Those who visit 12 or more stops can claim a free 125th anniversary commemorative coin. To get one, turn in a completed map – available here and at each stop – and return it to the South Milwaukee Fire Department by 3:15 p.m. on Sept. 17.
Living History
History will come to life at these modern-day institutions celebrating the proud past of South Milwaukee.
Bucyrus Museum (1919 12th Ave.)
Haven't visited this beautiful museum? Want to make another trip? Now is the time. Celebrate the history of South Milwaukee's iconic manufacturer with a special $5 admission rate.
Frederick C. Wulff Lodge (215 Lake Drive)
Let the Friends of Grant Park show you around the former home of Milwaukee County Parks pioneer Frederick Wulff, built in 1917.
South Milwaukee Historical Society (717 Milwaukee Ave.)
History is around every corner and in every room of the society's headquarters.
Benkowski Builders Downtown Train Station (1111 Milwaukee Ave.)
Get inside this iconic 1893 building, built for the Chicago & Northwestern Railway designed by architect Charles Sumner Frost, and beautifully restored by the Benkowski family.
South Milwaukee American Legion Post #27 (920 Monroe Ave.)
Learn about the post and South Milwaukeeans in the armed services with special tours offered by local veterans, as history comes to life throughout the building.
City Services
The following city services are also offering special tours for the Open Doors Event. See a firetruck or a snowplow. Sit in a jail cell. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the city's freshwater facilities. And see the library like you've never seen it before.
South Milwaukee Fire Department (929 Marshall Court 11 a.m.-2 p.m.)
Take a tour of the station, experience fire extinguishment and hand-only CPR demos, and check out the Survive Alive house.
South Milwaukee Police Department (2424 15th Ave. 11 a.m-2 p.m.)
Tours will run every hour on the hour, starting at 11 AM
South Milwaukee Water Utility (100 Marshall Ave.)
Ever wonder how fresh water gets to your home? Visit the water utility where tours will occur every half hour of the filtering plant, raw water building and high service building.
South Milwaukee Street Department (910 Marshall Ave.)
South Milwaukee Library (1907 10th Ave.)
Take a guided tour of the building with history of the Library and a behind-the-scenes look at how the library works to serve the South Milwaukee community with a special peek at the various digitization projects underway to help preserve South Milwaukee's past.
Local Schools
Think you've seen all there is to see at the middle and high schools? Think again. Stop by for behind-the-scene tours of these local institutions.
South Milwaukee Middle School (1001 15th Ave. Open 10 a.m.-1 p.m.)
Enter at Door #1 for a self-guided tour of the library, multi-purpose room, gymnasium and LTC.
South Milwaukee High School (801 15th Ave. Open 10 a.m.-1 p.m)
Looking to stroll back down memory lane? South Milwaukee High School building will be open from 10:00AM - 1:00PM for an open-house style visit. Enter the high school at door 9 (Front door entrance) to begin your guided or self-guided tour of all public areas of the high school building. On both floors of the school building, there are wonderful historic and current memorabilia to provide a great perspective on the history of South Milwaukee High School. “Orbit”, the school store will be open during visiting hours to provide you an opportunity to pick up your favorite South Milwaukee High School shirts, jackets, and other apparel.
South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center (901 15th Ave. 1p.m-3 p.m.)
The SMPAC will host mini-tours of the theatre, tech booth, stage and backstage areas of the facility every 15 minutes from 1-3 pm. SMPAC is located inside of the high school at 901 15th Ave. Enter Door 9 and go upstairs to the theatre entrance on the second floor.
Places of Worship
South Milwaukee is home to some of the most diverse and historic faith communities in the county. See for yourself at these local houses of worship.
First Congregational Church (1111 N. Chicago Ave.)
The city's oldest church and cemetery dates back more than 150 years. See history come to life in the beautiful sanctuary. Many of the city's forefathers (and mothers) are buried here, too.
Masjid Al-Huda (1800 16th Ave.)
Take a tour of the mosque and Guidance Academy School, check out reading materials and try food samples as you learn about the Muslim religion.
Holy Resurrection Armenian Church (909 Michigan Ave.)
South Milwaukee was home to the first Armenian church in Wisconsin, and its cemetery is one of the oldest in the nation. Learn more about the history of Armenians in South Milwaukee during this special event.
Divine Mercy College Ave Campus (695 E. College Ave)
Enter at the gym doors off the main parking lot. The school, chapel and gym will be open. And come back for the Fall Celebration starting at 2 p.m., with raffles, games, music, and food planned. Mass begins at 4 p.m.
Businesses and More
A few local businesses and organizations are also opening their doors for Open Doors tours. Check them out-- and learn what makes them uniquely South Milwaukee.
Molthen-Bell & Son Funeral Home (700 Milwaukee Ave.)
Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of our oldest and most community-minded businesses.
South Milwaukee Human Concerns (1029 Milwaukee Ave.)
Meet the people and see the building behind our city's biggest social services organization.
Military Connection (723 Milwaukee Ave. 12pm-3pm)
Check out one of the region's most fascinating (and hidden) shops and museums, and learn more about Americans in service with items dating back hundreds of years.
Schlaraffia Milwaukia (500 Marquette Ave.)
Have you ever wondered what that building is at 5th and Marquette? You can find out during Open Doors- when the Badger Castle’s gates will open for the first time since it moved to South Milwaukee 35 years ago. Discover the home to the knights of the Schlaraffia, a German club spread throughout the world, located in Milwaukee since 1884 and now meeting in South Milwaukee. Their ideals are art, humor and friendship. We will give half-hour tours through our Ceremony Hall and Dining Hall, where you can witness the history of our Schlaraffia Milwaukia. Though the Schlaraffia is a male club in practice, women are welcome to this tour event.