Milwaukee Magazine | 2026 North Shore Community Guide

Reasons to Explore the North Shore

You’ll find culture, shopping, entertainment and plenty of charm in the North Shore, just a short drive from Downtown Milwaukee. The area is made up of seven communities: Bayside, Brown Deer, Fox Point, Glendale, River Hills, Shorewood and Whitefish Bay. Here are just a few of the many reasons to visit:

UNIQUE COMMUNITIES

Explore the charm of each North Shore community, from the upscale shopping to the cultural treasures. With a variety of dining options, scenic parks and annual events, Milwaukee’s North Shore is an unforgettable  destination for residents and visitors alike. Its convenient location and diverse offerings make it an ideal getaway on the shores of Lake Michigan.

NATURAL OASES

The North Shore is home to great parks, beer gardens, fishing spots and hiking trails. From The Lynden Sculpture Garden to the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center that features six miles of trails that take you through 185 acres of forests, wetlands, restored prairies, ravines, bluffs and Lake Michigan shoreline. Explore the winding trails, catch a big salmon or even make a splash in the fresh waters!

SHOPPING GALORE

You’ll find the nation’s top retail brands, as well as small, local retailers across the North Shore. Shop till you drop at Bayshore, Milwaukee’s shopping destination. Or check out the famous Silver Spring Drive in Whitefish Bay, full of local stores and boutiques to explore. There is something for everyone.

DINING DESTINATIONS

With a mix of family-friendly establishments and upscale options, the North Shore showcases a commitment to culinary, baking and mixology excellence. Embrace Milwaukee's German heritage at The Bavarian Bierhaus, an old-fashioned beer hall with traditional hearty fare. Swing by Mallards Restaurant that brings Seafood & Southern Charm to Bayshore, or catch a game with the family or friends at The Brick Pub & Grill.

FAMILY FUN

Take a fizzy tour of the Sprecher Brewery or create colorful paintings at Hawaii Fluid Art – the North Shore is full of things to do for the young and young at heart.

THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW TO EXPLORE

New businesses are popping up on the North Shore all the time. Check out the North Shore Chamber of Commerce’s collection of trusted local businesses at discoverthenorthshoremke.com and plan your next excursion.

Discover where to eat, shop and more in the pages ahead!

North Shore Highlights

These local businesses are the heart of the North Shore. Grab dinner, go shopping and more with these local gems.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Argo

This premium entertainment space located in the historic Fox Bay Theater opened at the end of 2025. Designed by industry veterans, the venue includes The Lounge, serving a menu by chef Dan Jacobs and craft cocktails by Schyler Isham, as well as a ballroom for weddings, fundraisers, Jazz Wednesday concerts and more. The Lounge is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday starting at 4 p.m., no ticket needed. Built to elevate both experience and impact, The Argo donates $1 from every ticket to music industry wellness efforts. theargolive.com

HEALTH CARE

Azura Memory Care

People with early through late stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s can find high-quality care at Azura. The Fox Point location features four households staffed to handle differing conditions. The spaces are designed to look like homes, not hospitals, fostering comfort and familiarity. azuraliving.com

HOME

Bumble Bee Blinds

Start your blind-buying process with an inhome consultation from Bumble Bee Blinds. The team of home and design experts guides homeowners through budgets, styles and more, determining a personalized solution for every type of window. bumblebeeblinds.com/milwaukee-wi

RETIREMENT

Charter Senior Living

This Mequon senior living facility offers assisted living and independent living options, all centered around Charter Senior Living’s mission to “enhance the human spirit.” Charter’s core values include serving with heart, purpose and courage while having fun. charterofmequon.com

GRAPHICS AND DESIGN

Confluence Graphics

Looking for creative print designs to spice up your business or personal project? For over three decades, Confluence Graphics has

provided award-winning print, signage and mailing services. Woman-owned and locally operated, Confluence has invested in new equipment and technology to offer creative, high-impact print options. The staff take a consultative, relationship-first approach and help clients think strategically about how to print to support their goals. confluencegraphics.net

FINANCES

Cream City Mortgage

Do you have a dream home in mind but aren’t sure how to make it happen? Cream City Mortgage has an expert team that understands a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. The team offers financing, loan products and other options so clients can focus on their new home, not the stresses of financing it. creamcitymortgage.com

FOOD AND DRINK

Mosaic Catering

Everything is made from scratch with fresh, high-quality ingredients at Mosaic Catering, which offers full-service catering for corporate, social and private events. The staff create customizable menus for any event’s needs, whether it’s a business lunch or a wedding. cateringbymosaic.com

EDUCATION

North Shore

Montessori

School

Established in 2013 by Tracy Theisen, North Shore Montessori started as a single classroom. Over the years, it has grown to five classrooms serving children aged 20 months to the sixth grade. The teachers are Association Montessori

Internationale-certified and receive ongoing professional development. The curriculum is Montessori-based at all levels, and all children experience Spanish-language learning and other cultural exploration. montessorinorthshore.org

HEALTH

Revolutions Couples and Sex Therapy

Whether you’re struggling with physical or emotional pain, Revolutions can help. The therapists understand that sexual connection can be complicated and relationships are difficult. Clients can be seen in-office or through a secure telehealth platform. Revolutions offers couples counseling, group therapy, trans-affirming therapy and teen therapy covering topics like sexual pain, sexual trauma recovery, libido concerns and more. revolutionstherapy.com

VISIT

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

Visitors will find 6 miles of trails winding through 185 scenic acres of forests, wetlands, prairie, bluffs and Lake Michigan shoreline at the gorgeous Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. It’s also a prime spot for birders. Located along the Mississippi Flyway, the center is a designated Important Bird Area, with 266 unique bird species documented there. schlitzaudubon.org

SHOPPING

Stan’s Shoes

The Stan’s team believes shoes should cradle you, ground you and inspire you to move forward. The store curates fresh styles from around the world with exceptional comfort and craftsmanship, and fit them with expertise and care. Visit and look around. The team will help you discover the shoes you can’t live without. stansshoes.com

VISIT

Village Park

Summer events in Brown Deer’s Village Park include a weekly farmers market, Community Vibes Music in the Park series, Summer Scenes Movies in the Park and swimming at the pond. Stop by for an event and check out the park’s historic Little White School House, creek and recreational trail. bit.ly/bdvillagep