Milwaukee is a revelation for visitors. The city is known for its ethnic communities, industrial heritage and sports teams. But you'll soon discover that Milwaukee is "big league" in many ways.

World-famous architecture and glorious Lake Michigan vistas beckon just a few blocks east of the UWM campus. Milwaukee supports a dynamic and diverse arts scene, with an exhibition and performance calendar that's the envy of much larger cities.

Even the city's best-loved institutions offer surprises: the IMAX domed theater at the Milwaukee Public Museum adds a planetarium; the Milwaukee County Zoo opens a multi-level "Giraffe Experience"; and the Milwaukee Art Museum creates an exhibit that will travel to the musée du Louvre.

Depending on the time of year, visitors enjoy ice skating in the heart of downtown or dance to the beat of a favorite band at the lakefront Summerfest grounds.

Whatever intrigues you, be sure to set aside time to sample what the city has to offer.