The Pabst Mansion is one of Milwaukee’s most iconic historic homes, and tours run year-round. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or planning a return trip, this quick guide covers everything you need to know — tour options, ticket prices, parking, must-see rooms, and tips for visiting with kids.
And if you’re visiting with kids? You’re in the right place. We’ve included everything you should know to make it fun, smooth, and genuinely interesting for little explorers.
About the Pabst Mansion
Built in 1892 for Captain Frederick Pabst — the legendary Milwaukee beer baron — the mansion showcases the city’s Gilded Age glamour. From lavish woodwork to original art to quirky hidden features, every room tells a story about the Pabst family and Milwaukee’s brewing heritage.
The mansion was once nearly torn down but was saved by preservationists. Today, it’s a museum dedicated to sharing the Pabst family’s legacy with visitors from around the world.
Tour Options at the Pabst Mansion
The Pabst Mansion offers several types of tours throughout the year. Here’s a quick overview to help you choose the best fit for your visit:
Guided Tours
Perfect for visitors who want the full story behind the architecture, artwork, and Pabst family history.
Self-Guided Tours
Available daily from 12:00–1:00 p.m., these offer a slower-paced, choose-your-own-adventure style experience.
Family-Friendly Tours
Every Saturday at 9:30 a.m., the mansion hosts a special 30-minute tour designed just for families.
These tours dial down the beer history and turn up the kid-friendly fun, making it a great intro to Milwaukee history.
Kids can:
- Search for whimsical animal figures hidden in the art.
- Discover secrets in one of the mansion’s mysterious cabinets.
- Step into the shoes of young Elsbeth Pabst, experiencing what it might have been like to grow up in this magnificent home.
Bonus: Kids visit free on the family tour.
Seasonal Highlight: Pabst Mansion Christmas Tours
During the holidays, the mansion transforms for Christmas at the Pabst Mansion, a beloved Milwaukee tradition featuring:
- Visits from Father Christmas
- Elaborate Victorian Christmas décor
- Trees in nearly every room
- Special evening hours
- Holiday photo ops
This is one of the busiest times of year, so book early if you can.
Tickets & Prices
You can purchase tickets online or in the museum shop on the day of your visit.
Advance purchase is recommended on weekends and holidays.
Tours sell out on a first-come, first-served basis, especially the Saturday family tour and Christmas season tours.
Pabst Mansion Hours
Hours vary by season, but typical hours include:
- Guided Tours: Morning and afternoon times vary
- Self-Guided Tours: Daily from 12:00–1:00 p.m.
- Family Tours: Saturdays at 9:30 a.m.
Before you go, check the official website for the most accurate seasonal schedule.
Where to Park
There’s limited parking in the small lot on-site at 2000 W. Wisconsin Avenue, with additional parking available across the street. Everything is located close together, keeping your visit easy and manageable with kids.
Hidden Secrets of the Pabst Mansion
The mansion is full of surprises, and kids love discovering its quirky hidden features:
Unexpected Safes
- A pie safe in the butler’s pantry
- A walk-in safe disguised as a pantry where the Pabsts stored valuables
Hidden Study Features
- A cozy nook under the stairs
- A cigar humidor with a secret latch
Basement Oddities
- A barrel-vaulted stone basement
- Pavillion pieces from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair (waiting to be rebuilt!)
- Captain Pabst’s wine cellar — despite being a beer baron, he preferred wine
Spooky Remnants
Perfect for older kids and Halloween season:
- 1970s haunted house props
- Fake bloody handprints
- A mysterious radiation warning sign
(No confirmed ghosts — but the staff has fun with it during October’s “Illuminating the Dark” tours!)
Tips for Visiting with Kids
- The Saturday family tour is the best option for young kids.
- The self-guided hour (12–1 p.m.) is ideal if your kids like exploring freely.
- Ask for a scavenger hunt sheet — sometimes available seasonally.
- Point out the intricate woodwork, hidden animals, and unusual safes.
- Plan a stroller-free visit; the historic layout includes stairs.
More Museum Ideas Near Milwaukee
- Harley-Davidson Museum: An Adventure Through Motorcycle History
- Betty Brinn Children’s Museum: A Family Guide To Visiting
- Milwaukee Public Museum: Must-See Exhibits & Pro Tips
- 10 Best Things To Do at the Milwaukee Art Museum
- 100 Best Things To Do With Kids in Milwaukee
Milwaukee Mansion Tours
- Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum (Italian Renaissance-style mansion)
- Charles Allis Art Museum (historic Tudor mansion)
- Pabst Mansion
Frequently Asked Questions about the Pabst Mansion
Most guided tours run 45–60 minutes. Family tours run about 30 minutes.
Yes! Especially the Saturday morning family tour.
Some areas are accessible; check the official site before visiting.
Yes, non-flash photography is permitted in most rooms.
There are no official ghost stories, but the October tours have a fun spooky twist.
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.
