For a family morning adventure that combines fun and history, consider heading to the Pabst Mansion, an icon of Milwaukee’s Gilded Age.
With their Saturday morning tours tailor-made for families, your kids will get a peek into the opulent past and treasure trove of stories that accompany this historic building.
Family-Friendly Tours
Each room in this impressive mansion tells a part of Milwaukee’s beer baron history, but on Saturday mornings, there’s a twist that’s crafted just for kiddos.
The mansion’s Family-friendly Tours are designed to capture the imaginations of children and adults alike.
Search for whimsical animal figures hidden in the art and architecture, uncover secrets in a mysterious cabinet, and step into the shoes of young Elsbeth Pabst, growing up in this magnificent home.
These tours dial down the beer history and turn up the playful cheer, making it perfect for a family day out. And here’s the best part – kids can enjoy this slice of history free of charge.
The family-friendly guided tours are an easy-going half-hour journey available every Saturday at 9:30 am. It’s the perfect way to kickstart a weekend with a dash of learning and fun.
Make sure to book your tickets online to secure your spot on this unique adventure.
And for those moments when you crave a bit more freedom to explore, the mansion opens its doors for Self-Guided tours every day from noon to 1 pm. It’s your chance to wander through the mansion at your own pace, lingering in the rooms that capture your family’s interest the most.
Logistics
Tickets: You can purchase your ticket online or in the museum shop the day of the tour. Advance ticket purchase is not required, but tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis
Parking: There’s limited parking right at the Pabst Mansion (2000 West Wisconsin Avenue) and additional spots across the street. It’s all about making your visit as smooth as possible.
The Story Behind the Pabst Mansion
The Pabst Mansion is a testament to Milwaukee’s rich history and the enduring legacy of the Pabst family.
Built in 1892 for Captain Frederick Pabst, this mansion was the heart of the city’s social life, filled with art, elegance, and stories of grand parties and personal moments of the Pabst family.
Surviving the threat of demolition, the mansion now stands as a proud museum, inviting all of us to step back in time and experience the grandeur of the Gilded Age.
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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.
