Doors Open Milwaukee is an annual celebration of Milwaukee’s architecture, history and neighborhoods. The event opens 160+ locations throughout the metro area to tour for free!
This beloved space in Washington Park—originally a racetrack, zoo, and county park—has reopened after a remodel. Designed by Quorum Architects Inc., the 29,000-sq-ft center (reopened February 2025) includes a three-level observation deck, bird-glass features, and community-friendly indoor and outdoor spaces.
Visitor Experience
- Indoors: Borrow activity backpacks or yard games, relax with coffee in the bird library, check out the ecology room or snap binocular views from the observation deck.
- Outdoors: Self-guided tours of historical and ecological features like the Lloyd Street Prairie, orchard explorations, lagoon fishing, and pocket parks. Fishing poles are available at the front desk Historic Milwaukee, Inc
