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Milwaukee is home to some truly unconventional museums. Whether you’re a local looking for a fresh weekend activity or a visitor searching for offbeat experiences, these five quirky museums around Milwaukee are sure to surprise and delight.
Unique & Offbeat Museums in the Milwaukee Area
Not every museum has marble halls and quiet galleries. Around Milwaukee, you’ll find a handful of small, unexpected spots that lean into the unusual—places filled with bobbleheads, spinning tops, spy gadgets, and even thousands of cat figurines.
These museums aren’t just fun because they’re quirky. They also make great family outings when you’re looking for something different, something hands-on, or something your kids will talk about long after you leave. If you love discovering hidden gems or stepping off the traditional museum path, this little collection is a great place to start.
5 Quirky Milwaukee Museums to Explore
1. Redner’s Rescued Cat Figurine Mewseum (Menomonee Falls)
📍N88W15114 Cleveland Ave, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
Step into a world where cats reign supreme at Redner’s Rescued Cat Figurine Mewseum. Tucked away in Menomonee Falls, this nonprofit showcases an incredible collection of cat figurines. The museum, run by a couple with a deep love for felines, donates all entry fees to local cat shelters and rescue organizations.
- Hours: Tours are by appointment Monday through Friday (5:00 PM–8:00 PM) and weekends (after 11:00 AM). On the 3rd Sunday of the month, no appointment is necessary.
- Admission: $5 for adults, free for kids 12 and under.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re into offbeat, ultra-niche attractions, this might be for you. Just be prepared for the fact that, yes, you are literally walking into someone’s home to look at their extensive cat figurine collection.
2. National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum (Downtown Milwaukee)
📍170 S 1st St 2nd floor, Milwaukee, WI 53204
The World’s Largest Collection of Bobbleheads
With over 10,000 bobbleheads on display, the Bobblehead Museum celebrates the whimsical and wobbly world of bobbleheads. From sports icons to movie characters, every corner of pop culture is represented. Perfect for a family outing, the museum also offers scavenger hunts for kids and adults alike.
- Admission: $5 per person.
- Pro Tip: Don’t miss the scavenger hunt – available at the front desk – and the penny press machine for a budget-friendly souvenir.
3. The SafeHouse (Downtown Milwaukee)
📍779 N Front St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
A Spy-Themed Dining Adventure
Part restaurant, part interactive museum, The SafeHouse offers an espionage-themed experience that’s fun for all ages. Kids will love solving scavenger hunts and playing with secret doors, while adults can enjoy the clever design and spy memorabilia (there’s even a real piece of the Berlin Wall!). Don’t know the password to enter? Be prepared to complete a “clearance test” to gain access.
- Family-Friendly Hours: Before 8:00 PM, the space is welcoming for kids and families.
- Must-Try Experience: Ask for the “disappearing booth” table for a magical dining surprise!
- Pro Tip: Request a junior spy scavenger hunt at the hostess desk to keep the kids entertained.
4. Spinning Top and Yo-Yo Museum (Burlington)
📍533 Milwaukee Ave, Burlington, WI 53105
Science, Toys, and Hands-On Fun
The Spinning Top & Yo-Yo Museum is a spinning wonderland. With over 400 types of tops, yo-yos, and gyroscopes, this interactive museum is as educational as it is fun. Enjoy hands-on demonstrations, browse the toy gift shop, and even sign up for a yo-yo class.
- Important Note: Their hours vary widely, so you need to check their Facebook page before you go.
5. Mitchell Gallery of Flight (Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport)
📍5300 S. Howell Avenue
A Hidden Gem for Aviation Enthusiasts
This small but impressive museum inside the airport chronicles Milwaukee’s aviation history. Learn about local aviators and their contributions, check out vintage flight memorabilia, and even explore artifacts related to space exploration. Best of all, admission is free!
- Why Visit? It’s an easy, engaging stop before a flight or during a layover.
On a budget? Be sure to check out free admission days around Milwaukee to exciting museums and attractions.
More Unique Things To Do in Milwaukee
Harley-Davidson Museum (Downtown Milwaukee)
📍400 W Canal St, Milwaukee, WI 53201
Rev Your Engines for Motorcycle History
This iconic Milwaukee institution dives deep into the story of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. From the earliest models to modern engineering marvels, the museum’s collection of bikes is jaw-dropping. Families will love the interactive galleries, where kids can climb aboard motorcycles and unleash their creativity in the Build-A-Bike exhibit.
- Highlights: The “Serial Number One” exhibit showcases the first-ever Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and the Tsunami Motorcycle Display tells a moving story of resilience.
- Pro Tip: Visit on a sunny day to explore the 20-acre riverfront campus and enjoy the stunning Riverwalk.
North Point Lighthouse and Museum (Lake Park)
📍2650 N Wahl Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211
History, Nature, and Panoramic Views
Nestled in scenic Lake Park, this historic lighthouse offers breathtaking views and a captivating glimpse into maritime history. Climb the 74-foot tower for a panoramic view of Lake Michigan and downtown Milwaukee, and explore the museum’s exhibits featuring shipwreck stories and pre-GPS navigation tools.
- Pro Tip: Climbing the tower is a must—but you need to be at least 38 inches tall!
Related Guides for Museum Enthusiasts
- Discover more local gems with 20 Milwaukee Museums Your Kids Will Love.
- Heading to Chicago? Don’t miss 5 Quirky Chicago Museums Your Kids Will Love Exploring for even more fun-filled adventures.
- Explore the best of the Badger State with 25 Wisconsin Children’s Museums Your Kids Will Love.
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.
