You found our list of company retreat ideas in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Company retreat ideas in Milwaukee are a great way to promote employee morale and collaboration during special events. Examples include History Third Wave, The Great Guac Off, and Miller Park. The importance of a business retreat is to improve team morale, motivate employees, and improve communication within the organization.
These ideas help with retreat location planning, retreat activities, and executive retreat ideas. The experiences are similar to company outings in Milwaukee and Milwaukee corporate events.
This article contains:
- corporate retreat ideas for big groups in Milwaukee
- corporate retreat ideas for small groups in Milwaukee
- company retreat entertainment ideas in Milwaukee
- company retreat locations in Milwaukee
- staff retreat activities in Wisconsin
- team retreat ideas in Milwaukee
Here we go!
List of company retreats ideas in Milwaukee
Known as “the City of Festivals,” Milwaukee boasts a variety of festivals and activities that will keep you entertained during your company retreats. If you are looking for a more planned activity to bring your employees closer together, then the following is a list of fantastic team retreat ideas in Milwaukee.
1. The Art of Storytelling (Team Favorite)
Learning to captivate an audience is a huge confidence booster, and teams can learn this skill through The Art of Storytelling. During this experience, participants will learn how to share personal experiences to inform and entertain listeners.
Here is what you can expect:
- 120 minutes with an expert facilitator
- strategies and techniques to interest audiences
- the five elements of a captivating story
- practice time for participants to hone their new skills
- in-depth and valuable feedback from the hosts
Also, we will meet you at your chosen venue with all the necessary materials. Companies looking to teach staff to share engaging narratives should check out The Art of Storytelling.
Learn more about The Art of Storytelling.
2. The Great Guac Off™️ (Highly Rated)
Teams will love competing against each other in this flavorful guacamole-making contest! During this exciting experience, participants will go head-to-head in a series of games and activities.
The Great Guac Off includes the following:
- 90 minutes with a talented host
- premium guacamole ingredients and chips for dipping
- an optional secret ingredient to shake up the competition
- engaging warm-up games, avocado trivia, and mini-games
- competitive guacamole-making round and judging session
To make planning simple, we will bring all the needed supplies to your venue of choice. If you are looking for a high-energy experience that helps create strong connections, then be sure to check out The Great Guac Off.
Learn more about The Great Guac Off.
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3. Espionage! (Popular)
If you are looking for an experience that tests your team members, then check out Espionage! This experience secretly splits teams up into spies and agents, and participants must complete a series of tasks to win.
Here is what you can expect during this experience:
- 90 minutes with a talented host to lead you through each activity
- complex puzzles, challenges, and strategic maneuvers
- covert teams of spies and agents
- team discussions to discover secret identities
Best of all, we will bring any needed materials straight to your venue of choice. With this engaging experience, teams can sharpen critical-thinking and communication skills.
Learn more about Espionage!
4. Indulgence Chocolatiers
Founded in 2007 by owner and chocolatier Julie Waterman, Indulgence Chocolatiers makes high-quality artisan chocolates. The artisans make all their treats by hand, using premium global chocolates and locally sourced ingredients. Treats are available in both classic and innovative flavor combinations, such as sea salt caramel and ginger passion fruit. Guests can also enjoy chocolate pairing classes, matching chocolates with wines, craft beers, cheeses, and whiskey. When looking for staff retreat activities in Wisconsin, consider Indulgence Chocolatiers as a great way to enjoy some time with your team.
Learn more about Indulgence Chocolatiers.
5. Free Pour MKE
Since 2017, Free Pour MKE has been teaching visitors to make delicious hand-crafted cocktails. Professional mixologists teach visitors how to make delectable drinks.
Guests can choose from a range of classes, which include:
- Hands On Mixology Class: Learn to make three unique drinks using mixology tips and tricks
- Guided Spirits or Wine Tasting: Learn tasting techniques while enjoying up to four drinks
- Corporate Events: Bartenders host a walk-up course at your event venue
Classes range from 60 to 90 minutes and include all the needed materials. Free Pour can come to the venue of your choice, or they can meet you at one of their local partner bars. Consider shaking up your company retreat entertainment ideas in Milwaukee with Free Pour MKE!
Learn more about Free Pour MKE.
6. The High Note Karaoke Lounge
When looking for a way to unwind after a long retreat, consider stopping by The High Note Karaoke Lounge! The High Note is the longest-standing karaoke bar in Milwaukee, serenading guests for over 30 years. This venue is a karaoke and comedy club duo, featuring karaoke seven nights a week. On Thursdays and Fridays, the lounge hosts open mic nights for aspiring comics. If your team is microphone shy, then you can book the space to host a private event and get the venue to yourselves. The venue also hosts regular events, like music jams and concerts. So stop by to show off your pipes!
Learn more about The High Note Karaoke Lounge.
7. Hubbard Park Beer Garden
Hubbard Park Beer Garden is Milwaukee’s only year-round beer garden! The drink menu includes a variety of German and domestic craft beers, wine, and specialty drinks. Diners can enjoy classic favorites like Usinger’s sausages and pretzels and the iconic Friday fish fry. The garden also hosts events, like live polka music and a delightful Sunday brunch buffet. The restaurant supports local breweries and food, showcasing Milwaukee’s local artisans. Whether guests prefer indoor seating in the lodge, private cabana rentals, or outdoor tables in the beer garden, Hubbard Park Beer Garden is a great place to make memories with colleagues.
Learn more about Hubbard Park Beer Garden.
8. Wisconsin Auto Museum
The Wisconsin Auto Museum is a nonprofit focusing on Kissel cars. Kissel made cars from 1906 to 1931, making the firm one of the longest-running car manufacturers in Wisconsin. Kissel produced 27,000 vehicles, and only about 150 remain today.
Established in 1986 with 46 cars, the museum’s collection currently has about 115 vehicles. The museum offers a unique look at automotive history, with a wide array of classic and vintage cars. Visitors will see 27 of the remaining 150 Kissels, as well as Pontiacs, Studebakers, Chevrolets, Kaisers, and Fords.
Folks can also check out automotive artifacts and Wisconsin-built engines. Plus, the museum has some Nash vehicles and related memorabilia. Additionally, guests can see the 1913 Soo Line #1003 steam locomotive, among other railroad artifacts. The Wisconsin Auto Museum offers an educational look at transportation history and is a must visit for car lovers and history buffs alike.
Learn more about the Wisconsin Auto Museum.
9. Estabrook Park
One of Wisconsin’s most beautiful spots is Estabrook Park. You should not miss this location if you are looking for corporate retreat activities to do in Milwaukee that make the most of the city’s stunning natural scenery. Wild torrents crash onto the boulders. Hilltops are carpeted with grass and dotted with trees and flowers. Covered pavilions will keep the snow off your shoulders in the winter, while shaded bridges will be welcome on hot summer days.
You can also explore the nature trails, enjoy sports on the athletic courts, or hike along the nature paths. The top attractions welcome all visitors and provide enough entertainment to keep you busy for hours.
Learn more about Estabrook Park.
10. Electric Duffy Boat
Taking your team out on the lake is a great company retreat idea. With a Duffy Boat, you will not even need any sailing experience to have a good time. These environmentally friendly boats are “as simple to operate as a golf cart.”
You can bring food and drink on board or stop at a nearby pier for a picnic. The boats can take between eight to 12 people, making this activity one of the best corporate retreat ideas for small groups in Milwaukee. All renters under the age of 30 must pass an internet safety course.
Learn more about Electric Duffy Boat.
11. Historic Third Ward
The Historic Third Ward, in the heart of Milwaukee, offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s history. This old warehouse district has stores, theaters, art galleries, performance houses, and creative companies.
The location has developed into a center of culture that respects its historic past while looking forward to the future of the arts. The Historic Third Ward is home to the Broadway Theatre Center and the Milwaukee Public Market, two popular tourist destinations. You can take a ride on the downtown Milwaukee streetcar system to view the sites during the day and then hit the town at night to experience the city’s lively bar, pub, and speakeasy scene.
Learn more about Historic Third Ward.
12. Lake Geneva Canopy Tours
You can take your group on an exciting outdoor company retreat with Lake Geneva Canopy Tours. Set in a picturesque 100-acre forest, this challenging course includes nine zip lines, a high ropes course, and hiking paths. Outside, you will find a patio with a fire pit, a picnic area, and a conference room inside. Businesses in the Lake Geneva area may provide catering services. Pricing for the tours is discounted for nonprofits.
Learn more about Lake Geneva Canopy Tours.
13. Wauwatosa Curling Club
Instead of kickball, consider trying a new Olympic sport at the Wauwatosa Curling Club. This local league provides ice time for team-building exercises, with a two-hour session for 20 people. The trained facilitators will break your team into smaller groups and teach the rules, safety measures, and etiquette of curling before competing in a game. You should dress warmly in loose-fitting clothing since the temperature will hover around 40 degrees.
Learn more about Wauwatosa Curling Club.
14. Save Milwaukee
Visiting an escape room may be a fun and productive way to bond as a team, but choosing a room that is appropriate for your members is vital. Unlike other escape rooms, you will not have to divide up into smaller groups at Save Milwaukee since the games may accommodate as many as 20 participants. In a mysterious art gallery, you and your team have 60 minutes to work together to solve an interactive puzzle. This venue is among the top company retreat locations in Milwaukee.
Learn more about Save Milwaukee.
15. Café Benelux
Café Benelux has a European atmosphere in the middle of Milwaukee. Menus include global and local cuisine, ranging from macaroni and cheese to french fry cones. Plus, diners can enjoy specialty cocktails like the blood orange mule.
Notably, this venue is home to the Lux Domes. The domes are clear enclosures on top of the café’s roof where diners can enjoy the view year-round. Each dome contains a heater, a speaker, and festive decor. Plus, reservations come with complementary beverages and camp mugs to take home. The 90-minute reservations cover up to eight guests. Diners can also preorder food and drink packages.
This restaurant is a great location to unwind during a company retreat.
Learn more about Café Benelux.
16. Milwaukee Food Tours
Wisconsin is famous for its cheese, but the state’s cuisine also has a wide range of international specialties introduced by German, Polish, and Slavic immigrants. Corporate events with Milwaukee Food Tours are a great way to network while sampling local specialties, including sausage, pierogi, and goulash. You may take a bus that seats up to 28 people, walk, or ride a streetcar to get about. You may also go on a Black History Tour of Milwaukee’s civil rights history, a Churches and Chocolate Tour, or a Holiday Lights Tour.
Learn more about Milwaukee Food Tours.
17. Game Show Battle Rooms
Team building competitions at Game Show Battle Rooms can be a lot of fun for every player involved. The facility can accommodate groups of eight to 64, with a maximum of 32 players per playing space. Every team member has a chance to participate in either the Classic Showdown or the Primetime Showdown. Games may range from “Friendly Feud” to “Wheel of Phrases” to “Name That Price.” While food is prohibited inside the arena, local craft beer and other refreshments are for sale.
Learn more about Game Show Battle Rooms.
18. Milwaukee County Zoo
When it comes to Wisconsin zoos, the Milwaukee County Zoo has one of the best collections. In the zoo, you will see animals from around the world, from cheetahs and gorillas to siamangs, elephants, kangaroos, and polar bears. The zoo should be on your list if you have many animal lovers on your team.
Miniature train rides throughout the zoo are available for guests. The zoo also has playground equipment, carousels, tree huts, and hands-on dinosaur exhibits that you may find interesting. If you wish to fly above the buildings of Milwaukee, then you may enjoy a ziplining course. The Milwaukee County Zoo is a major attraction in the city and will keep you occupied whether you are looking for a wild day of thrills or a relaxing evening with the animals.
Learn more about Milwaukee County Zoo.
19. Splash Studio
Your team can visit Splash Studio, a do-it-yourself painting bar on Milwaukee’s East Side, for one of the city’s most tried-and-true company retreat ideas. Attending these artist-led sessions will allow you to create your own work of art on canvas or wood. You can choose between semi-private sessions or buy out the whole place for a maximum of 88 guests. You can also host a workshop offsite at your business or at a rented location.
Learn more about Splash Studio.
20. Discovery World
Unlike conventional museums, Discovery World really has interactive exhibits. The venue is not the kind of place where you have to whisper reverently and walk very carefully around fragile, precious antiques for fear of breaking them. Instead, guests are invited to interact with the exhibits in whatever way they see fit, including prodding, spinning, slapping, juggling, and playing.
Discovery World is a fascinating science and technology museum where you may let your creativity run wild. The Great Lakes of Wisconsin inspire many of the exhibits at this museum, such as the touchable sharks, stingrays, and starfish in the museum’s ten-tank aquarium.
You may take a trip on a sailboat from the 19th century with three masts on the Milwaukee River. Team members who would rather not get wet may still have a good time. You can take guitar lessons, make a circuit board or a laser-cut cardboard home in the design lab, or see a STEM-themed play performed live. Discovery World is a great location if you prefer corporate retreat ideas for big groups in Milwaukee.
Learn more about Discovery World.
Conclusion
These Company retreat ideas in Milwaukee just scratch the surface of what this warm and inviting city has to offer, from breathtaking zip lines to regional culinary excursions. You will find these suggestions useful, whether you are planning to attend a cultural event or hold a workshop at a private location in downtown Milwaukee or the surrounding countryside.
Next, check out fun activities for groups in Milwaukee and Milwaukee team building ideas.
