Things To Do
in Greendale
Greendale is a charming suburban village in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and community feel. As a thoughtfully planned town, it blends historic charm with a walkable town center and generous green spaces. Residents and visitors enjoy easy access to parks, bike paths, and the broader Milwaukee metro for culture and dining.
Although small, Greendale serves as a welcoming hub for outdoor recreation, local events, and relaxed Midwest hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing hike through the lush trails of Greendale's local parks. Breathe in the crisp morning air as you enjoy the vibrant greenery and wildlife that inhabit the area. Take a moment to capture the beautiful landscape with photos before heading into town for lunch.
After your hike, visit the historic downtown area, where you can explore quaint shops and local artisan markets. Grab a leisurely lunch at one of the charming cafés while sampling delicious local dishes. Spend the afternoon browsing through unique boutiques, or perhaps relax in the park with a good book.
As evening approaches, dine at a renowned local restaurant that offers farm-to-table options made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. After dinner, enjoy a stroll through the streets lit by charming lampposts, or find a cozy spot to settle in and enjoy live music from a nearby venue. Wrap up the day with a nightcap at a local bar, mingling with friendly locals.
Dedicate the morning to visiting Greendale's community museum, where you can learn about the town's history and heritage. Engage with interactive exhibits that provide insights into the lives of early settlers. Afterwards, stop by the local café for a boost to fuel your explorations.
Spend the afternoon visiting various art galleries displaying works from local artists and participating in any workshops or demonstrations available. Take your time to appreciate the creativity that flourishes in Greendale. Enjoy a casual lunch at a nearby sandwich shop, perfect for a mid-afternoon pause.
In the evening, attend a local theatre performance or community event that showcases the talent of Greendale's artists. Experience the palpable excitement of the crowd as you settle in for an entertaining show. Round off the night by enjoying a dessert at an ice cream shop that features unique flavors inspired by the region.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕️Coffee in a café | $3-6 |
| 🍝Three-course restaurant dinner for two | $25-50 |
| 🧀Local cheese or dairy product | $5-10 |
| 🚗Gasoline (per gallon) | $3-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Safe, family-friendly environment with a strong sense of community
- Close proximity to Milwaukee for culture, dining, and events
- Pleasant parks, trails, and outdoor recreational opportunities
- Historic town center with walkable streets and local shops
- Limited nightlife and high-end dining options within Greendale itself
- Some amenities require travel to nearby Milwaukee suburbs or the city
- Smaller scale compared to larger urban destinations
Places to Visit in Greendale
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic-style storefronts and tree-lined streets provide classic backdrop for daytime and golden-hour photography.
Green spaces with seasonal flower beds, benches, and open lawns ideal for candid portraits and nature shots.
Scenic segments along the Oak Leaf Trail offer water features and urban-to-suburban transition shots.
Food in Greendale
Greendale Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy, squeaky cheese curds often served fried or fresh with dipping sauces; a Wisconsin staple found in many diners and sports bars.
Must-Try!
Grilled bratwurst served with sauerkraut and mustard, a classic Wisconsin pairing popular at cookouts and restaurants.
A hearty portion of cod or walleye, battered and fried, with sides like macaroni and cheese or potatoes —weekend tradition in many local eateries.
Buttery Danish pastry dusted with sugar or icing, a festive pastry widely available at local bakeries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market hub in nearby Milwaukee offering prepared foods, fresh produce, and diverse bites from many vendors.
Seasonal market with local produce, baked goods, cheeses, and ready-to-eat street-food stalls in a bustling setting.
Seasonal market in or near Greendale offering local produce, honey, cheeses, baked goods, and small bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite, friendly greetings are appreciated; a simple “hello” or handshake is common in casual settings.
Keep voices moderate in residential and public spaces; be mindful of neighbors, especially in the evenings.
Respect lines and wait your turn in markets, bakeries, and cafés.
Tipping is customary in service settings; follow standard percentages and be respectful of staff when requesting dietary accommodations.
Safety
Tipping in Greendale
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and cafes, a tip of 15-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard for good service. For counter service or quick-serve, a smaller tip is common if there is no table service.
Cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payments are widely accepted. Many places prefer cards but keep some cash on hand for smaller vendors or markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with blooming trees; great for park strolls and outdoor markets. Rain showers are possible—pack a light layer and a compact umbrella.
Warm and often humid with long days; perfect for outdoor festivals, trail walks, and lakefront outings nearby. Stay hydrated and wear sun protection.
Colorful foliage and comfortable temperatures; ideal for scenic drives and photography. Layers recommended for cooler mornings and evenings.
Cold with possible snow; activities center on cozy cafés, museums in nearby Milwaukee, and winter trails. Dress in warm layers and be mindful of icy paths.
Greendale at Night
Hiking in Greendale
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Expansive network of trails through glacially formed terrain, about an hour’s drive from Greendale; ideal for day trips and longer hikes.
Urban-to-suburban trail system offering accessible hiking and light biking with scenic views along lakes and green spaces.
Paved and natural-surface trails in Franklin, WI, close to Greendale, suitable for easy to moderate hikes and family outings.
Airports
How to reach Greendale by plane.
Milwaukee’s primary airport, providing domestic and limited international flights; serves as a convenient gateway for Greendale residents and visitors.
Major Chicago-area hub offering extensive international and domestic flights; accessible for longer trips with a several-hour drive or rail/air combination.
Another Chicago-area airport with a wide range of domestic options; practical for trips to certain destinations, often a shorter drive from parts of the Milwaukee region than ORD.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A substantial portion of residents are families drawn to the community-oriented lifestyle and good school options nearby.
Greendale’s quiet streets and community events attract retirees seeking a safe, close-knit environment.
Many residents commute to Milwaukee or nearby suburbs for work, enjoying a balanced, affordable suburban lifestyle.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Milwaukee Brewers games and local recreational leagues are popular in the region.
Hockey culture is strong in the Milwaukee area, with local teams and community leagues.
Community leagues and school programs are common; nearby Milwaukee hosts NBA-level events and fan interest.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Greendale.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Greendale-area restaurants offer vegetarian options such as salads, veggie sandwiches, and pasta. When in doubt, request vegetable-forward dishes or sides like roasted vegetables, grains, and dairy-free preparations; many menus can accommodate dairy-free or egg-free requests with advance notice.