Golfers have long seen Milwaukee as little more than a waypoint between home and Destination Kohler, the legendary modern golf resort an hour north of town that is home to Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits. But Cream City is more than just a travel hub. With a metro-area population of more than 1.5 million, it is a vibrant city with plenty to do both on and off the course.

The home of the 2021 NBA Champion Bucks and pro baseball’s Brewers enjoys a scenic location on Lake Michigan’s western edge, causing local marketers to dub the area “America’s Third Coast.” The range of summertime activities near and on the water supports the claim. Milwaukee is also home to a heralded zoo and art museum, and the Wisconsin State Fair every August is one of America’s most popular. Milwaukee is increasingly multicultural, but the German influence over both local culture and cuisine continues to extend beyond the (excellent) beer, brats and dairy.

Head out of Milwaukee in any direction – not just north – and you’ll find worthy golf. Lake Geneva’s golf courses and resorts are less than an hour south, while gems like 2017 U.S. Open host Erin Hills and the historic, recently renovated Club at Lac La Belle highlight the golf possibilities west and northwest of town. To get some of the local flavor, play the Milwaukee County-owned Brown Deer Park, where Tiger Woods made his PGA Tour debut in 1996.