Knickerbocker on the Lake: A Historic Gem
Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, The Knickerbocker on the Lake is a historic landmark that has gracefully stood the test of time in Milwaukee. With a storied past that intertwines with the city's own growth and evolution, this iconic hotel and condo complex offers more than just a place to stay – it provides a journey through history. Sleepy Cat MKE celebrates that history with three uniquely designed Airbnbs.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, The Knickerbocker on the Lake is a historic landmark that has gracefully stood the test of time in Milwaukee. With a storied past that intertwines with the city's own growth and evolution, this iconic hotel and condo complex offers more than just a place to stay – it provides a journey through history. Sleepy Cat MKE celebrates that history with three uniquely designed Airbnbs.
Early Beginnings: The Roaring Twenties
The Knickerbocker on the Lake opened its doors in 1929. It was built at a cost of $1 million during a boom of apartment construction. This period was marked by economic prosperity, cultural dynamism, and architectural innovation. The building itself is a testament to the Art Deco style, which was popular during the era.
The Knickerbocker is on the National Register of Historic Places. Its registration notes, “The construction of the Knickerbocker Hotel coincides with the development of transient lodging away from railroad-oriented hotels to those that served a new automobile-owning group of travelers. These new hotels could be located away from railroads and did not have to be located in the immediate Downtown since the automobile provided more flexible transportation.”
“The residential hotel provided an alternative for transients brought about by the automobile. Because the Knickerbocker is one of the two best remaining examples of residential hotel construction in Milwaukee, and because this type of construction was important in the densification of the central city and represents a particular lifestyle of the middle and upper classes in the early 20th century, it is a significant architectural landmark in Milwaukee.”
The Great Depression and World War II
Despite its grand opening, The Knickerbocker faced immediate challenges with the onset of the Great Depression. However, its strategic location and reputation for elegance allowed it to maintain a steady clientele. During World War II, the hotel adapted to the times, hosting military personnel and events that supported the war effort. This adaptability would become a hallmark of The Knickerbocker's enduring legacy.
Following the war, the Knickerbocker flourished. The 1950s and 60s saw Milwaukee growing rapidly, and the hotel capitalized on the boom by modernizing its facilities. The introduction of contemporary amenities ensured that it remained competitive in an evolving market, attracting business travelers and tourists alike. The hotel's ballroom, The Red Lion Room, became a popular venue for social events, weddings, and conferences, solidifying its status as a community hub. Many performers of the time, such as Sammy Davis Jr., performed there.
The Shift to Condominiums and Modernization
In the 1980s, The Knickerbocker underwent a significant transformation. Recognizing the changing landscape of urban living, the decision was made to convert part of the hotel into condominiums. This innovative move allowed the building to cater to a new generation of residents seeking the convenience of city living with the charm of historic architecture. The mixed-use model, combining hotel services with private residences, has been key to its sustained relevance. While the famed Red Lion Room is long gone, the building hosts two restaurant spaces, a laundry room, an exercise room, spa, and salon.
Entering the 21st century, The Knickerbocker on the Lake has continued to balance preservation with modernization. Efforts have been made to maintain its historic charm while upgrading the infrastructure to meet contemporary standards. This delicate balance is evident in the restoration of its elegant lobby, the maintenance of original architectural details, and the inclusion of modern conveniences.
Sleepy Cat MKE
In 2022, Sleepy Cat’s owners Scott and Noreena, decided to expand their Airbnb holdings by purchasing a unit in the historic hotel. Over the years they’ve dined at several of the Knickerbocker’s restaurants and had friends who lived in the building. They loved the historic character of the building and felt a downtown Airbnb made sense for them. By 2024 their holdings have grown to three units at The Knickerbocker on the Lake each with its own unique style. The Beer Barons’ Retreat features stories and artifacts from Milwaukee’s brewing past and combines modern amenities with a Victorian era styling. The Jewel Box highlights the building’s Art Deco stylings as well as a view of the historic Wisconsin Gas Building and its jewel toned flame. And finally, the Blue Sky Escape combines a more contemporary feel with the peace and quietness of a top floor getaway.
Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or someone simply looking for a unique place to stay, The Knickerbocker on the Lake and Sleepy Cat’s stylish Airbnbs offer an experience that is truly timeless.
Beer Gardens in Milwaukee: A Tradition of Community and Craft
Milwaukee, often dubbed the "Brew City," boasts a rich history intertwined with beer and brewing. Central to this heritage are the beer gardens that have become a beloved part of the city's cultural fabric. From their 19th-century origins to their resurgence in recent years, Milwaukee's beer gardens reflect the city's diverse cultural influences and its enduring love for beer.
The Origins: German Roots in the 19th Century
The tradition of beer gardens in Milwaukee can be traced back to the influx of German immigrants in the mid-19th century. These settlers brought with them a profound brewing knowledge and a love for communal outdoor drinking spaces, known in Germany as "biergartens." Prior to the development of Milwaukee’s municipal park system in the late-nineteenth century, beer gardens fulfilled a growing need for open, public green areas as the city rapidly industrialized and grew denser. Proprietors augmented the city’s natural landscape with ornamental plantings, arbors, nurseries, terraces, and other cultivated elements common to German beer gardens. Beer gardens were also important places for Milwaukeeans to play in warmer weather, with features like shooting galleries, indoor and outdoor bowling alleys, and large open spaces for playing a variety of team sports and field games. Some gardens featured an ice skating rink and fire pit for cold weather socializing.
One of the earliest and most notable beer gardens was operated by the Pabst Brewing Company. Captain Frederick Pabst, who took over the company in 1864, played a pivotal role in establishing Milwaukee as a brewing powerhouse. The Pabst beer garden, along with those of other prominent breweries like Schlitz and Blatz, became popular destinations for both locals and visitors.
The Golden Age: Early 20th Century
By the early 20th century, beer gardens had become integral to Milwaukee's social life. These spaces were more than just places to drink; they were community hubs where people of all ages gathered for music, dancing, and festivals. The German influence was evident in the architecture, food, and atmosphere of these beer gardens, which often featured long communal tables, lush greenery, and live music.
Like beer gardens, beer halls hosted an array of band, choir, and opera performances, as well as balls, dances, and other folk celebrations, held year-round. The Schlitz Palm Garden was a popular spot for leisure seekers and family groups to bands and opera in their leisure time.
However, the golden age of Milwaukee's beer gardens faced a significant challenge with the advent of Prohibition in 1920. The 18th Amendment, which outlawed the production, sale, and transport of alcohol, forced many breweries and beer gardens to close or switch to producing non-alcoholic beverages. This period marked a decline in the beer garden tradition, though some establishments managed to survive by diversifying their offerings.
Post-Prohibition Revival
The repeal of Prohibition in 1933 sparked a gradual revival of Milwaukee's beer gardens. The end of the alcohol ban allowed breweries to reopen and reintroduce the city to its beer garden culture. The post-war era saw a renewed interest in outdoor communal spaces, and beer gardens began to make a comeback. However, Milwaukee’s many beer halls never returned following Prohibition.
During this period, beer gardens evolved to cater to changing tastes and demographics. While still retaining their traditional charm, many began to incorporate more diverse food options, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. The influence of other cultures also began to seep in, adding new flavors and experiences to the classic beer garden setting.
Modern Resurgence: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Starting with the Estabrook Park Beer Garden in 2012, Milwaukee has seen a significant resurgence in beer gardens, driven by a renewed appreciation for craft beer and outdoor communal spaces. There are over a dozen beer gardens now operating every summer throughout the county. This modern revival blends traditional elements with contemporary innovations, creating a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere.
Several key factors have contributed to this resurgence. The craft beer movement has played a crucial role, with local breweries creating unique and high-quality beers that attract both locals and tourists. Additionally, city initiatives have supported the development of public beer gardens in parks and other communal spaces, making them more accessible to a broader audience.
Near our Knickerbocker on the Lake rentals, you can find beer gardens across the street at Juneau Park and along the lakefront at the War Memorial (and Milwaukee Art Museum) or up the lakeshore at McKinley Marina called the Roundhouse Beer Garden. If you take the lakefront’s Oak Leaf Trail north, you’ll come upon the beer gardens at Hubbard Park and Estabrook Park. To the south there are beer gardens in the 3rd Ward at Catalano Square and at South Shore Park and Humboldt Park. The beauty of all of these beer gardens at county parks is that your purchase helps provide funding to the parks and park maintenance. These venues offer a mix of traditional German beers and local craft brews, along with a variety of food options, live music, and family-friendly activities.
The Cultural Significance
The enduring popularity of beer gardens in Milwaukee speaks to their cultural significance. They are more than just places to drink; they are vibrant social spaces that foster community, celebrate local craft, and preserve cultural heritage. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon with friends, a family outing, or a festive event, beer gardens provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
In Milwaukee, beer gardens are a testament to the city's brewing heritage and its ability to adapt and innovate while honoring tradition. As they continue to evolve, they remain a cherished part of Milwaukee's identity, offering a taste of history and a vibrant community experience that is uniquely Brew City.
Public and Private Beer Gardens List Milwaukee County Parks Beer Garden List
Biking Through Milwaukee
Milwaukee is a great bicycling city. There are great trails like the Hank Aaron Trail and Oak Leaf Trail as well as protected paths on city streets. If you don’t have your own bike you can rent a Bublr bike and enjoy all of the sites and sounds of Milwaukee.
You could say that the birth of Milwaukee’s bike trails took place on June 17, 1939, when a group of eight cycling enthusiasts, city officials and a reporter embarked on a 68 mile “test run” of a bike trail around Milwaukee County. They traveled along various types of roads and trails stopping at several throughout the county. They were the first to travel what would become today’s Oak Leaf Trail, a system of over 135 miles of bike trails in Milwaukee County.
That initial “trail” wasn’t officially recognized by the County until 1965. In 1974 the County made an important move to add an abandoned railway line from the north side of the city to downtown along the lakefront where the Milwaukee Art Museum now stands. The collection of trails were officially named the Oak Leaf Trail in 1996 after over a dozen more miles were added. Today, besides its own collection of nine trails, you can connect to other trails such as the Hank Aaron Trail which runs east-west from downtown past American Family Field, State Fair Park and the Zoo. You can also head west on the New Berlin-West Allis Trail, south on the MRK Trail and north on the Ozaukee Interurban Trail.
The Oak Leaf Trail is all about connection,” says Milwaukee County Parks Director Guy Smith. “It brings a diverse community of trail users together, including cyclists, dog walkers, birders, commuters and runners [and] provides a literal connection between the 19 municipalities in Milwaukee County.”
As a traveler to our Airbnbs in Milwaukee, you may not have your bikes with you. Not to worry, we’ve got a great local bike rental option. Bublr Bikes is Greater Milwaukee's nonprofit bikeshare program. With Bublr Bikes, you can take a bike from any Bublr Station, enjoy a ride to a local attraction, beer garden, or across town, and return the bike to any convenient Bublr Station. There are over 100 stations in the Milwaukee area. Pricing starts at just 25 cents per minute or $24 for a full-day pass. The website includes videos about how to access and use your bike. Visit https://bublrbikes.org/
For those of you curious about the name, Bublr comes from the fact that many Milwaukeeans call water fountains bubblers. This came started when a device attached to a faucet to let humans drink from it made the water “bubble” forth for drinking. Newspapers in 1910 referenced these fountains as “sanitary bubblers,” “fountain bubblers” or “water bubblers.” By the early 1920s the prefixes fell away and we were left with bubblers.
For getting around the city safely, the City of Milwaukee has identified 145 miles of streets for designated bike lanes. To date, over 85 miles have been implemented. If you’re curious as to the safety of streets for biking, they have also developed this map that rates each street for bike safety. Each street is rated from 1 (lowest biking stress) to four (highest biking stress) based on how many cars use the street and whether or not there is a bike lane. It’s a great help in getting around safely. https://mapmkeonline.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=25f76878080648479fd24d29908e8716
Milwaukee’s Cultural Icon
One of Milwaukee’s most beautiful and significant cultural attractions is the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and their beautifully restored hall, The Warner Theater. The theater opened in 1931 at 212 W Wisconsin Avenue in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. It was a hub of movie activity, including the 1989 local premier of “Major League,” the baseball comedy filmed mostly in Milwaukee. After being vacant for over 20 years, the theater opened at the MSO’s new home in 2021. The Warner Theater is a wonderful place to visit for any lover of music, architecture, history or Art Deco.
One of Milwaukee’s most beautiful and significant cultural attractions is the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and their beautifully restored hall, The Warner Theater. The theater opened in 1931 at 212 W Wisconsin Avenue in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. It replaced a smaller moviehouse and soon became one of Milwaukee’s finest. The grand movie palace was split into two theaters in 1973 and renamed The Grand, but much of the Art Deco details survived. A renovation took place in 1982 that saved and enhanced some of the theater’s original style. In April of 1989, the local premier of “Major League” was shown at The Grand. The theaters were closed in 1995 and the only activity seen after that were different ads on the marquee. In 2016 the Milwaukee Symphony announced plans to purchase and renovate the theater into its new symphony center.
The new symphony center was opened in 2021 and features a fully restored lobby and hall. It also includes state-of-the-art amenities and a new annex for gathering and refreshments before performances or during intermissions. The MSO was founded in 1959 and is one of the finest orchestras in the nation. It is currently led by Ken-David Masur and carries out over 135 performances per season. While I don’t know much about other symphonies across the nation, the MSO offers very diverse performances to engage and captivate audiences. Just last week the Indigo Girls performed with the MSO. Besides the more traditional classics and pops concerts, the MSO performs a variety of genres with traveling artists in jazz, blues and folk. They even perform to showings of hit movies like Harry Potter and Star Wars.
Noreena and I have caught various MSO performances including Beethoven’s 9th, a night of Aaron Copland, Mendelson, Tchaikovsky, Bach, Mozart and even a tribute to Elton John and Paul McCartney. They also have great education and community outreach programs. Another unique aspect to the symphony center is the 1981 mural by artist Richard Haas. The mural covers the blank east wall of the office tower with added architectural embellishments and reflections of some of Milwaukee’s lost buildings to the east of the theater. Whether a lover of music, history, architecture or Art Deco, a visit the historic Warner Theater is a must.
Our Corner of the World
Sleepy Cat Property’s flagship building is their restored corner store in the historic Walker’s Point neighborhood of Milwaukee. The building has a fascinating history of early use through restoration and the rebuilding after a lightning strike. It’s become one of Milwaukee’s premier Airbnb studio apartments with over 600 reviews and a 4.9 star rating.
Operating an Airbnb was never the initial intent when we restored our building, but it became a great way to share our historic building with the world. Shortly after we got married, Noreena and I started looking for a new home where I could have a live-work space, Noreena could have a garden, and where we would be conveniently located near city amenities. When we first found our corner store in Walker’s Point, it left much to be desired. But as they say in the building restoration community, it had good bones.
Our home was first built in 1875 by Carl and Maria Glaus. They were Prussian immigrants living in a house they built in what is now the garden of our property. We believe the structure was partially build for their daughter Wilhelmina who was married the year before and then listed the address as her residence, with husband Ernst Klingbeil, the following year. Initially Carl ran his flour and feed business from the first floor, later he and Ernst were listed as store operators of different businesses on the first floor. Carl and Maria died in 1899 and 1902 respectively. Ernst and Wilhelmina rented the house and a storefront built to the front of the house following her parents’ deaths. By 1912 Ernst, Wilhelmina and their three children were no longer living in the building but they maintained ownership. A William Schiek opened his grocery store in the first floor of the building in 1923 and continued operating there until 1946. Ernst died in 1924 and Wilhelmina in 1938. It wasn’t until 1947 that the building was finally sold to Clarence Osten because for years, the oldest son, Arthur Klingbeil, could not be found to legally sell this final family asset of his mother.
The Ostens operated an Associated Grocers store in the first floor from 1947 until 1970. They raised their family of two children upstairs. I had the good fortune to meet with the children, Clarence Jr. and Joyce, to ask what life was like like living and working in our building. They also shared family photos and an original shopping basket customers would have used while shopping. When looking back, we have to remember, these places operated in the days before electric refrigeration and interstate highways. People would shop almost daily and at places where they could walk. This is why you see corner clusters of stores in old neighborhoods. Our building too, didn’t get inside plumbing until well after it was built and still had its original gas pipes for lighting and old insulators from the knob and tube wiring that would have also been installed after original building construction.
After the Ostens sold and moved out, the storefront was mostly vacant. This was also a couple years after the Interstate was built, cutting through and destroying much of neighborhood just across the street from our building. Urban flight was also taking place at this time and old neighborhoods like ours saw great decline. But all was not lost. In 1966, the National Preservation Act was passed to provide for help for people wishing to preserve historic structures in the United States. A grant led to the formation of Historic Walker’s Point, Inc. in 1973 and the designation of the neighborhood a National Historic District in 1978. This designation allowed the use of historic tax credits to help people restore and reuse old buildings within the district.
When we first came across our building in 1999, it was a site for very sore eyes. Nearly all of our friends looked at us like we really had gone crazy. We knew from the beginning that the tax credits were available to us and we had an architect friend who had done other National Park Service approved restoration projects ready to help. We both loved history and preservation, and my dad and I had watched enough This Old House to know we could save this one. It took us a couple of years to clean up the place, begin designing our dream home, get our plans approved by the State Historical Society, who administered the program, get financing, get permits, and begin the work. Major construction started in the fall of 2002. By the summer of 2003 we were able to move in upstairs and in 2004 my business got its occupancy permit for the downstairs. The process of maintaining an historic building never ends though.
Part of the rehabilitation of the building was the adding of a garage to the back. To make the garage more period looking, like an old coach house, we made it two stories with the intent of putting a rental suite above. The completion of the rental unit took place in 2006. In August of 2016 we were cleaning the rental unit in anticipation of our first Airbnb guest. That afternoon a storm rolled through, we saw the flash, heard the crash, and lost power. I went up to the front of our house to check the breaker box and when I looked out the front window I saw a crowd gathered in front of our building. I asked what was happening and they said we had been struck by lightning. I ran up into the attic with a fire extinguisher, I was too late to do anything. We couldn’t find our cats so Noreena and I ran outside. It started raining and neighbors hosted us in their storefront while we waiting for the fire department. It was a trying few minutes not knowing what would happen to our house. Fortunately, old wood burns slowly. The fire department contained the fire to the attic but the water they needed soaked more than 2/3 of our house. The lightning fried our electrical system so we were without a functioning home. We found our three cats, one under the sofa and two in the basement. We packed up what we could and went to stay with my parents while we rebuilt.
The rebuilding process did not go well in that we had a contractor that walked off the job with our insurance money and we had to refinance the building to complete the reconstruction and sue the contractor. We did rebuild and reopened late in 2017. There were still small projects to complete but we were so happy to be back home. Of course business took another hit with COVID in 2020 but that lead to even more people wanting private places to stay when travel came back. And with many large weddings being cancelled, we saw a boom in small garden weddings which we were able to host and bring a little joy back to ourselves as well as our clients. Since reopening we’ve hosted over 600 guests and earned a 4.9 star rating with Airbnb. In 2025 we’ll celebrate the 150th anniversary of our building. It’s been on quite a ride and we hope you can add to our history by staying on your next trip to Milwaukee.
Komatsu’s South Harbor Milwaukee Plant
A visit to Komatsu’s new Milwaukee plant is a fun and awe inspiring view toward the history and future of manufacturing in Milwaukee.
When we travel, we love learning about some of the history that gives a city its character. Once known as the “Machine Shop of the World,” Milwaukee produced everything from motorcycles and car frames to farm tractors and mining equipment. Many of these manufacturers were and still are located in our neighborhood of Walker’s Point. One of the best examples is Komatsu’s new $285 million office, manufacturing, and museum campus on East Greenfield Avenue along the Kinnickinnic River.
Komatsu’s history in Milwaukee dates to the origin of the P&H brand in 1884, started by Alonzo Pawling and Henry Harnischfeger. Their first plant was just blocks north of the new Komatsu plant at 2nd and Florida. They became quickly known for their quality, reliable, electric and overhead cranes. In the early 1900s, to prevent business from becoming over-reliant on one product line, they began to explore earth-moving machinery. In the decades that followed, they became a world-class manufacturer of large scale mining equipment.
In 2017, Komatsu, another mining equipment manufacturer, acquired the P&H brand and began making plans to improve the Milwaukee facilities. The new facility produces the major components of large mining machines, including electric rope shovels, hybrid shovels, draglines and blasthole drills. The location serves as the large gearing center of excellence and the large fabrication and machining center of excellence for Komatsu’s global mining division.
The facility includes a RiverWalk, green space, a customer experience center, coffee shop and museum. Several family-friendly and interactive educational stations are installed throughout the outdoor walkways. Visitors and families can stop and discover how wind and solar sustainability technology works, learn about Komatsu’s global environmental efforts, and even get practical tips on what they can do at home to conserve energy and water. A visit is a fun and awe inspiring view toward the history and future of manufacturing in Milwaukee.