If you’ve already seen our roundup of Milwaukee museums for kids, then you know our city is packed with exciting learning opportunities for families.
But if you have kids who are wild about fire trucks, then you won’t want to miss the Milwaukee Fire Museum, a real hidden gem.
Located in an old fire station at 1615 W. Oklahoma Ave. in Milwaukee., the Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) Museum and Historical Society holds an Open House from 12 – 3 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month (April – December).
Group Tours can be scheduled year round by calling 414-286-5272.
Established in 1995, the museum houses an impressive collection of Milwaukee’s firefighting memorabilia.
Highlights include the first MFD ambulance—a 1947 Cadillac—as well as two fire engines from the 1920s and 30s, built right in the MFD shops.
These vintage trucks even feature Waukesha six-cylinder engines, a detail that car enthusiasts will appreciate.
Upon entering, visitors are immersed in Milwaukee’s firefighting heritage.
Children and adults alike can explore vintage equipment, including helmets, extinguishers, and a telegraph system, all while learning about fire safety in an engaging way.
Kids can get up close to a cutaway fire hydrant, old call boxes, and, for the historically curious, a display on Milwaukee’s iconic fireboat, the Deluge, designed in 1949 with a low profile to pass under the city’s bridges.
The building itself preserves original features from its days as an active fire station, including a dormitory-style bunkroom, a vintage kitchen, a hose tower, and an alarm area.
Detailed murals trace the history of Milwaukee’s major fires and the evolution of firefighting in the city.
A museum guide sheet is available for self-paced exploration, or you can join a guided tour led by retired firefighters, some of whom served in the very same building, adding rich personal stories to your visit.
Other cool things to look for: different construction styles and materials, including terrazzo floors and push-bottom light switches.
The best part? It’s one of 15 free Milwaukee museums you can visit with your kids. Admission is free, with street parking available, and donations are graciously accepted to support this community treasure.
You can take a guided tour, or explore at your own pace using the museum guide sheet. Admission and street parking are free, but donations are always graciously accepted.
For more info head to their Facebook Page.
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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.
