Everyone knows the stereotypical story of the small-town girl: little farm town, conservative family, and an aching need for something more. But there is also a small-town girl that many people don’t recognize, a girl like you, and a girl like me. A girl that wants to prove herself, has high ambitions, and wants to make a difference in this big ol’ world. We all have that girl inside of us, whether from a town of 1,000 or 50,000. We all strive to do greater, see greater, and be greater.
When I was fifteen, I was given the opportunity to go to NYC. Hearing the words New York City still to this day sends shivers down my spine, so you could say that I was over the moon with joy when I set off on my high school trip. From the first time I had laid eyes on the city, I knew I wanted more than what my town had to offer. And when I took my first steps in Times Square, I was confident in that idea, knowing I was going to forever strive for the city.
As my high school years flew by, and time was crunching down on me to make post-secondary decisions, I couldn’t stop thinking about the thrill I felt when I went to NYC. This weight baring thought continued to be with me as I had to choose a university. I was torn between two wants – to either stick with my roots and go to a community college, or move to the city and experience something completely new.
That’s where UWM fits in.
Choosing to go to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I was given the opportunity to have the best of both worlds; a small, intimate campus life that just so happened to be only a few miles from the big city. As I began to venture out and explore Milwaukee more, I realized all of the parallels between MKE and NYC. In fact, I couldn’t stop seeing the similarities, and they made me feel even more secure in my collegiate choice.
Here is a list of places to go and things to do around the UWM campus that makes you feel like you are in the Big Apple.
1. The Third Ward
If you look just beyond the river, you will find yourself in the Historic Third Ward. If you’re longing for something historic, much like the urban streets of NY, the Third Ward is the perfect place to be. From the Milwaukee Public Market to the countless thrift stores, it’s gathered the name as Milwaukee’s Fashion and Art District. The Third Ward will give you the same feeling of the urban culture in New York.
(Historic Third Ward, pc: theknot.com)
2. Downtown MKE
One of the things most loved about NYC are the skyscrapers. Thankfully, downtown Milwaukee has plenty of them. One was even built so you can drive underneath it! But my all time favorite is the Milwaukee Building, which features giant lady bugs on the side that are almost the size of a ’68 VW Beetle!
(The Milwaukee Building, pc: Getty Images)
3. Ice Skating
Much like Rockefeller Center, MKE has its own outdoor ice skating rink. Open year-round, Red Arrow Park is the perfect place to go with some friends, on a cute date, or even by yourself – just try not to fall!
(Red Arrow Park, pc: johndecember)
4. The Museums
Milwaukee is home to various monuments and museums, some of which can take hours to complete. From the Milwaukee Art Museum and Discovery World to the Harley-Davidson Museum, you can fill your time discovering new things about the city and really feel like a traditional tourist.
(Milwaukee Art Museum, pc: JC Buck)
5. Cathedral Square Park
A former courthouse and jail location, Cathedral Square Park is like a mini Central Park. Home to various festivals and events, it’s most popular for hosting Bastile Days and a Christmas tree display (that even featues Santa’s Mailbox). This most definitely is the place to be when you want to feel like you’re in NYC.
(Cathedral Square Park, pc: Urban Milwaukee)