Milwaukee: A City Built on Water

Paddle through the watery history of the Midwest’s Cream City.

The success and survival of Milwaukee lies in the rivers that meander through its streets and the great lake at its eastern boundary. The Indigenous peoples of the region recognized the value of an abundant, clean water supply for food and transportation. Generations of immigrants, entrepreneurs, innovators, and recreationists used the same waters to travel greater distances, power million—dollar industries, and even have a bit...