Your 2026 Best of the Burbs Editor's Picks

Milwaukee has 36 suburbs. Here's something to love from every single one.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:51pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic lifestyle object such as a coffee cup or piece of clothing repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the diverse offerings and unique charms of Milwaukee's suburban communities.The vibrant weekend celebration of Milwaukee's diverse suburbs will bring fun, local flavor, and creative energy to communities across the metro region.Today in Milwaukee

In the four years since MilMag introduced this feature highlighting great stuff across the metro, we've always felt like the bigger or busier burbs like Tosa, Oak Creek and Shorewood were sucking up a lot of the oxygen. That's natural, in some ways, but all of our communities have something to love. So this year we decided to cast a wide net and pick one awesome thing for every one of Milwaukee's suburbs, from Grafton to Mukwon­ago.

Why it matters

This roundup showcases the diverse range of attractions, businesses, and community events that make Milwaukee's suburbs unique and worth exploring beyond the city limits. By highlighting a standout feature from each suburb, the story encourages readers to venture out and discover the hidden gems, local traditions, and vibrant culture found across the metro area.

The details

The story covers a wide variety of suburban highlights, from a historic one-room schoolhouse in Brown Deer and a beloved local restaurant chain in Mequon to a giant troll sculpture in Wauwatosa's Firefly Grove Park and the annual Dachshund Dash in Germantown. It also spotlights natural wonders like the Lynden Sculpture Garden in River Hills, the Mequon-Thiensville Fishway, and the trails of Wehr Nature Center in Franklin.

  • The Dachshund Dash in Germantown takes place annually during Oktoberfest.
  • The Lions Daze festival in Sussex is held July 10-12 each year.
  • Margie's Garden at Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners opens for the season on May 1.

The players

Joseph Derosa

The 24-year-old who opened the first Chancery restaurant in Racine in 1972, launching a local casual dining chain that once had multiple locations across southeastern Wisconsin.

Reggie 'Da Crusher' Lisowski

A pro wrestler from South Milwaukee who became known as 'the man that made Milwaukee famous' and was honored with a life-size bronze statue in his hometown.

Malenna Smith

A white-deer advocate from Sauk County who believes the friendly, snow-white deer known as Penelope that roams Greendale, Franklin and surrounding areas is actually a fallow deer that escaped from a farm.

Lauren Bast

A member of the Penelope in Greendale Facebook group, which documents sightings of the famous friendly deer.

Richard Serocki

A Cudahy resident who has amassed an amazing assemblage of fanciful yard art creations outside his home, known as 'The Crazy Yard House.'

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What they’re saying

“People absolutely adore her. She is not afraid to walk right up to you, nuzzle you with her head when she wants to be petted, and gently eat fruits and veggies from your hand.”

— Lauren Bast, Member, Penelope in Greendale Facebook group

“How 'bout 'dat?”

— Reggie 'Da Crusher' Lisowski

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This roundup showcases the vibrant culture, unique attractions, and enduring community spirit found across Milwaukee's diverse suburbs. From historic landmarks and beloved local businesses to quirky roadside attractions and annual festivals, each suburb has something special to offer residents and visitors alike, proving that there's more to explore in the metro area beyond the city limits.