Upstart Milwaukee Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a city defined by its deep historical roots, vibrant culture, and ongoing spirit of innovation. From its beginnings as a gathering place for Native American tribes to its rise as a 19th-century industrial powerhouse, Milwaukee’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Today, the city is recognized for its cultural diversity, revitalized neighborhoods, and creative entrepreneurial hubs like Upstart and UpStart Kitchen. This comprehensive guide equips visitors with essential insights into Milwaukee’s history, major attractions, accessibility, and practical travel tips, ensuring an engaging and seamless experience.

(City of Milwaukee; Wikipedia; Visit Milwaukee; UpStart Kitchen)

Table of Contents

Historical Background of Milwaukee

Indigenous Roots and Early Settlement

Long before European settlement, Milwaukee was home to the Menominee, Potawatomi, Ojibwe, Ho-Chunk, Mascouten, Sauk, and Meskwaki tribes. Drawn by the area’s waterways and fertile lands, these communities used the region as a site for gathering and trade. The name “Milwaukee” derives from Algonquian words, interpreted as “pleasant land” or “gathering place by the water.” French explorers began documenting the area in the late 17th century, noting its strategic location on Lake Michigan (Wikipedia; City of Milwaukee).

19th Century Growth and Immigration

Milwaukee’s development accelerated in the 1830s as settlers from the eastern U.S. and Europe arrived, drawn by its natural harbor and commercial potential. Three settlements—Juneautown, Kilbourntown, and Walker’s Point—merged in 1846 to form Milwaukee, with Solomon Juneau as its first mayor. German immigrants became especially influential, shaping the city’s culture and built environment (Milwaukee PBS).

Industrialization: The “Machine Shop of the World”

By the late 1800s, Milwaukee had become a manufacturing powerhouse, renowned for metal fabrication, machinery, and brewing. Iconic breweries like Pabst, Schlitz, Miller, and Blatz flourished, and the distinctive Cream City brick became a hallmark of local architecture (EMKE; Business Insider).

Social and Political Innovation

In the early 20th century, Milwaukee elected several Socialist mayors, who emphasized public health, infrastructure, and efficient governance, making the city a national model for municipal socialism (Milwaukee PBS).

Postwar Changes and Revitalization

After World War II, Milwaukee faced deindustrialization and demographic shifts, but the city’s diverse communities—including African American, Latinx, and Hmong residents—helped shape a new chapter of resilience. Since the 1990s, neighborhoods like the Historic Third Ward, East Side, and Bay View have seen revitalization driven by new businesses, arts venues, and residential projects (Wikipedia).


Upstart: A Modern Hub in Milwaukee’s Evolving Landscape

Upstart is a creative and entrepreneurial center located in revitalized districts like the Historic Third Ward and Walker’s Point (Visit Milwaukee). Housed in repurposed industrial spaces, Upstart combines Milwaukee’s manufacturing legacy with contemporary design and technology, hosting art exhibits, maker markets, workshops, and networking events that highlight local innovation.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; extended hours for special events and weekends. Confirm current hours on Upstart’s website or social media.
  • Tickets: General admission is typically free; tickets may be required for select events or workshops and can be purchased online or onsite.

Accessibility and Guided Tours

Upstart is committed to accessibility, offering wheelchair access and other accommodations upon request. Guided tours—available by appointment—highlight the site’s history and ongoing creative projects.

Special Events

Upstart regularly hosts exhibitions, artisan markets, and networking opportunities. Check event calendars for details to optimize your visit.


UpStart Kitchen Milwaukee: Visitor Guide

Overview and Location

UpStart Kitchen, located at 4325 W. Fond Du Lac Rd. in Sherman Park, is a culinary incubator supporting food entrepreneurs—particularly those from underrepresented groups—by providing affordable kitchen space and mentorship (UpStart Kitchen).

Visiting UpStart Kitchen

  • Hours: Primarily a workspace, but hosts public events (pop-up markets, tastings, community meals) on weekends and evenings. Confirm event schedules online.
  • Admission: Most events are free or low-cost; check specific event announcements for ticketing details.
  • Accessibility: The facility is wheelchair accessible; staff can assist with additional needs upon request.

Directions

  • By Car: On-site and street parking available.
  • Public Transit: Served by Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) buses.
  • Bike: Bike racks provided.

What to Expect

Experience Milwaukee’s multicultural culinary heritage through food crafted by entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. Public events offer tastes of local flavors and opportunities to meet the chefs and learn their stories.

Nearby Attractions

Explore Sherman Park, a historic community green space, or venture to the Milwaukee Public Museum and Historic Third Ward, both a short drive away.


Exploring Milwaukee Historical Sites Near Upstart

  • Historic Third Ward: Known for Cream City brick architecture, galleries, and boutique shops.
  • Milwaukee RiverWalk: A scenic, accessible pathway with shops, cafes, and public art.
  • Pabst Brewery Complex: Historic brewery site, now offering tours and events.

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Top Attractions at Milwaukee’s Major Landmarks

Milwaukee Art Museum

  • Hours: Tues–Sun, 10 AM – 5 PM; Thurs until 8 PM; closed Mon
  • Tickets: Adults $19, Seniors $17, Students $12, Children under 12 free
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible; guided tours available

Historic Third Ward & Milwaukee Public Market

  • Market Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 7 PM
  • Tip: Visit weekday mornings for fewer crowds

Milwaukee RiverWalk

  • Length: 3+ miles; connects downtown districts
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair friendly; features public art and eateries

Harley-Davidson Museum

  • Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM
  • Tickets: Adults $22, Seniors $17, Youth $12, Children under 6 free
  • Guided Tours: Available

Discovery World

  • Hours: Tues–Sun, 10 AM – 5 PM; closed Mon
  • Tickets: Adults $24, Seniors $21, Youth $18, Children under 3 free

Fiserv Forum and Deer District

Lakefront Brewery

  • Tours: Daily; $10 per person, includes samples

Pabst Mansion

  • Hours: Tues–Sun, 11 AM – 4 PM
  • Tickets: Adults $15, Seniors/Students $12, Children under 12 free

Sculpture Milwaukee

  • Access: Free, outdoor exhibit on Wisconsin Ave (summer)

Walker’s Point & Bay View

  • Highlights: Breweries, nightlife, LGBTQ+-friendly venues, parks, festivals

Black Cat Alley

  • Tours: Street art tours available

Milwaukee City Hall

  • Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM
  • Tours: By appointment

See Visit Milwaukee for more details on specific attractions.


Accessible Travel and Visitor Tips

Accessibility at Historical Sites

  • Wheelchair Access: Most major sites feature ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
  • Service Animals: Permitted at all public sites per ADA guidelines.
  • Auxiliary Aids: Sign language interpreters and assistive listening devices available upon request.
  • Transit: MCTS buses and The Hop streetcar are fully accessible. Bublr Bikes offer adaptive cycles.

Transportation

  • Public Transit: Accessible buses serve most attractions.
  • Parking: Disabled placards from other states are valid; accessible parking widely available.
  • Train/Airport: Milwaukee Intermodal Station and Mitchell International Airport offer barrier-free access.

Practical Tips

  • Confirm hours and ticketing on official sites before visiting.
  • Contact venues ahead to arrange specific accommodations.
  • Virtual tours are available on Visit Milwaukee Accessibility Portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Upstart’s visiting hours?
A: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–6 PM; check online for special event hours.

Q: Does Upstart charge admission?
A: General admission is free; some events require tickets.

Q: Is Upstart accessible?
A: Yes; wheelchair access and additional accommodations are available.

Q: Are there guided tours at Upstart?
A: Yes, by appointment.

Q: What are top historical sites near Upstart?
A: Historic Third Ward, Milwaukee RiverWalk, Pabst Brewery Complex.

Q: Is the RiverWalk wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes.

Q: Are service animals allowed at Milwaukee attractions?
A: Yes, per ADA guidelines.


Conclusion

Milwaukee offers a compelling mix of heritage, innovation, and inclusivity. Upstart and UpStart Kitchen exemplify the city’s dynamic evolution, providing spaces where creativity and community thrive. Visitors can discover a wealth of historical landmarks, enjoy diverse culinary experiences, and take part in vibrant cultural events—all within a city committed to accessibility and visitor comfort. Plan ahead, check official resources for the latest updates, and immerse yourself in the unique spirit of Milwaukee.


Suggested Visuals:

  • Photos of Upstart’s spaces, Cream City brick buildings, Milwaukee Art Museum, and RiverWalk
  • Interactive map of major attractions
  • Alt text: “Exterior of Upstart in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward”; “Milwaukee Art Museum’s Quadracci Pavilion with moveable wings”

Internal Links:

  • Related guides on Milwaukee’s breweries, festivals, and neighborhood explorations

References and Further Reading


Visit The Most Interesting Places In Milwaukee

A Beam Of Sun To Shake The Sky
A Beam Of Sun To Shake The Sky
A Place To Sit
A Place To Sit
Aaron Monument
Aaron Monument
Acqua Grylli
Acqua Grylli
Al Mcguire Center
Al Mcguire Center
All In The Air At Once
All In The Air At Once
|
  All Saints' Episcopal Cathedral Complex
| All Saints' Episcopal Cathedral Complex
American Family Field
American Family Field
American System-Built Homes
American System-Built Homes
|
  America'S Black Holocaust Museum
| America'S Black Holocaust Museum
Ancestor
Ancestor
Angel In A Cage
Angel In A Cage
Argo
Argo
At&T Center
At&T Center
Basilica Of St. Josaphat
Basilica Of St. Josaphat
Bay View Massacre
Bay View Massacre
Bay View Series
Bay View Series
Belle Austin Jacobs Memorial
Belle Austin Jacobs Memorial
Bench-Stone
Bench-Stone
Birds Of Knowledge Of Good And Evil
Birds Of Knowledge Of Good And Evil
Blue Dress Park
Blue Dress Park
Borchert Field
Borchert Field
Boy With Goose
Boy With Goose
Bradley Center
Bradley Center
|
  Brewers' Hill
| Brewers' Hill
|
  Brewers' Hill Mra
| Brewers' Hill Mra
Bridge
Bridge
Bronze Fonz
Bronze Fonz
Buildings 1992
Buildings 1992
Calvary Cemetery
Calvary Cemetery
Cardinal Stritch University
Cardinal Stritch University
Cass Street Park
Cass Street Park
Cathedral Of St. John The Evangelist
Cathedral Of St. John The Evangelist
Celebrating The Arts
Celebrating The Arts
Chase Tower
Chase Tower
Christian Wahl
Christian Wahl
City Yard
City Yard
|
  Cleopatra'S Wedge
| Cleopatra'S Wedge
Compass
Compass
Concordia University Wisconsin
Concordia University Wisconsin
Congregation Beth Israel
Congregation Beth Israel
Connect
Connect
Count Casimir Pulaski
Count Casimir Pulaski
Court Of Honor
Court Of Honor
Dancing Through Life
Dancing Through Life
Dauntless Guardian
Dauntless Guardian
Diana
Diana
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
East Side Commercial Historic District
East Side Commercial Historic District
Eclipse
Eclipse
Eight Stone Lions
Eight Stone Lions
Embrace
Embrace
Emil Blatz Temple Of Music
Emil Blatz Temple Of Music
Erastus B. Wolcott
Erastus B. Wolcott
Family
Family
Fire And Water
Fire And Water
First Unitarian Church
First Unitarian Church
Fiserv Forum
Fiserv Forum
Float
Float
Floating Sculpture No. 3
Floating Sculpture No. 3
Forest Home Cemetery
Forest Home Cemetery
Frederick C. Bogk House
Frederick C. Bogk House
General Douglas Macarthur
General Douglas Macarthur
Gesu Church
Gesu Church
Goethe–Schiller Monument
Goethe–Schiller Monument
Harley-Davidson Museum
Harley-Davidson Museum
Hermes
Hermes
Herzing University
Herzing University
Hilton Milwaukee City Center
Hilton Milwaukee City Center
Historic Third Ward
Historic Third Ward
Holocaust Memorial
Holocaust Memorial
Jacques Marquette
Jacques Marquette
Jantar-Mantar
Jantar-Mantar
Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company
Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company
Juneau Monument
Juneau Monument
Kindred Ties
Kindred Ties
Kneeling Camels
Kneeling Camels
Kumo
Kumo
Lake Park
Lake Park
Lakeshore State Park
Lakeshore State Park
Laureate
Laureate
Leif, The Discoverer
Leif, The Discoverer
|
  Letter Carriers' Monument
| Letter Carriers' Monument
Lloyd Street Grounds
Lloyd Street Grounds
Magic Grove
Magic Grove
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial
Majestic Theatre
Majestic Theatre
Marquette Stadium
Marquette Stadium
Marquette University
Marquette University
Menomonee
Menomonee
Midsummer Carnival Shaft
Midsummer Carnival Shaft
Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Milwaukee Art Museum
Milwaukee Art Museum
Milwaukee City Hall
Milwaukee City Hall
Milwaukee County Historical Society
Milwaukee County Historical Society
Milwaukee County Stadium
Milwaukee County Stadium
Milwaukee County Zoo
Milwaukee County Zoo
Milwaukee-Downer College
Milwaukee-Downer College
Milwaukee Intermodal Station
Milwaukee Intermodal Station
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
Milwaukee Public Museum
Milwaukee Public Museum
Milwaukee School Of Engineering
Milwaukee School Of Engineering
Mo, Ni, Que
Mo, Ni, Que
Mount Mary University
Mount Mary University
Mount Olivet Cemetery
Mount Olivet Cemetery
Music
Music
Olympus
Olympus
On Watch
On Watch
Oops, Missed
Oops, Missed
Orbits
Orbits
Patrick And Beatrice Haggerty Museum Of Art
Patrick And Beatrice Haggerty Museum Of Art
Patrick Cudahy Memorial
Patrick Cudahy Memorial
Pattern
Pattern
Peck Pavilion
Peck Pavilion
Pedestrian Drama
Pedestrian Drama
Peter John
Peter John
Pettit National Ice Center
Pettit National Ice Center
Plankinton–Wells–Water Street Historic District
Plankinton–Wells–Water Street Historic District
Poland
Poland
Quartet
Quartet
Queen Of Sheba
Queen Of Sheba
Rainbow
Rainbow
R.D. Whitehead Monument
R.D. Whitehead Monument
Red Arrow Park
Red Arrow Park
Red Flower Rising
Red Flower Rising
Referee
Referee
Ritual Ii
Ritual Ii
Robert Burns
Robert Burns
Round About
Round About
Ruins X
Ruins X
Sentinels
Sentinels
Soaring
Soaring
Space Game
Space Game
Spanish-American War Soldier
Spanish-American War Soldier
Spirit Of Commerce
Spirit Of Commerce
Spirit Of The Firefighter
Spirit Of The Firefighter
St. Joan Of Arc Chapel
St. Joan Of Arc Chapel
St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral
St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral
Statue Of Abraham Lincoln
Statue Of Abraham Lincoln
Statue Of Henry Bergh
Statue Of Henry Bergh
Steel Reborn
Steel Reborn
Steuben Monument
Steuben Monument
Stratiformis
Stratiformis
T. A. Chapman Memorial
T. A. Chapman Memorial
Teamwork
Teamwork
Tending The Fire
Tending The Fire
The Calling
The Calling
The Hill Climber
The Hill Climber
The Last Alarm
The Last Alarm
The Lovers
The Lovers
The Reaper
The Reaper
The Source
The Source
The Victorious Charge
The Victorious Charge
Three Bronze Discs
Three Bronze Discs
Tip
Tip
Tree Of Life
Tree Of Life
Trigon
Trigon
Trio
Trio
Twist For Max
Twist For Max
Unfolding
Unfolding
University Of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
University Of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries
University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries
Upstart
Upstart
Uptown Triangles
Uptown Triangles
U.S. Bank Center
U.S. Bank Center
Uw–Milwaukee Panther Arena
Uw–Milwaukee Panther Arena
Valentin Blatz Brewing Company
Valentin Blatz Brewing Company
Varsity Theater
Varsity Theater
Vegetative Sculpture I
Vegetative Sculpture I
Vliet Street Commons
Vliet Street Commons
Vogel Hall
Vogel Hall
Walk Like A River
Walk Like A River
|
  Walker'S Point Center For The Arts
| Walker'S Point Center For The Arts
Walkways Through The Wall
Walkways Through The Wall
Washington Monument
Washington Monument
Way Four
Way Four
Wind Leaves
Wind Leaves
Wisconsin Center
Wisconsin Center
Wisconsin Conservatory Of Music
Wisconsin Conservatory Of Music
Wisconsin Lutheran College
Wisconsin Lutheran College
Wisconsin School Of Professional Psychology
Wisconsin School Of Professional Psychology
Wisconsin Workers Memorial
Wisconsin Workers Memorial
Woodland Indian And Whistling Swans
Woodland Indian And Whistling Swans
World War I Memorial Flagpole
World War I Memorial Flagpole
You Rise Above The World
You Rise Above The World
Yount Monument
Yount Monument