More about Milwaukee County
Milwaukee County is home to a diverse population and a number of thriving industries.
Founded originally in 1834, Milwaukee County is the 45th most populous county nationwide. At last count, it was home to roughly 945,016 people. Milwaukee County is wholly incorporated, unlike other Wisconsin counties. Within the county, there are 19 municipalities. Nine are incorporated as villages, and ten are incorporated as cities. West Allis – home to Wisconsin State Fair and its famous cream puffs – is the most populous, with Franklin, Oak Creek, Greenfield, and Wauwatosa following closely.
The Milwaukee Brewers and Milwaukee Bucks are the two major league home sports teams. Summerfest, one of the largest festivals in the world, is held at the Milwaukee lakefront annually.
Two airports service Milwaukee County – Lawrence J. Timmerman and Milwaukee Mitchell International – and no fewer than six railroad companies. One streetcar company serves the area. Counties neighboring Milwaukee County include Washington, Waukesha, Racine, Ozaukee County, and Lake Michigan runs along the east boundary.
As is evidenced by many of the area’s municipality names, several Native American tribes are known to have inhabited what is now known as Milwaukee County. Among these are Potawatomi, Ojibwe, Menominee, “Fox” or Meskwaki, and Sauk – as well as others.
Also referred to as “The City by the Lake” and “Brew City,” Milwaukee is the most well-known city in Milwaukee County. Visitors and residents enjoy the Milwaukee County Zoo, including many events hosted there.
August’s Milwaukee À La Carte at the Zoo is a favorite.
Milwaukee and surrounding areas offer a wide variety of selections for fish lovers – both the kind you catch on a pole and the kind you eat off a plate. Countless fishing spots can be found by asking a local or searching online. Friday Fish Fries are a tradition that may sound like a foreign concept to others once you leave Wisconsin’s borders.
In addition to cuisine and water sports, Milwaukee offers countless opportunities for cultural enjoyment. Museums include the Milwaukee Public Museum, Art Museum, Jewish Museum, Harley-Davidson, Discovery World, etc. Where the performing arts are concerned, Milwaukee hosts a Ballet, a Symphony, and numerous theaters, including (but not limited to) the Oriental, Repertory, Pabst, and the Riverside.
For young and old, men and women, families, couples, and singles, there’s something to see and do every day in Milwaukee County. For the record, it’s also extremely pet friendly, which is good news for the furry members of your family.