Monuments and Statues Walking Tour (Self Guided), Milwaukee
Once in Milwaukee, you may be surprised by the diverse array of monuments and statues dotting the city. Indeed, Milwaukee is home to a multitude of sculptures of different purposes, from those honoring historic figures to entertaining ones to the memorials commemorating war and its heroes.
The Leif Eriksson Statue, a striking representation of the Norse explorer, stands as a symbol of Milwaukee's celebration of its Scandinavian heritage.
Meanwhile, the Solomon Juneau Monument pays homage to the city's founding father, casting a resolute figure in bronze against the backdrop of progress and transformation.
Adjacent to history, the Abraham Lincoln Statue serves as a potent reminder of the enduring values of unity and freedom. Lincoln's likeness, crafted with meticulous detail, embodies the very principles that have guided the nation through its tumultuous past, inspiring all who encounter it to uphold these ideals.
In a departure from the historical grandeur of its counterparts, the Gertie the Duck Sculpture captures the heartwarming narrative of a duck's maternal determination. This whimsical installation serves as a charming way to celebrate the resilience of nature and the emotional connections it fosters.
Pop culture finds its representation in the Statue of The Fonz, an effigy that commemorates a beloved television character. With a playful thumbs-up, this statue invites viewers to embrace the lighthearted and nostalgic facets of modern culture, reminding us of the simple joys that unite people.
Religious and historical threads intertwine at the Pere Marquette Statue, an embodiment of the city's deep connection to its Jesuit missionary heritage.
Lastly, the Victorious Charge Memorial freezes a dramatic moment in time, capturing the essence of valor and sacrifice, honoring the bravery of those who have defended the nation's ideals.
Adding character to the historical and cultural tapestry of the city, these iconic installations provide glimpses into the narratives that have shaped its identity. So, heed their call and embark on this self-guided journey to explore and reflect on the ongoing story of Milwaukee's evolution.
The Leif Eriksson Statue, a striking representation of the Norse explorer, stands as a symbol of Milwaukee's celebration of its Scandinavian heritage.
Meanwhile, the Solomon Juneau Monument pays homage to the city's founding father, casting a resolute figure in bronze against the backdrop of progress and transformation.
Adjacent to history, the Abraham Lincoln Statue serves as a potent reminder of the enduring values of unity and freedom. Lincoln's likeness, crafted with meticulous detail, embodies the very principles that have guided the nation through its tumultuous past, inspiring all who encounter it to uphold these ideals.
In a departure from the historical grandeur of its counterparts, the Gertie the Duck Sculpture captures the heartwarming narrative of a duck's maternal determination. This whimsical installation serves as a charming way to celebrate the resilience of nature and the emotional connections it fosters.
Pop culture finds its representation in the Statue of The Fonz, an effigy that commemorates a beloved television character. With a playful thumbs-up, this statue invites viewers to embrace the lighthearted and nostalgic facets of modern culture, reminding us of the simple joys that unite people.
Religious and historical threads intertwine at the Pere Marquette Statue, an embodiment of the city's deep connection to its Jesuit missionary heritage.
Lastly, the Victorious Charge Memorial freezes a dramatic moment in time, capturing the essence of valor and sacrifice, honoring the bravery of those who have defended the nation's ideals.
Adding character to the historical and cultural tapestry of the city, these iconic installations provide glimpses into the narratives that have shaped its identity. So, heed their call and embark on this self-guided journey to explore and reflect on the ongoing story of Milwaukee's evolution.
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Monuments and Statues Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Monuments and Statues Walking Tour
Guide Location: USA » Milwaukee (See other walking tours in Milwaukee)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Author: StaceyP
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: USA » Milwaukee (See other walking tours in Milwaukee)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Author: StaceyP
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Leif Eriksson Statue
- Solomon Juneau Monument
- Abraham Lincoln Statue
- Gertie the Duck Sculpture
- Statue of The Fonz
- Pere Marquette Statue
- Victorious Charge Memorial
1) Leif Eriksson Statue
The Leif, the Discoverer statue in Milwaukee is a striking bronze tribute to Norse explorer Leif Erikson, created by American sculptor Anne Whitney in 1887. Standing about 8 feet tall atop a red sandstone pedestal, the sculpture captures Erikson in a youthful and adventurous pose, clean-shaven and dressed in scale armor with a tunic, leggings, leather sandals, and a decorative belt. With one hand shading his eyes, he scans the horizon鈥攁s if on the lookout for a new world.
This portrayal sets Erikson apart from more rugged depictions, highlighting his spirit of discovery rather than battle. He carries a powder horn over his shoulder and a knife at his side, adding detail to the explorer鈥檚 garb.
Leif Erikson is believed to have been the first European to set foot on continental North America around the year 1000鈥攕ome 500 years before Columbus. Icelandic sagas tell of his landing at Vinland, which scholars have linked to the Norse site of L鈥橝nse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada. Recent archaeological research suggests this site may have been a temporary outpost, possibly used for ship repair, with the broader Vinland region extending around the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
The statue's base bears an English inscription and runic lettering, commemorating Leif as 鈥渢he discoverer鈥� and 鈥渟on of Erik the Red,鈥� honoring his voyage from Iceland to the American continent. Located in Juneau Park, it serves as a proud reminder of Nordic exploration and Milwaukee鈥檚 cultural ties to the Scandinavian community.
This portrayal sets Erikson apart from more rugged depictions, highlighting his spirit of discovery rather than battle. He carries a powder horn over his shoulder and a knife at his side, adding detail to the explorer鈥檚 garb.
Leif Erikson is believed to have been the first European to set foot on continental North America around the year 1000鈥攕ome 500 years before Columbus. Icelandic sagas tell of his landing at Vinland, which scholars have linked to the Norse site of L鈥橝nse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada. Recent archaeological research suggests this site may have been a temporary outpost, possibly used for ship repair, with the broader Vinland region extending around the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
The statue's base bears an English inscription and runic lettering, commemorating Leif as 鈥渢he discoverer鈥� and 鈥渟on of Erik the Red,鈥� honoring his voyage from Iceland to the American continent. Located in Juneau Park, it serves as a proud reminder of Nordic exploration and Milwaukee鈥檚 cultural ties to the Scandinavian community.
2) Solomon Juneau Monument
The Solomon Juneau Monument stands proudly in Juneau Park, Milwaukee, honoring the city鈥檚 first mayor and founder. Created by American sculptor Richard Henry Park and unveiled on July 6, 1887, the statue commemorates Solomon Juneau, a French Canadian fur trader turned civic leader who helped shape Milwaukee鈥檚 early identity.
The monument features a 15-foot bronze statue of Juneau atop a limestone base, with bronze reliefs on its north and south faces. One relief depicts Juneau being welcomed by Native Americans, with the inscription: 鈥淪olomon Juneau, First Mayor of Milwaukee, MDCCCXXXXVI.鈥� The other shows his election to Congress. The back of the monument credits Charles T. Bradley and William H. Metcalf, local shoe manufacturers and friends of the Juneau family, for donating the sculpture to the city.
Born near Montreal in 1793, Solomon Juneau arrived in the Milwaukee area in 1818 as a fur trader with the American Fur Company. He later purchased land between the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan, founding Juneau Town, which eventually became part of the City of Milwaukee. A key figure in the city鈥檚 development, he served as postmaster, and village president, and in 1846, was elected Milwaukee鈥檚 first mayor. He died in 1856 while working as a U.S. government agent.
Today, the monument is both a striking work of art and a lasting tribute to one of Milwaukee鈥檚 most influential pioneers.
The monument features a 15-foot bronze statue of Juneau atop a limestone base, with bronze reliefs on its north and south faces. One relief depicts Juneau being welcomed by Native Americans, with the inscription: 鈥淪olomon Juneau, First Mayor of Milwaukee, MDCCCXXXXVI.鈥� The other shows his election to Congress. The back of the monument credits Charles T. Bradley and William H. Metcalf, local shoe manufacturers and friends of the Juneau family, for donating the sculpture to the city.
Born near Montreal in 1793, Solomon Juneau arrived in the Milwaukee area in 1818 as a fur trader with the American Fur Company. He later purchased land between the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan, founding Juneau Town, which eventually became part of the City of Milwaukee. A key figure in the city鈥檚 development, he served as postmaster, and village president, and in 1846, was elected Milwaukee鈥檚 first mayor. He died in 1856 while working as a U.S. government agent.
Today, the monument is both a striking work of art and a lasting tribute to one of Milwaukee鈥檚 most influential pioneers.
3) Abraham Lincoln Statue
The Abraham Lincoln Statue in Milwaukee stands as a striking tribute to one of America鈥檚 most iconic leaders鈥攁nd a nod to his 1859 visit to the city. Crafted by sculptor Gaetano Cecere, this 10'6" bronze statue rests atop a Wausau red granite pedestal on Lincoln Memorial Drive, offering a dignified, youthful portrayal of Lincoln without his trademark beard.
Lincoln came to Milwaukee on September 30, 1859, addressing both the Wisconsin Agricultural Society and a group at the Newhall House. Decades later, in 1916, Mayor Daniel Hoan helped form the Lincoln Memorial Association, intending to mark the 60th anniversary of Lincoln鈥檚 visit with a commemorative sculpture. However, the onset of World War I delayed the effort.
The project was revived in 1932 when the association held a national design competition. Cecere, a New York-based sculptor, won with his depiction of a beardless Lincoln鈥攕ymbolizing the younger man who had not yet ascended to the presidency. At the time, Pencil Points, an architecture journal, praised the statue as one of the finest Lincoln representations in the country. It was officially dedicated on September 15, 1934.
The statue鈥檚 journey hasn鈥檛 been static. Originally facing west, it was moved into storage during the 1954 construction of the War Memorial Center, then relocated in front of the Elks Club on East Wisconsin Avenue. It finally returned to Lincoln Memorial Drive in 1986, now facing north rather than west.
With its thoughtful design and eventful history, Cecere鈥檚 Lincoln remains a quietly powerful landmark鈥攈onoring not just the man, but Milwaukee鈥檚 brief moment in his remarkable journey.
Lincoln came to Milwaukee on September 30, 1859, addressing both the Wisconsin Agricultural Society and a group at the Newhall House. Decades later, in 1916, Mayor Daniel Hoan helped form the Lincoln Memorial Association, intending to mark the 60th anniversary of Lincoln鈥檚 visit with a commemorative sculpture. However, the onset of World War I delayed the effort.
The project was revived in 1932 when the association held a national design competition. Cecere, a New York-based sculptor, won with his depiction of a beardless Lincoln鈥攕ymbolizing the younger man who had not yet ascended to the presidency. At the time, Pencil Points, an architecture journal, praised the statue as one of the finest Lincoln representations in the country. It was officially dedicated on September 15, 1934.
The statue鈥檚 journey hasn鈥檛 been static. Originally facing west, it was moved into storage during the 1954 construction of the War Memorial Center, then relocated in front of the Elks Club on East Wisconsin Avenue. It finally returned to Lincoln Memorial Drive in 1986, now facing north rather than west.
With its thoughtful design and eventful history, Cecere鈥檚 Lincoln remains a quietly powerful landmark鈥攈onoring not just the man, but Milwaukee鈥檚 brief moment in his remarkable journey.
4) Gertie the Duck Sculpture
Perched on the northwest side of Milwaukee鈥檚 Wisconsin Avenue bridge, Gertie the Duck is more than just a 4-foot-tall bronze sculpture鈥攕he鈥檚 a local legend cast in metal. Created by artist Gwendolyn Gillen and installed in 1997 as part of the city鈥檚 RiverSculpture public art series, Gertie commemorates a true wartime icon who captured hearts during the final months of World War II.
In April 1945, a mallard hen was spotted nesting atop a wooden piling beneath the bridge. Milwaukee Journal outdoor writer Gordon MacQuarrie began reporting on her steadfast effort to hatch her nine eggs鈥攗ndeterred by curious crowds, honking cars, and spring storms. Her determination quickly earned her a name: Gertie. For 37 days, readers followed Gertie鈥檚 saga in a daily newspaper serial, and the story soon spread beyond Wisconsin via national and international news outlets.
By the time six ducklings hatched, Gertie had become a symbol of quiet resilience. The Boy Scouts formed a Gertie Patrol. Mother's Day cards poured in. The Wisconsin Humane Society posted a round-the-clock guard. Even Life Magazine and London鈥檚 Daily Express covered her journey. Ultimately, five ducklings and Gertie survived, and the family was briefly displayed at Gimbels department store, drawing over two million visitors before being relocated to Juneau Park lagoon.
Gertie鈥檚 tale lived on in books, toys, and television. A children鈥檚 book by Nicholas Georgiady and Louis Romano sold over 800,000 copies and was translated into six languages. She even starred in a 1963 GE True episode titled 鈥淕ertie the Great.鈥�
Today, Gertie still keeps watch over the Milwaukee River鈥攏ot just as a charming sculpture but as a feathered reminder of a moment when a little duck brought comfort, hope, and a sense of wonder to a weary world.
In April 1945, a mallard hen was spotted nesting atop a wooden piling beneath the bridge. Milwaukee Journal outdoor writer Gordon MacQuarrie began reporting on her steadfast effort to hatch her nine eggs鈥攗ndeterred by curious crowds, honking cars, and spring storms. Her determination quickly earned her a name: Gertie. For 37 days, readers followed Gertie鈥檚 saga in a daily newspaper serial, and the story soon spread beyond Wisconsin via national and international news outlets.
By the time six ducklings hatched, Gertie had become a symbol of quiet resilience. The Boy Scouts formed a Gertie Patrol. Mother's Day cards poured in. The Wisconsin Humane Society posted a round-the-clock guard. Even Life Magazine and London鈥檚 Daily Express covered her journey. Ultimately, five ducklings and Gertie survived, and the family was briefly displayed at Gimbels department store, drawing over two million visitors before being relocated to Juneau Park lagoon.
Gertie鈥檚 tale lived on in books, toys, and television. A children鈥檚 book by Nicholas Georgiady and Louis Romano sold over 800,000 copies and was translated into six languages. She even starred in a 1963 GE True episode titled 鈥淕ertie the Great.鈥�
Today, Gertie still keeps watch over the Milwaukee River鈥攏ot just as a charming sculpture but as a feathered reminder of a moment when a little duck brought comfort, hope, and a sense of wonder to a weary world.
5) Statue of The Fonz
The Bronze Fonz is Milwaukee鈥檚 most enthusiastic thumbs-up to pop culture鈥攍iterally. Created by American artist Gerald P. Sawyer and unveiled in 2008, this bronze sculpture immortalizes Henry Winkler鈥檚 iconic character Arthur Fonzarelli, aka 鈥淭he Fonz,鈥� from the 1970s sitcom Happy Days, which was set in 1950s鈥�60s Milwaukee.
Standing proudly on the Milwaukee Riverwalk just south of Wells Street, The Bronze Fonz sports his signature leather jacket, jeans, and a double thumbs-up鈥攃apturing the cool, unshakable energy that made the character a cultural phenomenon. The statue was made possible by Visit Milwaukee, a local tourism group that raised $85,000 to bring the project to life after TV Land, which had backed similar TV-character statues in other cities, pulled out due to a shift in marketing strategy.
The unveiling was a nostalgic celebration, attended by most of the Happy Days cast鈥攊ncluding Winkler himself, who called the statue 鈥渦nbelievable.鈥� Today, the Bronze Fonz has become a beloved selfie spot and a quirky symbol of Milwaukee pride, surrounded by plaques listing the donors who helped make it happen. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just in it for the Instagram moment, 鈥淎yyyyy鈥濃�擳he Fonz awaits.
Standing proudly on the Milwaukee Riverwalk just south of Wells Street, The Bronze Fonz sports his signature leather jacket, jeans, and a double thumbs-up鈥攃apturing the cool, unshakable energy that made the character a cultural phenomenon. The statue was made possible by Visit Milwaukee, a local tourism group that raised $85,000 to bring the project to life after TV Land, which had backed similar TV-character statues in other cities, pulled out due to a shift in marketing strategy.
The unveiling was a nostalgic celebration, attended by most of the Happy Days cast鈥攊ncluding Winkler himself, who called the statue 鈥渦nbelievable.鈥� Today, the Bronze Fonz has become a beloved selfie spot and a quirky symbol of Milwaukee pride, surrounded by plaques listing the donors who helped make it happen. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just in it for the Instagram moment, 鈥淎yyyyy鈥濃�擳he Fonz awaits.
6) Pere Marquette Statue
The P猫re Marquette Statue in Milwaukee鈥檚 Pere Marquette Park honors 17th-century French Jesuit missionary and explorer Jacques Marquette, one of the first Europeans to explore the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River region. Born in 1637 in Laon, France, Marquette鈥檚 1673 expedition with Louis Jolliet mapped uncharted territory and deepened European understanding of North America鈥檚 geography and indigenous peoples.
Located between the Milwaukee County Historical Society and the Riverwalk, the statue was installed and rededicated on Bastille Day in 1987. It replaced a vandalized marble predecessor and was funded by the Milwaukee Sentinel. Created by local sculptor Tom Queoff, the bronze figure shows Marquette holding a cross in his left hand鈥攕ymbolizing his missionary role鈥攚ith his right hand raised in gesture. Behind him, a granite wall relief portrays a Native American paddling a canoe on a river, alluding to Marquette鈥檚 interactions with Native communities.
Pere Marquette Park itself is thought to be near the site where Marquette camped during his 1674 journey. Today, the park is a lively downtown space hosting cultural events like the River Rhythms concert series. The statue stands not just as a monument to one man鈥檚 travels, but as a link between Milwaukee鈥檚 present and its early frontier history.
Located between the Milwaukee County Historical Society and the Riverwalk, the statue was installed and rededicated on Bastille Day in 1987. It replaced a vandalized marble predecessor and was funded by the Milwaukee Sentinel. Created by local sculptor Tom Queoff, the bronze figure shows Marquette holding a cross in his left hand鈥攕ymbolizing his missionary role鈥攚ith his right hand raised in gesture. Behind him, a granite wall relief portrays a Native American paddling a canoe on a river, alluding to Marquette鈥檚 interactions with Native communities.
Pere Marquette Park itself is thought to be near the site where Marquette camped during his 1674 journey. Today, the park is a lively downtown space hosting cultural events like the River Rhythms concert series. The statue stands not just as a monument to one man鈥檚 travels, but as a link between Milwaukee鈥檚 present and its early frontier history.
7) Victorious Charge Memorial
The Victorious Charge is a striking bronze Civil War memorial by American sculptor John S. Conway, located on the Court of Honor along West Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Milwaukee. Unveiled in 1898, the sculpture stands nearly 10 feet tall and rests on a substantial 20-foot square granite base. It remains one of Wisconsin鈥檚 most significant 19th-century tributes to the Union cause.
Unlike the static, idealized soldier portraits common to earlier Civil War monuments, The Victorious Charge breaks from tradition with a powerful, dynamic composition. Four Union soldiers are frozen mid-battle, pushing forward with grit and determination. One soldier collapses, wounded but defiant, clinging to the flagstaff. A young private steps over him, raising the flag aloft. An officer advances with both pistol and sword drawn, while another private lunges with bayonet in hand. The realism and movement in Conway鈥檚 work vividly capture the chaos, bravery, and tragedy of combat.
The memorial was dedicated on June 28, 1898, during a four-day celebration marking the 50th anniversary of Wisconsin鈥檚 statehood. The unveiling drew tens of thousands of visitors. As a band played 鈥淢arching Through Georgia,鈥� Lydia Ely removed the veil from the sculpture, and Milwaukee鈥檚 Mayor David S. Rose officially accepted the monument on behalf of the city.
The Victorious Charge remains a defining work in Milwaukee鈥檚 public art landscape and a milestone in the evolution of American war memorials.
Unlike the static, idealized soldier portraits common to earlier Civil War monuments, The Victorious Charge breaks from tradition with a powerful, dynamic composition. Four Union soldiers are frozen mid-battle, pushing forward with grit and determination. One soldier collapses, wounded but defiant, clinging to the flagstaff. A young private steps over him, raising the flag aloft. An officer advances with both pistol and sword drawn, while another private lunges with bayonet in hand. The realism and movement in Conway鈥檚 work vividly capture the chaos, bravery, and tragedy of combat.
The memorial was dedicated on June 28, 1898, during a four-day celebration marking the 50th anniversary of Wisconsin鈥檚 statehood. The unveiling drew tens of thousands of visitors. As a band played 鈥淢arching Through Georgia,鈥� Lydia Ely removed the veil from the sculpture, and Milwaukee鈥檚 Mayor David S. Rose officially accepted the monument on behalf of the city.
The Victorious Charge remains a defining work in Milwaukee鈥檚 public art landscape and a milestone in the evolution of American war memorials.
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