Visiting Milwaukee and Madison

Madison, the state capital, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin's largest city dominate the southeast region of the state. Milwaukee is famous for its festivals, breweries and beer, and headquarters of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Once know as the beer capital of the world, Milwaukee's location near Lake Michigan and other waterways was key in development of business, manufacturing, and industry. Early immigrants included German, Polish and other Europeans who continue to celebrate their culture and roots today. Madison ranks nearly top in cities for overall education and is home to the University of Wisconsin, one of the largest and highest rated public universities. Madison's population has a high per capita percentage of college graduates and PhDs.

Milwaukee hosts the world's largest music festival – Summerfest. Known as the Big Gig the 2010 festival will be held at Henry Maier Festival Park June 24th through July 4th. Featuring eleven stages for eleven days, with some of today's top headliners. Summerfest is the music lovers place to go in summer.

Traveler's Tip: Changes have been made for two of Milwaukee's favorite festivals. RiverSplash, the traditional kick off to summer has been replaced with Verge Music Festival. The Great Circus Parade will not be held in 2010. There has been no official word on when it will return.

Verge is Milwaukee's new alternative and modern rock music festival that replaces RiverSplash as summer's kick off event. Henry Maier Park will host the festival June 4th and 5th. Welcome summer and the new festival and attend the 1st Annual Verge. See well recognized and up and coming alternative and modern rock performers, and also get a free ticket to Summerfest with an advanced purchase of a Verge admission ticket.

Best Western Hotels have six locations in and around Milwaukee for travelers to the area. Four Best Western Madison Hotels are convenient for visitors to the capital. Take advantage of the convenient Best Western Hotel locations, and their affordable rates, to enjoy spring and summer events around the cities this spring and summer.

Milwaukee's Miller Park host the MLB Brewers regular season home opener April 5th – it is time to come on out to the ballpark. Games are scheduled through the summer, but there is no reason to delay the fun of a baseball game.

Runners and exercisers can test their winter training at the 29th Annual Crazylegs Classic in Madison. One of America's best runs, the classic is held April 24th, starting in Downtown Madison. Featuring an 8K run/wheelchair and 2 mile walk, everyone is welcome to participate, even wagons and strollers are accommodated in the walk. The first Annual Old World Wisonsin's Bustle Hustle 5K Run/Walk is held May 2nd at Old World Wisconsin. Just 35 minutes from Milwaukee, this is another fun event geared for all ages and abilities. The Madison Marathon, May 30th, is a test for more serious runners. Marathon events, however, include a kid's race, half and quarter marathons and a wheelie. This is a certified race, Boston qualifier and a lot of fun for all participants and fans. There are running and walking events throughout the spring and summer, to get everyone up and going, so don't miss out.

Milwaukee and Madison Hotel Map