THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Experience Milwaukee’s historic taverns like never before with the Draft Day Draughts tour, blending NFL Draft excitement, local lore, and carefully curated brews. Discover why these century-old bars remain a cornerstone of the city’s culture.
Experience Milwaukee’s historic taverns like never before with the Draft Day Draughts tour, blending NFL Draft excitement, local lore, and carefully curated brews. Discover why these century-old bars remain a cornerstone of the city’s culture.
Book with Milwaukee Food & City Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Milwaukee Food & City Tours · Milwaukee, Wisconsin
As the excitement of the NFL Draft electrifies Milwaukee, Draft Day Draughts offers a unique way for football fans and history buffs to explore the city’s vibrant bar scene. This curated tour dives into Milwaukee’s storied taverns, some in operation since 1847, revealing how these local watering holes have become woven into the fabric of the city’s sports culture and social history. Departing from the convenient State Fair Park and Ride, guests embark on a guided journey across the city’s most iconic pubs, learning about the taverns’ rich past while enjoying carefully selected drinks and traditional snacks.
Milwaukee’s brewing heritage and passionate fanbase create an atmosphere unlike any other during the NFL Draft, and this tour captures that spirit perfectly. Visitors taste two 6-ounce beers and two 6-ounce specialty drinks, each thoughtfully paired with classic German pretzel bread and an assortment of fine meats and cheeses. This pairing not only satisfies the palate but also offers a glimpse into the city’s German-American roots, which profoundly shaped Milwaukee’s hospitality traditions.
The tour is designed to be accessible with minimal walking and multiple opportunities to board and disembark comfortably from the tour bus, although it’s important to note that attendees must manage some stairs, making this tour unsuitable for those requiring wheelchair access. Holding a maximum group size of 28 ensures a welcoming, intimate experience led by a local expert who shares lively stories and historical context, making Milwaukee’s tavern culture come alive.
What sets Draft Day Draughts apart is its fusion of sports enthusiasm and cultural exploration. This isn’t just a bar crawl; it’s a walking history of the city’s social heart through the lens of its celebrated football weekend. Each stop reveals fascinating tales about Milwaukee’s taverns during their 175+ year span, highlighting how these establishments have been hubs for community gathering, spirited debates, and impassioned game-day celebrations.
Whether you’re a local seeking to rediscover favorite haunts or a visitor hungry for an authentic slice of Milwaukee life, Draft Day Draughts offers an engaging, flavorful, and educational experience. The combination of historical insights with craft brews and traditional snacks makes it a standout choice for anyone eager to connect deeper with Milwaukee’s past and present in a festive NFL Draft atmosphere. Book early, as spots fill quickly during draft weekend!
easy.
3 hours.
Minimal physical activity with short walks; suitable for most adults in reasonable health.
No, due to stairs required to board and exit the bus multiple times, this tour is not wheelchair accessible.
The tour includes two 6-ounce beers and two 6-ounce specialty alcoholic drinks selected to complement the historic tavern experience.
Yes, guests receive traditional German pretzel bread and an assortment of fine meats and cheeses at two stops during the tour.
Vegetarian options are available; however, gluten-free, vegan, kosher, and other specific dietary accommodations cannot be provided.
The tour lasts approximately three hours, including transportation and scheduled stops at multiple historic bars.
Gratuities for the guide and driver are not included in the ticket price but are appreciated if you had a great experience.
Milwaukee’s tavern culture dates back to 1847, heavily influenced by German immigrant traditions that shaped the city’s brewing and social scenes.
The tour promotes sustainable tourism by supporting local businesses and encouraging responsible enjoyment of Milwaukee’s cultural resources.
Milwaukee Food & City Tours offers guided food and cultural tours in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and nearby towns. The company specializes in neighborhood walking tours, themed culinary routes, and a streetcar history experience aboard The Hop. Tours highlight Milwaukee favorites such as the Friday night fish fry and Wisconsin specialties including Butter Burgers, cheese curds, and frozen custard. The tour lineup includes the Milwaukee Fish Fry Tour, Streetcar History Tour, InstaMKE Photo Walk, Cedarburg Sweets & Treats Tour, Walker's Point Stroll, Sip & Savor, Village of Wauwatosa Tour, Churches & Chocolate Tour, Around the Ward in 90 Minutes, Dairyland Delights, and the Milwaukee Pizza Bus Tour. Experiences pair local history with tastings from pizzerias, chocolate shops, bakeries, craft breweries, and specialty food purveyors. Each tour is led by a local guide who points out historic sites, public art, and neighborhood stories while arranging curated samplings and a sweet finish on many routes. Activities range from short walking explorations and streetcar rides to longer three‑hour food walks and an afternoon trip to Cedarburg that includes artisanal chocolates, pastries, wine, and an olive oil tasting. Milwaukee Food & City Tours focuses on creating approachable, informative outings for residents and visitors who want to explore the city through food and history. The company operates with transparent tour descriptions and clear itineraries so guests know which neighborhoods and signature flavors they will experience. Reservations and specific tour details are available through official tour listings. Book tickets online to confirm dates, times, and accessibility needs ahead.
Book with Milwaukee Food & City Tours