Good Land, you need to put these nine breathtaking places on your bucket list.
This is truly one of the best parks in Milwaukee to feel like you’re in a fairy tale. Strolling through this lakeside park is simply breathtaking, and much like everything else in Milwaukee, it has fascinating history too! Learn all about it within our feature article on the park.
You’ll find Lake Park located at 2975 N. Lake Park Rd., Milwaukee.
Within the aforementioned park is North Point Lighthouse! This stunning lighthouse has been guiding ships home since 1855 and offers jaw-dropping views of our city. The Keepers Quarters is the oldest building in the area. The Queen Anne-style architecture is preserved to this day, surrounded by two acres of wooded land and giving you a truly otherworldly feel.
North Point Lighthouse is located at 2650 N. Wahl Ave., Milwaukee.
This two-acre urban community garden on Milwaukee's north side is one of the city's best-kept secrets. The enchanting secret garden truly brings people together. Not only does this garden strengthen the Lindsay Heights neighborhood, all are welcome to come plant something and watch it grow. The garden is full of beautiful flowers and vegetables, all planted by Milwaukeeans!
Alice's Garden is located at 2136 N. 21st St., Milwaukee.
Did you know there’s a nature preserve right within our city limits? This little known natural oasis not only offers a getaway from ordinary city living, but it also serves as an outdoor education center for Milwaukee Public Schools. Hawthorn Glen works with Milwaukee Public Schools and Milwaukee Recreation to provide nature learning opportunities to 12,000 students a year, all within the most beautiful setting. Though this hidden gem serves as an education center for students during the day, everyone is welcome in the evenings and on weekends, so we can all experience this incredible slice of greenery.
Hawthorn Glen is located at 1130 N. 60th St., Milwaukee.
This hiking trail will transport you to a whole new world. Seven Bridges is a South Milwaukee gem that’s a mix of man-made and natural beauty. This hiking trail is a part of the Milwaukee County Parks system and features trails weaving in and out of Grant Park. The Seven Bridges State Trail is a roughly one-mile loop featuring beautiful footbridges and limestone staircases.
Seven Bridges Trail is located within Grant Park at 100 Hawthorne Ave., Milwaukee.
We’ll bet you didn’t even know this park existed, but once you find it, the beauty expands throughout every acre. Not only is it now an incredible getaway from the busy city life, it's history is absolutely fascinating. Three Bridges Park used to be a rice marsh and later a rail yard. It was subsequently vacant for decades until it was transformed into the park we know and love today.
Three Bridge Park is located at 610 S. 35th St., Milwaukee.
This hill just north of Milwaukee is so much more than a hill; it’s holy ground with breathtaking views. The incredible shrine hosts over half a million visitors each year, whether to attend mass or just experience this marvel in person.
Holy Hill Basilica is located near Milwaukee at 1525 Carmel Rd., Hubertus, WI.
This forest will make you feel like you’ve stepped out of a wardrobe and into Narnia. Havenwoods State Forest is 237-acres full of swampy woodlands and stunning views. This beautiful triangle of land has now almost grown full circle. This forest is also Wisconsin's only urban state forest, located right in our city, and it needs to be on your bucket list right now.
Havenwoods State Forest is located at 6141 N. Hopkins St., Milwaukee.
This one nature center takes an escape into Milwaukee nature to new levels. Not only is it located in the most incredible setting, they offer classes and exhibits that make the whole experience even better. Whether you’re looking to take a break from life, go on an intense hike, or simply learn something new, Schlitz Audubon is mesmerizing.
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Schlitz Audubon Nature Center is located at 1111 E. Brown Deer Rd., Bayside, WI.
Have you been to any of these amazing places? Let us know your favorite in the comments, and don’t forget to share photos from your visit on our Wisconsin Nature Lovers Facebook group or on Instagram using #onlyinmilwaukee for a chance to see your snapshots featured!
Most of us have seen Milwaukee from the ground, but have you seen it from our very own shores during Milwaukee's most popular events? This riverboat offers an experience you just can't find elsewhere. We've found the best riverboat tour to see all of Milwaukee's fantastic fireworks shows. Let's get outside and get on the water!
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This Milwaukee riverboat tour offers an experience you can't find elsewhere!
This tour is a nighttime fireworks tour! The cruise runs through all of Milwaukee's most popular fireworks shows from Polish Fest to the July 3rd U.S. Bank show. You may have adored these shows from the beaches, but it's so much more beautiful from the water!
If you don't want to stay up so late for the fireworks cruise, Riverwalk Boat Tours & Rentals offers everything from pub tours to funky music tours, as well as private rentals.
Book your cruise today, and watch the sky light up!
