A curated list of attractions, local eateries and more for those attending PhiusCon 2025 in Milwaukee.
The building science and camaraderie are the main attractions during PhiusCon week, but you would be remiss not to explore the great city of Milwaukee while you’re in town the first week of October!
The Baird Center (the sustainably focused home of this year’s conference) is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, offering a variety of opportunities for extracurricular activities throughout the week. To aid in your planning for PhiusCon 2025 (Oct. 6-8), we have compiled some of the top nearby attractions in the blog below.
For the artistically inclined, the Milwaukee Art Museum is situated on the lakefront, offering stunning views both inside and out. It features the iconic Quadracci Pavilion, the sculptural structure designed by Santiago Calatrava that transformed the Milwaukee cityscape.
The Milwaukee Public Museum, Wisconsin’s most visited museum, sits just around the corner from the Baird Center. According to its website, “As a natural history museum, MPM provides an immersive experience that allows guests to explore the wonders of the natural world, the diverse cultures that inhabit our planet, and the histories that have shaped our modern lives.”
The ideal location to get a breath of fresh air in the morning or between sessions is the Milwaukee Riverwalk, which extends 3.1 miles along the Milwaukee River. It is a pedestrian-friendly path complete with public art, city views and cozy benches.
Another outdoor option is Zeidler Union Square, a downtown park offering a welcoming plaza and the Wisconsin Workers Memorial – all just a few blocks from the Baird Center.
We’re expecting beautifully mild early October weather during PhiusCon, but should the weather take a turn for the worse, you can still explore much of downtown Milwaukee via the downtown Skywalk system.
Dive into the heart of Milwaukee by exploring the Historic Third Ward, a neighborhood teeming with boutiques, galleries and the Milwaukee Public Market. “Ten square blocks of O.G. Milwaukee”, the Historic Third Ward is an ideal place to capture the local culture.
Unwind after a day of conference sessions and networking by taking in a performance at one of the various venues in the Milwaukee Theater District.
A PhiusCon travel guide wouldn’t be complete without a rundown of the top local spots to eat and imbibe! Below are some of the top options near the Baird Center:
If you have the time and means to venture beyond the downtown area, there are a number of nearby Milwaukee attractions worth checking out.
If possible, leave some time in your schedule to venture beyond the Baird Center this October. In addition to being an emerging hotbed for Phius passive building activity, Milwaukee and its surrounding areas have plenty of dining, entertainment and cultural landmarks worth checking out, most of which are within walking distance (don’t forget a pair of comfortable shoes!).
We can’t wait to welcome you to Milwaukee for PhiusCon 2025, and hope you make the most of your trip! Don’t have your PhiusCon ticket yet? Get it today – prices will increase the week of the event!