Milwaukee shines as a city full of character, with its historic architecture, lively neighborhoods, and a reputation for brewing. What sets it apart as a destination are the local stories, the quirky history, and the hidden corners waiting to be explored—sometimes in spooky fashion, sometimes with a splash of fun or a scenic drive. We’re especially fans of tours that take you behind the scenes, whether through ghostly tales at historic landmarks or a lively scavenger hunt that turns the city into a playground. For example, the Brew City Ghosts tour offers a spine-tingling way to learn about Milwaukee’s dark past, while the Zombie Scavenger Hunt combines city exploration with a playful zombie theme—perfect for groups seeking a quirky adventure. Whether you prefer ghost stories, scavenger hunts, or scenic rides, Milwaukee has something to keep your interest.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a variety of city tours, including ghost walks (like the Milwaukee Ghost Tour), scavenger hunts (such as the Operation City Quest), scenic bus tours, and convenient airport transfers. Each offers a different way to see Milwaukee’s sights, from haunted landmarks to lively neighborhoods.
1. Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures
At number one, Milwaukee’s haunted side is brought to life with the Brew City Ghosts. This one-hour ghost tour takes you through Milwaukee’s most spirited locations, including historic hotels like the Pfister, iconic theaters, and the Milwaukee Riverwalk. The tour is a perfect short, spooky experience that fits well into an evening outing. Your guide shares bone-chilling stories of paranormal activity, making history come alive with ghostly tales.
What makes this tour special is its focus on Milwaukee’s dark past through the lens of paranormal lore. The Landmark Hotel is rumored to host ghostly apparitions, while the Riverside Theater’s shadowy figures have been seen during performances. The short duration (about an hour) makes it ideal for travelers with limited time or those wanting a quick thrill. With a very reasonable price of just $24 per person, it’s an affordable way to get a different perspective on the city.
Bottom line: If spooky stories and haunted landmarks excite you, this tour offers a fun, quick dive into Milwaukee’s ghostly side—perfect for evening entertainment.
2. Milwaukee Downtown Ghost Tour – The Shadow of City Hall
Coming in at number two, this tour stands out for its more intimate setting and a slightly longer experience—about 1.5 to 2 hours—focused on Milwaukee’s downtown haunted sites. Limited to nine participants, it offers a personalized atmosphere. The Milwaukee Downtown Ghost Tour explores landmarks like the Pabst Theater, City Hall, and the Pfister Hotel, all rich with stories of paranormal activity.
The tour emphasizes not just ghost stories, but the fascinating history behind each site. For example, the City Hall is known for the tragic suicides and residual hauntings, while the Pabst Theater has reports of shadowy figures during performances. With a $29 price, it offers good value for those wanting a more detailed and personal experience. Many reviews mention the guide’s storytelling skills and the eerie tales that make Milwaukee’s history come alive.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for travelers who want a more intimate, story-rich ghost experience that combines history and paranormal tales in a cozy group setting.
3. 2-Hour Bus Tour in Milwaukee City
For those seeking a scenic overview of Milwaukee, the 2-Hour Bus Tour offers a comfortable ride through the city’s key sights. Priced at $40 per person, this tour covers a lot in a short time, making it perfect for first-timers or those with limited time. The tour passes by the Fiserv Forum, Lakefront Brewery, Black Cat Alley, and the Villa Terrace Museum & Gardens, offering photo-worthy spots and interesting commentary along the way.
What makes this experience stand out is its focus on Milwaukee’s architectural highlights and waterfront areas. You’ll get a good sense of the city’s vibe and layout without having to walk much. The tour also includes views of Lake Michigan and Bradford Beach, which are great for relaxing afterward. It’s a low-key, informative way to see Milwaukee from a different angle.
Bottom line: If you want an easy, guided overview with some scenic stops, this bus tour balances value and convenience well.
$40.00 per person
4. Luxury Car Arrival from Milwaukee Airport MKE to Milwaukee City
Travelers arriving in Milwaukee will appreciate the Luxury Car Arrival, a private transfer service that ensures a smooth start to your trip. For $80.24 per person, you’ll be greeted at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and driven in a comfortable, business-class vehicle to your hotel, with up to an hour of free waiting time.
This service is perfect for business travelers, those arriving late, or anyone wanting a hassle-free start to their stay. It eliminates the need for taxis or shuttles, giving you personalized attention from the moment you land. The reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of drivers like Barry, who makes the experience enjoyable.
Bottom line: For a stress-free arrival with a touch of luxury, this private transfer offers convenience and comfort, especially useful after a long flight or if you’re unfamiliar with local transportation.
$80.24 per person
5. Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Milwaukee by Zombie Scavengers
Number five on our list is the Zombie Scavenger Hunt, a 2-hour interactive adventure perfect for groups. At just $20 per group (up to 10 people), it combines urban exploration with a fun zombie-themed challenge. Using an app, your team searches for objects and completes challenges around Milwaukee, all guided remotely by a live host.
This tour is especially suited for families, groups of friends, or anyone wanting a lighthearted way to explore the city. It encourages teamwork and creativity, making it a memorable activity. The reviews mention how much fun the game is, especially in good weather.
Bottom line: If you’re after a fun, interactive, and low-cost activity, this scavenger hunt turns sightseeing into a game, perfect for social groups or families.
$20.00 per group (up to 10)
6. Departure from Milwaukee City to Milwaukee Airport MKE by Sedan
If you need to leave Milwaukee smoothly, the Private Sedan Departure offers an easy, private ride to the airport. Priced at $80.24, it provides a personalized, stress-free transfer with up to an hour of free waiting. The ride is comfortable, quiet, and professional—ideal for travelers with tight schedules or heavy luggage.
This service is perfect for those who want to avoid long shuttle lines, deal with language barriers, or simply enjoy seamless transportation. While it’s just a one-way transfer, reviews note how drivers like Barry make the experience pleasant.
Bottom line: For a reliable, private, and quick airport transfer, this service offers peace of mind and comfort, especially for early or late flights.
$80.24 per person
7. Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Milwaukee by Operation City Quest
Rounding out the list, Operation City Quest offers a self-guided scavenger hunt that takes you around Milwaukee to find objects and complete challenges. For just $10 per person, this 2-hour activity is a budget-friendly way to explore the city at your own pace. Using the app, you can choose your route and compete for scores with others.
This activity appeals particularly to independent explorers or families seeking a flexible adventure. The remote host via chat is there to help with hints or questions, making it a hassle-free experience.
Bottom line: If you prefer flexible, solo exploration with a competitive edge, this scavenger hunt delivers an engaging and affordable way to see Milwaukee.
$10.00 per person
How to Choose the Best City Tour in Milwaukee
Selecting the right tour depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. For a spooky night out, the ghost walks (Brew City Ghosts) or the Downtown Ghost Tour are perfect. Want a scenic overview? The Bus Tour covers a lot efficiently. Traveling from the airport? The Luxury Car Arrival simplifies your journey. For a fun, interactive activity, the Zombie Scavenger Hunt or the Operation City Quest turns sightseeing into play.
Consider your time availability, interests in history or fun, and whether you prefer guided or independent experiences. Always book early during peak seasons or special events to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Milwaukee offers a broad selection of tours that cater to different tastes—whether you’re after ghost stories, scenic drives, or interactive adventures. The city’s haunted landmarks and lively neighborhoods make it a perfect place for memorable explorations. Two especially appealing options are the Brew City Ghosts tour for spooky enthusiasts and the scenic 2-Hour Bus Tour for those wanting a broad overview. For convenience and comfort, the private airport transfers are hard to beat, especially after a long flight.
Remember, Milwaukee’s diversity means there’s something for every curiosity. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer stay, booking your preferred tour early can ensure you don’t miss out. Enjoy your adventure in Brew City—you’ll find plenty of stories and sights worth exploring.