Milwaukee

Before I describe my day, I think it is appropriate to take a moment to commemorate the tragedy that took place on 9/11/2001. It has almost disappeared from the news, but it is a piece of history that should be remembered for a variety of reasons. Having recently visited the memorial in NYC, it is fresh in my mind.

I’m sorry to report that Milwaukee was - mostly - a bust. While it is not the fault of the city that I visited on a rainy Monday, the consequences remain the same. The American Black Holocaust Museum , the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Miller Brewing Company were all closed. The Lakefront Brewing company , which should have been open, was closed for a private event.

The only destination I could find that was open was the Harley-Davidson Museum . While I have no particular interest in motorcycles, it is an American institution that got its start in a Milwaukee shed. While the first HOG (Harley Owners Group) really was just a motorized bicycle, it has obviously evolved over the years. Like other industries it struggled during the Great Depression and evolved during WWII, as models were conscripted for war-time use. The museum houses models of just about every year from inception until the present. They also have a room about racing and a room about the engine as well as a wall of gas tanks that show the evolution of the artwork that is displayed, starting with the original Art Deco design.

Of the three racing museums I have visited, the Indy 500, the Kentucky Derby and the Harley-Davidson, the only one that drew me in was the Kentucky Derby, likely because it involves an animal and because the training and racing rely on a close relationship between the humans and the race horses.

I thought I would walk over and photograph at least the exterior of the Milwaukee Art Museum as it is renowned for its modern architecture. However, I could not even get to it, at least walking, as the sidewalks were closed for construction. And it had started raining again, which I took as a sign to call it a day.

In unrelated news, I realized that the IL tollway is part of EZ-pass, and I saw that my tolls from yesterday had been paid through that system. However, I believe that this is the last participating state as I continue to head west, so more toll adventures may be in my future, not the least of which will be closing the account.

For those who have been interested in the civil rights part of my journey, you may enjoy this article on the origin of the the name for the Underground Railroad.

Finally, if anyone is familiar with Montana, I could use some assistance in planning. A main attraction in Montana is Glacier National Park. My research has revealed that the park and surrounding area pretty much shut down by the end of September. So it looks like it will not even be worthwhile for me to stop there the first week of November. I’m aware of West Yellowstone as well as some hot springs that will be worth visiting. but if anyone has ideas about interesting places to visit in Montana that would have reasonable access in early November, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Tomorrow I drove west to Madison, where I hope I will be more successful in finding interesting destinations that are actually open.