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West Allis, WI

West Allis is a suburban city in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, directly west of Milwaukee, known for the Wisconsin State Fair Park and its historic industrial roots.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

The city's official name is West Allis. It is a city in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States. West Allis is a principal suburb of Milwaukee and an integral part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area . Milwaukee County is the most populous county in Wisconsin and a major industrial, healthcare, and transportation hub for the region.

Historical Names and Nicknames

Before becoming the city it is today, the area was known by other names:

Founding Date and Age

The area was first settled as an agricultural community in 1835 under the name Honey Creek . The village of North Greenfield was organized, and in 1902, its residents voted to re-incorporate and rename it as the Village of West Allis . It officially became the City of West Allis in 1906 . In 2026, the city will be 120 years old.

Geographic Location and Coordinates

West Allis is located in southeastern Wisconsin at coordinates 43.0068° N, -88.0296° W . It sits on a relatively flat glacial plain west of Milwaukee. The upper courses of the Root River and the Kinnickinnic River flow through the city . The elevation of the city center is approximately 222 meters (728 feet) above sea level . It is a classic inner-ring suburban city.

City Type and Economic Specialization

Historically, West Allis was a quintessential industrial center, dominated for most of the 20th century by the massive Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Company . Today, its economy is more diversified. It functions as a residential suburb of Milwaukee, a regional entertainment destination (home to the Wisconsin State Fair Park), and a center for retail and services. Major employers have included Quad Graphics and Siemens Power Corp. . The redevelopment of the former Allis-Chalmers site into a mixed-use area called Summit Place signifies its modern economic evolution .

Population and Demographics

According to the 2020 census, the population of West Allis is 60,325 . This makes it the eleventh-most populous city in Wisconsin . By population size, it is classified as a large city or a major suburb. After a period of rapid growth in the early 20th century, its population has remained relatively stable around 60,000 for the past four decades .

"City's Business Card" (Briefly)

West Allis is best known as the proud host of the annual Wisconsin State Fair and the historic Milwaukee Mile motor speedway at Wisconsin State Fair Park . It's a classic American suburb with a strong industrial heritage, offering a mix of community-focused attractions, local breweries, and a convenient location adjacent to Wisconsin's largest city .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

West Allis experiences a humid continental climate, which is typical for the Upper Midwest. This means four distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers .

Average Temperatures by Month

The table below provides average temperatures based on 1991-2020 normals .

Month Avg. High (°F/°C) Avg. Low (°F/°C)
January 30.8°F (-0.7°C) 14.7°F (-9.6°C)
February 33.9°F (1.1°C) 17.1°F (-8.3°C)
March 45.1°F (7.3°C) 26.6°F (-3.0°C)
April 56.8°F (13.8°C) 36.5°F (2.5°C)
May 69.8°F (21.0°C) 47.6°F (8.7°C)
June 79.9°F (26.6°C) 58.1°F (14.5°C)
July 84.7°F (29.3°C) 63.1°F (17.3°C)
August 83.0°F (28.3°C) 61.9°F (16.6°C)
September 76.5°F (24.7°C) 54.3°F (12.4°C)
October 61.9°F (16.6°C) 42.0°F (5.6°C)
November 47.5°F (8.6°C) 30.2°F (-1.0°C)
December 36.2°F (2.3°C) 20.6°F (-6.3°C)

Precipitation and Humidity

West Allis receives a fair amount of precipitation spread throughout the year.

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit West Allis for pleasant weather and outdoor events is from late spring to early fall.

Landmarks and Attractions

Wisconsin State Fair Park

This is the crown jewel of West Allis. Wisconsin State Fair Park is a massive entertainment complex that hosts a variety of events year-round, including concerts, festivals, and expos . It is most famous for being the home of the annual Wisconsin State Fair, a beloved tradition drawing huge crowds each August . Within the park is the historic Milwaukee Mile, one of the oldest operating motor speedways in the world . It's located at 640 S 84th St, West Allis, WI 53214.

Veterans Memorial Park

This popular city park at 6900 W National Ave is a hub for community recreation . It features a modern and well-loved playground, a fitness court with QR-code-led workouts, trails, and plenty of open green space . During the summer, the park hosts free live music concerts and other family-friendly activities, making it a vibrant gathering spot for locals .

West Allis Farmers Market

A true community staple, the West Allis Farmers Market is one of the oldest and most cherished in the area. Open seasonally, it's the perfect place to find fresh produce, plants, artisanal goods, and local delicacies . Its lively atmosphere and connection to local agriculture have earned it nominations for "Best Farmers Market" from local publications .

Summit Place (Former Allis-Chalmers Site)

This site represents a unique blend of history and modern revitalization. The former industrial campus of the Allis-Chalmers company has been dramatically redeveloped into Summit Place, a mixed-use area that preserves the historic character of the original manufacturing plant . Today, it serves as an anchor for downtown West Allis, housing businesses, offices, and spaces for shopping, dining, and arts performances, symbolizing the city's adaptive reuse of its industrial past .

West Allis Historical Society Museum

For a deep dive into local history, the West Allis Historical Society maintains a museum that vividly depicts life in a bygone era. The museum features exhibits including a recreated country store, a turn-of-the-century general store, a blacksmith shop, and a fully furnished school classroom circa 1887 . It offers a tangible link to the city's agricultural and early industrial roots.

Local Breweries and Bars

West Allis has a growing craft beer scene, contributing to its lively nightlife. Spots like Westallion Brewing Company and various neighborhood pubs offer a welcoming atmosphere for enjoying craft beer, cocktails, and live music .

Transport

Nearest Major Airport

West Allis does not have its own commercial airport. It is served by Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) , located just about 8 miles southeast in Milwaukee. It is the primary airport for the region, offering numerous domestic and some international flights.

Public Transportation System

Public transit in West Allis is provided by the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) . Several bus routes connect West Allis to downtown Milwaukee and other suburbs. Key routes serving the city include the Route 18 (which travels along National and Greenfield Avenues) and Route 15 (which connects to routes serving West Allis) . The city is well-integrated into the county's bus network, making it possible to navigate the metro area without a car. The standard bus fare is $2.00 .

Major Highways

West Allis is strategically located for automotive travel, with easy access to several key freeways:

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Fried Cheese Curds

No visit to West Allis, or Wisconsin for that matter, is complete without indulging in the state's most sacred culinary tradition: fried cheese curds. The West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe is widely considered a shrine to this practice, serving what many describe as the best fried cheese curds you'll ever taste. These aren't just any cheese curds; they are fresh, never frozen nuggets of dairy gold sourced from local Wisconsin creameries, battered in a light, crispy coating, and fried to golden perfection. When you bite into one, you'll experience the signature "squeak" against your teeth—a true sign of freshness—followed by the satisfying crunch of the batter and the molten, stretchy cheese inside. They are best enjoyed hot, often dipped in house-made ranch dressing, a classic Midwestern pairing .

Historic Bavarian Fare

West Allis has deep roots in German-American heritage, and this history is deliciously preserved at Kegel's Inn. Opened in 1924 by the Kegel family and still run by them today, this beloved establishment is a living piece of West Allis history, soon celebrating a century of tradition. The restaurant is renowned for its authentic Bavarian foods and brews, all crafted from old family recipes. Stepping inside, you're transported back in time with its nostalgic decor, and the menu offers impeccable tastes of old-world classics, making it a cornerstone of the city's culinary identity .

International-Inspired Cuisine

West Allis's vibrant and diverse community is reflected in its flourishing international food scene. A prime example is Chef Paz Restaurant, owned by Chef Paz, who brings the authentic flavors of her home country, Peru, to the city. Her dishes are a delicious representation of Peru's multicultural heritage, blending influences from Chinese, Japanese, African, French, Italian, and Inca culinary traditions . Another must-try is Antigua Latin-Inspired Kitchen. Owner Citlali Mendieta-Ramos, a third-generation restaurateur, draws her inspiration from her Mexican upbringing and the broader culinary landscape of Central and South America, including Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and Argentina. Her menu features modifications of old family recipes, offering dishes like Yucatan-style braised pulled pork and chicken with Mexican mole sauce .

Nature-Inspired Cuisine and the Farmers Market

The farm-to-table movement is thriving in West Allis, with chefs dedicated to using local, natural, and sustainably sourced ingredients. At the heart of this is the West Allis Farmers Market, a true gem that has been serving the community for over 100 years. Open three times a week from May through November, it's where local vendors sell fresh produce and goods . Restaurants like Wild Roots take this philosophy to heart. Owners Thi Cao and Carly Weber forage for organic ingredients like morel mushrooms and source from the farmers market, operating with a little-to-no-waste philosophy. Their menu features inventive dishes like "Nasty Bits," a delicacy made from unconventional parts of the meat . Similarly, Flour Girl and Flame uses sustainably sourced flour from a women-owned mill and Wisconsin mills for their sourdough and Detroit-style pizzas. Incredibly, they also harvest honey from their own four beehives on the roof, producing about 450 pounds per year .

Historic Sweet Treats

West Allis is also home to historic confectioners that have been delighting customers for generations. Grebe's Bakery, an indulgent icon started in 1937, is now in its fourth generation of family ownership. It all began with their famous butterhorns, and today they are also known for their homemade crawlers and hot ham sandwiches, a perfect Sunday morning ritual . Another sweet stop is Freese's Candy, opened in 1928. This downtown hit is famous for its "fairy food turtles" and whipped cream bars, recipes that have stood the test of time and keep customers hooked .

Sport-Inspired Cuisine

Embracing the city's passion for cycling, home to the Tour of America's Dairyland—the longest race series in the country—Bread Pedalers is a bakery owned by a biker-baker sister duo. What started as a bread club transformed into a business baking for the entire community .

Museums

City Hall Art Gallery

West Allis offers a unique and accessible art space for the community. The City Hall Art Gallery is located on the ground floor of West Allis City Hall at 7525 W Greenfield Ave. This gallery provides a venue for local artists to exhibit their work, making art an integral part of the civic experience and easily accessible to residents and visitors alike .

Museums in Nearby Milwaukee

As a suburb of Milwaukee, West Allis is just a short drive from some of Wisconsin's most significant museums, making them easily accessible for a day trip.

Milwaukee Art Museum One of the most iconic landmarks on the Milwaukee lakefront is the Milwaukee Art Museum. It is instantly recognizable for its breathtaking Quadracci Pavilion, designed by the renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The pavilion features a massive, wing-like brise soleil that unfolds and retracts twice daily, resembling a giant white bird in flight. Inside, the museum houses a vast and impressive collection, including paintings, graphics, sculptures, and design pieces from 1960 onwards, as well as a significant collection of works by the acclaimed American artist Georgia O'Keeffe .

Harley-Davidson Museum A true pilgrimage site for motorcycle enthusiasts from around the globe, the Harley-Davidson Museum is located in Milwaukee. The museum is a comprehensive homage to the iconic American motorcycle brand, which built its first bike in 1903. Visitors can admire hundreds of motorcycles, including legendary machines once owned by cultural icons like Elvis Presley and stuntman Evel Knievel. The exhibits delve into the history, culture, and design of Harley-Davidson .

Sport and Sporting Legends

Known Sporting Events

While West Allis may not be home to a major professional sports team, it hosts a significant national sporting event. The city is a central hub for the Tour of America's Dairyland (ToAD) , which is the longest competitive bicycle race series in the entire country. The series takes place over 11 days, attracting cyclists and fans from across the nation and highlighting West Allis's strong connection to the sport of cycling .

Sports-Infused Local Businesses

The city's sporting culture is also woven into the fabric of its local businesses. For instance, Lisa Coons owns both a skate shop, Transaction Skate Shop, located just three blocks from the skate park, and a food truck called My Auntie's Kitchen. The skate shop serves the local skating community with parts, tools, and, importantly, a place to refuel with irresistible snacks and ice-cold drinks after a ride . Additionally, Perspective Brewing Company acts as a community hub for watch parties, allowing sports fans to gather and cheer on their favorite teams, further cementing the link between local businesses and sports fandom .

Sporting Venues and Teams in Nearby Milwaukee

For those seeking professional sports, West Allis's location in the Milwaukee metro area puts it within easy reach of major league venues and teams.

American Family Field Just a short drive from West Allis is American Family Field, the home stadium of the Milwaukee Brewers, the city's beloved Major League Baseball (MLB) team. The stadium is famous for its fan-shaped, retractable roof and its massive tailgate culture, a cherished Wisconsin tradition .

Fiserv Forum In downtown Milwaukee, you'll find Fiserv Forum, the state-of-the-art arena that hosts the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Bucks, who won the NBA championship in 2021, have a passionate following, and their games are a major draw for the entire region .

Universities and Educational Institutions

Higher Education in the Milwaukee Metro Area

West Allis itself does not have a four-year university campus, but it is part of the larger Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis metropolitan statistical area, which is home to several significant institutions of higher education .

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is the largest university in the metro area. As a major public research university, it offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is a key driver of the region's economy and culture. In 2023, it awarded the most degrees in the area, a total of 6,063 .

Marquette University Marquette University is a prominent private Jesuit Catholic university in Milwaukee. Known for its strong programs in law, business, engineering, and journalism, it is a highly respected institution that awarded 3,745 degrees in 2023 .

Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) Milwaukee Area Technical College is a vital part of the educational landscape, providing associate degrees, technical diplomas, and apprenticeship programs. It plays a crucial role in workforce development for the region and awarded 3,090 degrees in 2023 .

Healthcare Institutions and Services

Aurora West Allis Medical Center

The primary full-service hospital in the city is the Aurora West Allis Medical Center, located at 8901 W Lincoln Ave. This facility is a comprehensive healthcare provider with 445 practicing physicians affiliated across a vast range of 80 different specialties. These specialties cover almost every medical field imaginable, including Emergency Medicine, Cardiology, Orthopedic Surgery, Neurology, Oncology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and many more, indicating that it serves as a major healthcare hub for the community .

Select Specialty Hospital - Milwaukee West Allis

Located on the second floor of the same building as the Aurora West Allis Medical Center (8901 W Lincoln Ave) is the Select Specialty Hospital - Milwaukee West Allis. This is a specialized long-term acute care hospital with 34 beds. It is designed for patients who require extended hospitalization for complex medical conditions, such as those needing respiratory care, physical and occupational therapy, and other intensive services not typically provided in a traditional hospital setting or nursing home. It operates under the health system affiliation of Select Specialty Hospitals .

Rogers Behavioral Health - West Allis

For specialized mental health and addiction treatment, West Allis is home to a location of Rogers Behavioral Health. Situated at 11101 W Lincoln Ave, this facility is part of a nationally recognized, not-for-profit provider of evidence-based care for children, adolescents, and adults with mental health conditions and addiction . This provides critical specialized services to the West Allis and broader Milwaukee community.

Nearby Medical Centers

The broader metro area offers even more specialized care. For instance, the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Wisconsin State Fair Park are located nearby, and the area is served by the broader healthcare networks of Milwaukee, including the renowned Children's Wisconsin and Froedtert Hospital in neighboring Wauwatosa, which is the academic medical center affiliated with the Medical College of Wisconsin .

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