Whenever I go to Milwaukee, I always think I need to go more often. It’s such an underrated, beautiful city and only about 90 minutes from Chicago.

On a recent trip to the Cream City, my buddy Tony Feddeler and I gave ourselves extra time to check out some outdoor sculptures. The public art tour actually started in south Milwaukee at a statue of

Da Crusher was Reginald Lisowski, known as “the wrestler who made Milwaukee famous.” Unveiled in 2019, with a beer barrel hoisted on his right shoulder, the bronze statue honors the lifelong South Milwaukee resident whose in-ring career spanned 40 years.

Our next stop was another Milwaukee icon, although this one is fictional. Located on the RiverWalk, the Bronze Fonz depicts Henry Winkler as “The Fonz,” an iconic character from television’s Happy Days, a sitcom set in Milwaukee. Much of the cast was in attendance for the dedication ceremony in 2008.

A block away sits a statue of Gertie the Duck, who captured the attention of Milwaukee and the country during World War II. Gertie was spotted under the Wisconsin Avenue bridge, where she protected nine eggs. The eggs produced six ducklings. Despite storms, fires and flooding, Gertie and five ducklings survived the 37-day ordeal. Gertie and her ducklings were eventually relocated to a safe nearby lagoon.

The RiverWalk is about a three-mile walkway along the Milwaukee River in downtown Milwaukee. There are several other permanent and temporary sculptures along the route. It’s a beautiful area enhanced by the sculptures. We enjoyed a light lunch at Mo’s Irish Pub, one of many excellent dining options in the area.

Because it was a very clear, bright day, we took a slightly longer route along Lake Michigan on the way back to Chicago. As always, we agreed we need to visit Milwaukee more often. No, we just need to make plans to make it happen.

— John Wroblewski, online writer