Get some local parking advice. To get to summerfest grounds, need to take water street south to Chicago Avenue, take that east to parking. To park at the lakefront, don't. Park downtown along Farwell or anywhere on the east side and walk down and cross Lincoln Memorial Drive. Being a lemming on Lincoln Memorial Drive sucks. You'll just be massed in with all the other bikes.

 

Live in Milwaukee and it was crazy. More people than for the 100th. The stadium on Thursday was just nuts. Waited in line 2 hours for food and the brat was the size of a breakfest sausage. Friday we went early to the Summerfest grounds, parked on the Lake Drive for free, crowds where not to bad until around 3PM. Rode in the parade Saturday, what a blast! Headed home after the parade. Came back down to Brady Street around 5Pm,parked there and walked down to see Bruce at the lakefront. Need to rest up after this past week!
Mr_Bill

 

It was nuts, definitely thought there were more here for the 105th than the 100th.

Anways, all the 'official' events are always too packed to be fully enjoyed. Best times are had at the street parties on either Water Street, Brady Street, or North Ave.

There were also a number of events outside the city such as checking out all the dealer parties or seeing Lynyrd Skynyrd up in Washington County.

I enjoyed just riding around to all the events and dealerships, once I get my SG I'm planning a ride up to door county end of SEPT.

 

I made my way to Miller Park on Thursday and was just appalled at the lack of space they had for the event. I think that a Sardine is more comfortable in a can, then I was at that place. The sound system was a bit lacking, in my opinion. If you weren't straight in front of the stage, you couldn't hear all that well. I couldn't see a damn thing, even the screens, because people insisted on standing on top of the chairs and tables. Saw some beer flying and fists as well because of that.

After that, I am glad I didn't head down the Summerfest grounds. Heard it was worse and the lines to get stuff were worse. I was quite content with just seeing the town again and hitting up the dealers. Never seen so many people pack into one dealer parking lot, but at least you didn't have to wait an hour to get a beer there.

 

was there on saturday only, and I would say that I was able to take it all in. We hit Hals HD and House of HArley along with Milwaukee HD, all great venues, same ole stuff as far as t-shirts and stuff, but it was great. Never been to anything like that before, and man was I impressed to see all of the bikes. Not to mention that the people there were very nice! and helpful. Only stopped by the lakefront for a lil bit, and to say the least my bike is DIRTY. Seems like they dont like to park bikes on the concrete or ashpalt, only on the grass... and Hals was a dust pit! So I got to get up early and wash the bike real good, she (the bike) is tired and dirty, and all most of you know, that is never good!

Take care all and travel safe!

 

went there and as usual I felt sorry for anybody that rode more then 100 miles to get there, milwaukee is one boring city

 

lol.......50 years in this boring shthole for me

 

Shocked, Livid and Appalled... Uh... I didn't go... just like saying that

 

I rode up Friday morning from Joliet, IL. Took route 47 north to Lake Geneva and then 50 over to Kenosha and 32 north to Milwaukee. Had no trouble finding free parking about 4 blocks from the lakefront on both Friday and Saturday. Many vendors on the street were selling water for $1.00 and beer was reasonable outside of the Sumerfest grounds. I had a great time and was glad I went. The only thing that was a waste of time was the special "Hog Island" area they had set up for HOG members. Had to show HOG card to get thru gate and then walk about 15 minutes to get there only to find out there was no particular reason to go there.

 

I never understand why people say Milwaukee is boring, that usually comes from people who have lived here their entire life.

I can tell you from being all over the world and living in the Milwaukee area through High School/College and now returning after 5 years that Milwaukee has plenty to do.

I just doesn't have that usual big city feel like New York or Chicago, but that is what makes it unique.