Travel Tips
Welcome to the NNS 2026 Travel Tips & City information page!
Here, you will find essential details to help you make the most of your experience of Milwaukee.
Where to Stay
NNS is proud to be partnering with several hotel properties that are conveniently located for delegates. Our partner hotels offer easy access to the conference venue, nearby dining, and Milwaukee’s most walkable neighborhoods. Delegates can expect comfortable accommodations, reliable transportation options, and proximity to key attractions along the lakefront and downtown core.
Getting to Milwaukee
By Air
General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is Milwaukee’s primary airport and the most convenient option for NNS attendees.
- Compact and easy to navigate
- Direct flights from major U.S. hubs
- Quick ground transportation access
By Train
Amtrak provides regular service to Milwaukee Intermodal Station from Chicago and other regional cities. The station is located in downtown Milwaukee, just a short ride from most hotels.
By Car
Milwaukee is conveniently located along Interstate 94, making it an easy drive from Chicago (approx. 90 minutes) and other Midwestern cities.
Ground transportation
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are widely available and typically the fastest option.
- Taxi: Taxis queue directly outside baggage claim.
- Public Transit: The MCTS GreenLine connects the airport to downtown Milwaukee.
- Car Rentals: Available onsite at MKE for those planning to explore beyond the city center.
Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
Chicago O’Hare International Airport is about 90 minutes south of Milwaukee and provides a wider range of international and domestic flight options. From O’Hare, attendees can travel to Milwaukee via rental car, private shuttle, or coach services, which offers direct service to downtown Milwaukee.
Getting Around the City
Milwaukee is compact and easy to navigate.
- Walking: Many restaurants, museums, and coffee shops are within a 10–20 minute walk of downtown hotels.
- The Hop Streetcar: A free streetcar connecting key downtown districts.
- Rideshare: The easiest option for destinations outside the downtown core.
Dining & Local Favorites
Quick Lunch
Options
Perfect between sessions or during short breaks:
- Sandwich shops, cafés, and fast‑casual spots throughout downtown and the Third Ward.
Group‑Friendly Dinner Spots
- Third Ward for modern dining
- Walker’s Point for innovative restaurants and group seating
- East Side for casual global cuisine
Local Specialties
to Try
- Wisconsin cheese curds
- Craft beer
- Lakefront seafood
Things to Do Between Sessions
Close to the Venue
- Milwaukee Riverwalk: A scenic, relaxing walk along the water.
- Milwaukee Art Museum: Iconic architecture and world‑class collections.
- Third Ward: Boutiques, galleries, and cafés for a quick reset.
- Brewers baseball: Enjoy a classic Milwaukee experience as the Brewers face the Philadelphia Phillies at home.
If You Have More Time
- Harley‑Davidson Museum
- Discovery World
- Lakefront trails for walking, running, or cycling
Coffee & Meeting Spots
Delegates often gather at:
- Colectivo Coffee
- Stone Creek Coffee
- Rally MKE
All offer reliable Wi‑Fi and space for informal meetings.
Networking Opportunities
Milwaukee’s walkable neighborhoods make it easy to connect with colleagues.
- The Riverwalk and Third Ward are ideal for informal meetups
- Lakefront patios are popular gathering spots in the evenings.
- Presenters are encouraged to visit their session rooms the day before to familiarize themselves with the space.
Arrival & Timing Tips
- Arrive one day early if you’re attending morning workshops or committee meetings.
- Sunday afternoon arrivals are popular — consider allowing extra time for airport transfers.
- Dinner reservations are recommended for Monday and Tuesday evenings during the conference.
What to Pack
June in Milwaukee is warm but breezy, especially near the lake.
- Light layers
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A light jacket or sweater
- Business‑casual attire for sessions
- A compact umbrella for occasional showers
About Milwaukee
The Midwest’s Coolest City. America’s Most Underrated Destination. Best Convention Center by EXHIBITOR Magazine 2025. Vogue magazine calls Milwaukee “the Midwest’s coolest and most underrated city.” These are just some of the fresh headlines celebrating Milwaukee, a meetings destination moving boldly forward with undeniable flavor.
Milwaukee, the Cream City, the Good Land, the City of Champions, now has a brand-new title to add to our mantle: one of National Geographic’s best destinations for travel in 2023.
Listed as one of the 25 “Best of the World” for this year, the publication touted Milwaukee’s lively energy and close-knit creative community, the article showcases what makes our city such a special place to visit.
From the iconic Harley-Davidson Museum to the upcoming Bronzeville Center for the Arts, the vast collection of local breweries to the classic Wisconsin fare, National Geographic shows off Milwaukee as the dynamic, growing city we all know it to be.