Milwaukee Downer College

Milwaukee-Downer College: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Milwaukee-Downer College is a landmark of women’s education and Collegiate Gothic architecture, deeply rooted in Milwaukee’s academic and cultural heritage. Founded in 1895 by merging Milwaukee College and Downer College, it became a beacon for rigorous women’s higher education at a time when such opportunities were rare. Today, the original campus forms an integral part of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM), welcoming visitors to explore its historic grounds, buildings, and the enduring legacy of its alumnae and faculty. This guide provides essential information about the college’s history, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, and tips for a rewarding visit (Wisconsin Historical Society; Encyclopedia of Milwaukee; UWM Archives).

History and Founding
Architectural Highlights
Academic and Social Contributions
The 1964 Merger and Legacy
Preservation and Recognition
Visitor Information
Notable Alumnae and Faculty
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Planning Your Visit
Sources and Further Reading

History and Founding

Milwaukee-Downer College was created in 1895 through the merger of Milwaukee College (est. 1851) and Downer College (est. 1855, relocated to Milwaukee in 1863). Under the leadership of Ellen Clara Sabin, the institution advanced a progressive mission centered on rigorous academic training for women, encompassing liberal arts, sciences, and teacher preparation. By providing an environment that fostered intellectual growth and professional development, Milwaukee-Downer quickly earned a reputation for academic excellence and innovation (Wisconsin Historical Society).

Architectural Highlights

Campus and Building Design

The campus, designed primarily by Alexander C. Eschweiler, is celebrated for its harmonious Collegiate Gothic and Tudor Revival styles. Key original buildings—including Merrill Hall, Holton Hall, Johnston Hall, and Greene Hall—were constructed between 1897 and 1905. These structures feature red brick, limestone trim, parapeted gables, and distinctive towers, creating a cohesive and visually striking environment (UW-Milwaukee Archives; Wikipedia; SAH Archipedia).

Notable Structures

Merrill Hall: The architectural centerpiece, notable for its central tower, observatory, and chapel.
Holton Hall: Exemplifies Romanesque Revival architecture; originally a dormitory, later repurposed for academic and administrative use.
Johnston Hall: Features carved stone ornamentation and mirrors the style of Merrill and Holton.
Greene Hall: Chapel-like building, enhancing the Quad’s architectural harmony.

Later additions, such as Chapman Hall (originally Chapman Memorial Library, 1937), introduced English Gothic Revival elements and expanded the campus’s architectural vocabulary (SAH Archipedia; Wisconsin Library Heritage Center).

Milwaukee-Downer College pioneered educational opportunities for women, offering advanced courses in science, home economics, psychology, and physical education. Its faculty, many with advanced degrees, fostered a culture of inquiry and academic rigor. The college was also a vibrant cultural hub, hosting lectures, concerts, and art exhibitions, while traditions like May Day and Lantern Night strengthened alumnae bonds (Encyclopedia of Milwaukee; Milwaukee-Downer Alumnae Association).

The 1964 Merger and Legacy

Financial and demographic shifts led to the 1964 merger with Lawrence College, forming Lawrence University and ensuring Milwaukee-Downer’s traditions continued in a coeducational setting (Lawrence University History). The Milwaukee campus was sold to UWM, whose stewardship preserved the historic core. Today, these buildings house UWM’s College of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, and other departments, maintaining the site’s educational legacy (UWM Campus History).

Preservation and Recognition

Many original buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting their architectural and historical significance (Wikipedia). Downer Woods, a 21.4-acre urban forest adjacent to the campus, is protected and offers a rare natural retreat within Milwaukee (Milwaukee Record). Archival materials, photographs, and artifacts are preserved at both UWM and Lawrence University (UWM Libraries Archives; Lawrence University Archives).

Visitor Information

Hours and Admission

Campus Grounds: Open daily from dawn to dusk; no admission fee.
Building Access: Generally available during UWM business hours (Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM); some buildings may require university business or pre-arranged tours.
Downer Woods: Open to the public daily, accessible via several gates.

Tours

Guided Tours: Offered during open house events and by appointment; check the UWM Events Calendar or contact the UWM Archives.
Self-Guided Tours: Download maps from the UWM website or Milwaukee Visitors Guide.

Accessibility

Campus and Buildings: Most historic buildings are wheelchair accessible; some areas may have limited access due to their age (UWM Accessibility Services).
Downer Woods: Trails are unpaved and may be uneven.

Getting There and Parking

Address: 2100 E. Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53211 (UWM Campus Map)
Transit: Served by Milwaukee County Transit System buses; bike racks available.
Parking: Visitor parking in campus garages; street parking nearby (UWM Parking Services).

Amenities

Restrooms and Dining: Available in campus buildings and nearby businesses.
Photography: Permitted for personal use; respect university activities.
Visitor Services: UWM Welcome Center provides maps, information, and tour registration (UWM Welcome Center).

Notable Alumnae and Faculty

Dr. Helen Way Klingler: Philanthropist and advocate for education.
Numerous alumnae have contributed to fields such as education, science, social work, and the arts, reflecting the college’s impact on women’s professional advancement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the campus visiting hours?
A: Grounds are open dawn to dusk; buildings accessible during UWM business hours.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No, campus and Downer Woods are free to visit.

Q: How can I join a guided tour?
A: Check the UWM events calendar or register via the UWM Admissions Visit Experience page.

Q: Is the campus accessible?
A: Most buildings and grounds are accessible; some historic structures and Downer Woods trails have limitations.

Q: Where can I find more historical resources?
A: UWM Archives Department and Lawrence University Archives.

Planning Your Visit

Best Seasons: Spring and fall for campus beauty; summer for outdoor activities.
Safety: Campus is patrolled by UWM Police; use well-lit paths after dark.
Nearby Attractions: Lake Park, Milwaukee Art Museum, Historic Water Tower District, and Milwaukee’s East Side dining and shopping (Visit Milwaukee).
Special Events: Check UWM Events Calendar for lectures, exhibitions, and community programs.

Images and Multimedia

Interactive UWM Campus Map – Explore the historic campus virtually.

Internal Links

Contact Information

UWM Welcome Center: uwm.edu/visituwm, 414-229-4397
UWM Archives: UWM Archives Department
Lawrence University Archives: Milwaukee-Downer College History
General Milwaukee Visitor Info: Visit Milwaukee, +1 (414) 273-3950

Summary and Visitor Tips

Milwaukee-Downer College embodies the evolution of women’s education and architectural heritage in Milwaukee. With its preserved Collegiate Gothic campus, tranquil Downer Woods, and vibrant academic legacy, the site remains a source of inspiration and community pride. Visitors can enjoy accessible facilities, rich historical interpretation, and free admission to grounds year-round. For the most up-to-date information on visiting hours, tours, and events, consult UWM channels and consider using the Audiala app for an interactive experience (UWM Archives; Lawrence University History; Milwaukee Record).