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If you’re looking for something totally different to do in Milwaukee -something creative and hands-on and truly unique – Bay View Printing Co. is one of the city’s best hidden gems. This 105-year-old letterpress shop blends art, history, and craft in a way that works for kids, tweens, teens, and adults alike.
Whether you’re designing a family motto poster, trying something artsy with your tween, or planning a unique night out, this spot deserves a place on your must-try list.
What Is Bay View Printing Co.?
A 105-Year-Old Working Letterpress Studio
Bay View Printing Co. has been around since 1918. Today it’s a fully functioning letterpress shop built around antique equipment, wood type, ink rollers, and the classic crank-powered presses you won’t find anywhere else. They also offer custom wedding invitations and letterpress design.
Why It’s a Milwaukee Hidden Gem
Workshops take place in their colorful, mural-covered building on Howell Avenue. Inside, everything is hands-on. Kids, teens, and adults can browse trays of wood type, design their own posters, ink the blocks, and run them through the press. It’s creative, tactile, and totally unplugged—perfect for winter, rainy days, or anytime you want something different to do in the city.
Family Poster Workshops (Ages 5 and Up)
What Kids and Families Can Expect
Family workshops take place in the basement studio, surrounded by antique printing equipment and drawers of wood type. Each family chooses their pieces, designs a poster, and learns how the printing process works.
Kids get to:
- Choose wood letters and shapes
- Create their own layout
- Pick colors
- Ink the pieces
- Crank the antique press themselves
Everyone leaves with 2–3 finished 11×17 posters to take home.
How the Letterpress Process Works
Staff give a quick demo to show how type is arranged, inked, and printed. Then each family builds their design on a metal tray, rolls ink onto the type, and prints the poster with the help of an instructor.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Wear clothes that can handle a little ink
- Arrive a few minutes early to explore the space
- Workshops typically run from 9–11 AM
- Registration is required for each family
- It’s very beginner-friendly, even if you’ve never done letterpress before
🎨 If your kids love hands-on creativity, explore our full guide to art studios for kids around Milwaukee.
Drink & Ink Nights for Teens and Adults (Ages 12+)
What You’ll Make
Each participant creates their own 11×17 poster—from the first idea to the final print. You’ll browse the wood type collection, design your layout, pick colors, and take home 2–3 completed prints.
What to Know Before You Go
- Held on select Thursday nights
- Runs from 6–9 PM
- BYO snacks or beverages
- Class size is limited to 10 people
- Registration is required, and sessions fill quickly
Why Teens Love This Experience
It’s creative, relaxed, and hands-on. Teens who enjoy art, design, or anything crafty really gravitate toward this workshop, and it makes for a memorable parent-teen outing.
For more ideas that older kids will love, see our guide to fun things to do with tweens and teens around Milwaukee.
Open Studio Hours & Membership
Who It’s Designed For
Open Studio time is best for older teens and adults who want time to experiment without a full class. Members can explore the presses, create their own prints, and develop ongoing projects.
Creative Opportunities for Older Teens & Adults
This is a great option for anyone who’s into graphic design, typography, or hands-on art. It gives them a chance to explore printing more deeply than in a single workshop.
Location & Parking
Address & How to Get There
Bay View Printing Co.
📍 2702 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
🌐 bayviewprintingco.com
Street parking is available along Howell Avenue and nearby side streets.
Don’t Miss the Colorful Community Mural
The outside of the building is covered in a vibrant mural featuring uplifting messages and bright colors. Kids usually love spotting all the different words and characters as they walk up.
Who Will Enjoy This Experience
Families with Kids
Family Poster Workshops are a great option for ages 5+, especially on weekends or during school breaks.
Tweens & Teens
Drink & Ink is a standout activity for older kids who like creating something unique. It also works well for birthdays or family outings.
Creative Adults & Visitors
If you’re looking for something memorable to do with out-of-town guests—or you simply enjoy Milwaukee’s artsy side—this is a great choice.
Nearby Things to Do in Bay View
Restaurants and Coffee Shops
Make it a full Bay View day:
- Find kid-friendly restaurants in Bay View
- Colectivo Cafe (rubber duck pond + smoothies)
Parks, Shops & Walkable Stops
- South Shore Park (lake views + playground)
- Humboldt Park (lagoon + playgrounds)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do workshops fill up quickly?
Yes, especially Drink & Ink nights. Advanced registration is recommended.
What ages are best for each workshop?
Family workshops: ages 5+.
Drink & Ink: ages 12+ with an adult.
How messy does it get?
Not very, but expect a little ink on fingers or sleeves.
Can you book a private workshop?
Yes. They offer private Drink & Ink sessions for groups.
Looking for more indoor fun? Check out our guide to the best indoor playgrounds around Milwaukee.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
