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You don’t have to hop on a plane to explore different countries and cultures. Around Milwaukee, there are destinations that feel like stepping into another part of the world – through architecture, design, gardens, food, and immersive museum spaces. Here are some of our favorite globally inspired spots that feel like a mini vacation.
💡For more year-round adventures with kids, check out our list of the 100 Best Things To Do With Kids Around Milwaukee.
🇮🇹 Italy in Milwaukee
- Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
Step into a grand Mediterranean-style villa, complete with ironwork balconies, terraced gardens, and a sweeping view of Lake Michigan. It feels like a summer escape to the Amalfi Coast.
🇵🇱 Poland in Milwaukee
- Basilica of St. Josaphat
This jaw-dropping Milwaukee landmark was modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and built by Polish immigrants using salvaged materials. Inside, you’ll find ornate murals, gold detailing, and soaring domes.
🇲🇽 Mexico in Milwaukee
- El Rey Supermercado
With its vibrant murals, piñata-lined ceilings, and authentic food stalls, El Rey feels like a lively Mexican market. Grab a fresh pastry or tamale and explore the aisles with your kids.
🇩🇪 Germany in Milwaukee
- Bavarian Bierhaus (Glendale)
This chalet-style building feels like an Alpine inn. It’s especially festive during Oktoberfest, but fun year-round with outdoor seating and German comfort food. - Mader’s Restaurant
An Old World classic on Milwaukee’s west side, this restaurant has a rich German interior with medieval armor, stained glass, and dark wood details that transport you straight to Munich.
🇨🇷 South America in Milwaukee
- Mitchell Park Domes – Tropical Dome
Walk into a rainforest full of orchids, waterfalls, and lush greenery. The hot, humid air and tropical plant life mimic what you’d experience in Central America or the Amazon Basin.
🇩🇰 Northern & Central Europe in Milwaukee
- Old World Wisconsin (Eagle, WI)
This outdoor museum brings 19th-century immigrant life to life with historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and hands-on experiences. Each homestead reflects a different European heritage – German, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, and more. It’s like walking through a pioneer village with global roots.
🇨🇭 Switzerland near Milwaukee
- Cedarburg, WI
Just 30 minutes north of Milwaukee, this historic town is full of stone mills, charming steeples, and cobblestone vibes that feel like a Bavarian or Swiss village. Great for strolling, shopping, and snacking with kids.
💡Want a full itinerary? Check out our guide to a Family Day Trip to Cedarburg.
🌍 Asia in Milwaukee
- West Allis, WI
For families who want to explore global flavors close to home, Pan-Asia Supermarket in West Allis is a fun and eye-opening stop. The large international grocery store features foods and ingredients from across Asia, including fresh produce, bakery items, frozen foods, and live seafood. Kids will enjoy spotting unfamiliar fruits, snacks, and treats, while adults can browse specialty ingredients and grab a bite at the in-store café, sushi counter, or boba tea shop.
🌍 Milwaukee Public Museum – Third Floor Immersive Exhibits
This floor is packed with culturally rich, immersive environments that let kids explore global destinations in one afternoon.
- Africa – Step into a savanna village, complete with huts, textiles, and wildlife displays.
- Arctic – Explore how Inuit communities live in icy environments.
- Asia – Visit recreated homes, markets, and religious shrines representing cultures across the continent.
- Pacific Islands – Walk through a Polynesian-style village and learn about life in the South Seas.
- South & Middle America – Discover pre-Columbian ruins and traditional village life.
- Crossroads of Civilization – Dive into the ancient worlds of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and early trade routes through the Mediterranean and Middle East.
It’s all beautifully done and feels like a world tour through space and time.
Keep Exploring With Your Family
If this list sparked your interest in global culture and travel, these related guides go a step further, from immersive museum experiences to real family trips that start right here in Milwaukee.
Related Posts
- 5 Best Places to Travel at the Milwaukee Public Museum
- Family Trips With Direct Flights From Milwaukee
- 10 Family Travel Ideas From Real Families Who’ve Been There
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.
