Getting Around Wisconsin

It can be very frustrating driving through and/or around Wisconsin in the summertime, as well as late spring and early fall. There seems to be more road construction here than in any state, and it's frustrating as on many days projects are abandoned, left with just a bunch of orange barrels. For what residents in the Badger state pay in taxes, especially the .53 on every gallon of gasoline, roads should be a lot better here as that $ supposedly goes into the transportation fund. I understand the Governor tampers with that however, and sticks it into the schools, which alraedy have tons of taxpayer dollars sunk into their improvements and additions, it's all a racket, maybe a scam. I'm just advising out-of-state travelers to allow extra time driving in Wisconsin in the warmer weather seasons.

I had a confirmed car rental reservation in Milwaukee. Arrived from traveling all day to be met by the exact woman from the airport scene in "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" The DOLLAR CAR RENTAL CO. pulled a switch on me 1) do not even carry the cars listed on the web site (my travel agents web site) 2) did not have the second option car that i wanted ready for that day 3) attempted to stick me into a larger car at 20$ more a day.

My actions: Walked up and down car rental row (this is at the Mitchell Field Airport) looking for a better option.

No other option, went back to DOLLAR and pitched a fit, the lady gave me the larger car for only 8$ more a day.

Then she had the nerve to ask if i wanted to pay $3.40 a gallon for gas or if i would re-fill on return and if i wanted the insurance at $10.35 a day............as i was paying with my Platinum VISA

Went out to the parking garage (it's dark now) and no signs......plenty for AVIS and HERTZ, walked to the end of the earth, finally found it. Interior was dirty and smelled of excessive cleaner.

Cannot not recommend DOLLAR

Cheap and quick way to save a buck! Flights between madison and chicago can have longer layovers than just driving. Van Galder bus offers a greast service to and from CHicago midway and Ohare to beloit and Madison! Price is only $24.00 max.

Forbes Magazine has said that General Mitchell International Airport is one of the Best Small Airports in the Midwest. And they are right!

It is one of the easiest airports to maneuver. For those of us in the northern suburbs of Chicago, it is a short distance to this airport. The parking is easy and so much less expensive than O'Hare in Chicago. Mitchell charges $10.00 daily for covered parking and that rate is 2/3s less than O'Hare's fees! In addition, you can park closer to the terminal here.

Many times, the fares are less expensive. You need to check and compare. When we flew to Florida last year, the fares were cheaper. But if the plane goes from Milwaukee to Chicago and stops, then the fares are more expensive. So, check before you book your flight.

They now offer nonstop and direct flights to more than 90 cities and one-stop connections to cities throughout the world.

I must admit, their location is perfect for us. It is located off of Interstate 94.

The terminal is not crowded, and it has recently been updated with many very nice shops and places to eat and drink.

I particularly enjoyed The Renaissance Book Shop, a wonderful used bookstore. For you motorcycle fans, be sure to visit the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Shop.
If you have the time, you might wish to visit the Mitchell Gallery of Flight ,which is free.

Soon, some people will be able to take the train from Glenview, Illinois (suburb) and take Amtrak's Hiawatha service to Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport because there is a new Amtrak station adjacent to the Remote Parking Lot B.

Then, they plan to have free shuttle service from rail station to the airport terminal.

A last reason to fly out of Milwaukee is that the Mitchell Airport boasts an excellent on-time departure record.

Another great way to visit points of interest in Milwaukee is to take a Riverwalk Boat Tour.

The most unusual of these tours, and perhaps the only one of its kind in the nation is to take a Weekend Brewery Tour.

These tours last for three hours and starting times depend on which location you select to start. Your choices are:

1. Lakefront Brewery, Inc
2. Milwaukee Ale House
3. Rock Bottom Brewery

The cost is $15.00 per person, and for that amount you cruise the Milwaukee River, visit three breweries, and sample beer!

The Lakefront Brewery location from 1987 is shown and also its current location (the Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Company building).

This is a small, locally owned microbrewery that specializes both in traditional styles of beer and innovative brews. You are able to try the beers such as Cattail Ale, Riverwest Stein, Eastside Dark, Cream City Pale Ale, Belgian White ale, The Organic Extra Special Bitter, and the unique Fuel Cafe Coffee Stout which has been infused with Fuel Cafe Coffee!

For the non-drinkers, there is Golden Maple Root Beer.

Milwaukee Ale House is one of the largest brewpubs in Wisconsin. It offers food as well as beer. It's a true old time Milwaukee beer hall with live music four nights a week. It's located in the historic Third Ward where both lunch and dinner are served.

You might want to try Louie's Demise, Downtown Lites Honey Ale, Solomon Juneau Ale, Pull Chain Ale, or Sheepshead Stout.

The Rock Bottom Brewery is located in the heart of downtown on the corner of N. Plankinton Ave. and Wells Street. You might like to try Greenfield American Light Lager, Honey Creek Pale Ale, Raccoon Read, Brown Bear Brown, or Stillwater Stout. Here, too, non-drinkers can drink the caffeine free root beer.

Riverwalk Boats are at Pere Marquette Park.

There is also a Margarita Mondays Cruise and a Wine Wednesdays Cruise!

While visiting Milwaukee, especially for the first time, it is a great idea to take the Milwaukee Trolley Loop.

This trolley travels one way clockwise and visits East Town, Westown, Water Street, Brady Street, Old World Third Street, and the Historic Third Ward.

It operates every twenty minutes during the summer from May to the first part of September. It is closed down on Monday and Tuesday.

Wednesday and Thursday it operates from 11:00 am until 10:00 pm. On Friday and Saturday, it operates from 11:00 am until midnight. Finally, on Sunday, it operates from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm.

Points of interest along the way are such places as Milwaukee Theater District, O'Donnell Park, Betty Brinn Museum, the Pfister Hotel, The Shops of Grand Avenue, Cathedral Square Park, City Hall, Brady Street, Juneau Park, Milwaukee Art Museum, Broadway Theatre Center, Milwaukee Public Museum Complex, and Red Arrow Park.

This is just some of the places it visits.

It cost $1.00 all day and only 50cents for seniors and the disabled.

This is a great way to get an overview of the city before you go out on your own.

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You can choose conventional transportation (ie, car, plane or boat) but if you're short on cash you may wish to consider rafting. It's fun, inexpensive and a great way to burn off that extra cheese you had for lunch.

Getting around in Wisconsin it helps to have a car. The Milwaukee Bus system is good, though I have never used it so I am useless in any recommendations there. I know that it is helpful for some of the big attractions though. In winter, having 4-wheel drive is helpful cause we get a lot of snow!!