Nestled along a magnificent bluff overlooking one of Lake Michigan's most beautiful bays, Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin and the 18th largest nationwide. In summer, it is literally--and figuratively-- "Cooler By the Lake."

As the "City of Festivals," Milwaukee celebrates its melting pot heritage throughout the year with a delightful procession of ethnic festivals. African World Festival, Asian Moon Festival, Bastille Days, Bavarian Folk Fest, Festa Italiana, German Fest, Greek Festival, Holiday Folk Fair, Indian Summer, Irish Fest, Mexican Fiesta, Oktoberfest, and Polish Fest are all colorful tributes to a cherished past and a vital future. This kaleidoscope of culture also influences an eclectic array of restaurants, art galleries, museums and performance art throughout the area.

In addition to the ethnic festivals, Milwaukee is home to the nationally acclaimed Summerfest, one of the largest music fests in the world, and the Great Circus Parade, a one-of-a-kind extravaganza that draws nearly a million spectators to downtown Milwaukee.

Milwaukeeans do more than watch the action from the sidelines. They participate every chance they get. Biking, swimming, skiing, football, baseball, tennis, golf and running are just a sampling of the recreational activities available in Greater Milwaukee. Nearly 15,000 acres of parkland in Milwaukee County, and numerous private facilities, provide plenty of room for all.

Cycling brings national and international competitors to Milwaukee each summer. For bicyclers interested in a more leisurely ride, 76 miles of area bike trails wind their way through many of Milwaukee's County parks.

Milwaukee County contains 16 public golf courses. Golfing enthusiasts can choose from regulation 18-hole courses, par-3 and regulation 9-hole courses or pitch and putt courses.

Nine beaches along Milwaukee's 60-mile lakeshore fill with swimmers, volleyball players and people enjoying the warmth of the summer sun. Twenty county-operated public swimming pools and water slides also provide enjoyable relief from the summer heat.

Regattas on Lake Michigan are just some of the boating opportunities in Greater Milwaukee. Thousands of boaters take to the water each year. Windsurfers, water skiers, and sailing enthusiasts spend delightful summer afternoons on the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan.

Additional facilities available through Milwaukee County's 140 perfectly landscaped parks include tennis courts, boat launches, lawn bowling, soccer and rugby fields and frisbee golf.

The appeal of Lake Michigan is enhanced by some of the country's finest inland sport fishing. Fully equipped charter boats provide both novices and experienced fishers an opportunity to do battle with the game fish that reside at Milwaukee's front door. Lakefront docks are often lined with hopeful fishers on summer days.

A multitude of museums awaits the eager visitor. The Milwaukee Public Museum, ranked number one in exhibits nationwide, has astonished visitors with its unique walk-through exhibit designs since 1882. The Milwaukee Public Museum is part of the new Museum Center, a $17.3 million complex, which also houses the Humphrey IMAX Dome Theater, a 275-seat theater featuring a giant, wrap-around domed screen and Discovery World - The James Lovell Museum of Science, Economics and Technology which features "touch and do" exhibits for kids ages 10 and up. This three-attraction entity is joined by a shared visitor corridor and joint ticketing areas. The Milwaukee Art Museum, housed in a landmark Eero Saarinen building on the lakefront, is Wisconsin's premier visual arts museum and a $35 million expansion is also scheduled for this facility.

In addition, The Milwaukee County Zoo is consistently ranked among the finest zoological facilities in the world; The Mitchell Park Conservatory, comprised of three geodesic domes, offers visitors the climate of a tropical rain forest, an arid desert or a seasonal floral display; the Milwaukee County Historical Society provides a trip back in time; the Pettit National Ice Center, the only facility of its kind in the U.S. and only one of five in the world, offers public skating along with a 400 meter speed skating oval and two international sized ice sheets for Olympic training; Whitnall Park and the Schlitz Audubon Center offer spectacular gardens and nature walks.

Of course, the Genuine American experience wouldn't be complete without a brewery tour. Miller Brewing Company provides an inside glimpse at the fascinating history of brewing in Milwaukee as well as an opportunity to sample the current brew. Sprecher Brewery offers some of the best connoisseur-style, or micro-brewery, beers in the world.

Milwaukee boasts a wide range of historical and architectural landmarks including the Pabst Mansion, home of one of the city fathers and beer barons; the St. Joan of Arc Chapel, originally built during the 15th century in Lyon, France; the Charles Allis Art Museum, the English Tudor mansion of the first president of Allis- Chalmers Company; The Kilbourntown House, an excellent example of Greek Revival architecture, listed on the National Register of Historic Places; Milwaukee's City Hall, a landmark of Flemish Renaissance design built in 1895; the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, a magnificent example of Byzantine architecture and the last major building from renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright; and St. Josaphat's Basilica, an architectural masterpiece and the first Polish basilica in North America. All these landmarks are just an example of the vast array of splendid architecture to be seen in Milwaukee.

Milwaukeeans donate more per capita to the arts than any other city in the country. The result: an extensive variety of performing arts from which to choose.

Enjoy a potpourri of free entertainment at the Marcus Center riverfront, featuring jazz, country and rock. Rainbow Summer is held in the Peck Pavilion during noon hours and Tuesday evenings. The Lakefront Festival of Arts, one of the finest professional outdoor arts festivals in the country, is held June 14-16. The 34th annual festival is sponsored by the Milwaukee Art Museum and held along Milwaukee's lakefront. The event features artist demonstrations, music, children's events, food and refreshments.

Milwaukee boasts year-round world class arts and cultural venues. Enjoy the Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Florentine Opera Company and Broadway performances at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. The Pabst Theater hosts national dance, theater and musical performances each year. Not to mention the beautiful Broadway Theater Center and Milwaukee's theater district featuring musical theater, drama and comedy.

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