What do Milwaukeeans consider "gems" of their city?

AS PART OF MILWAUKEE”S 160 birthday celebration late in January, the sponsoring Milwaukee Press Club polled city residents online, asking what they considered the “gems” of their city.

More than 7,000 responded, some voting for “gems” that come as no surprise to visitors, but others may provide visitors with some unexpected destinations. If you see something missing in the top ten or those from 11 through 30, e-mail us at info@KeyMilwaukee.com.

Here are the top 10.

1: Summerfest - Now in its 39th year, the “World’s largest outdoor music festival”  is scheduled for June 29-July 9 at Henry Maier Festival Park, also known as the Summerfest grounds, on the shore of Lake Michigan.

2: The Milwaukee Art Museum - The winged Santiago Calatrava-designed addition to the museum quickly won international acclaim and became the official marketing symbol of Milwaukee.

3: Ethnic Festivals - Most of the major ethnic festivals are held at the Summerfest Grounds, but others are held  in neighborhoods, church settings and in surrounding communities. Major festivals are listed in on page 55.

4: Milwaukee’s lakefront -The city’s lakefront is known for public access and the absence of commercial development.

5: Harley-Davidson - Known as “Milwaukee Iron,” the famed motorcycle is built in Milwaukee. Harley-Davidson’s tour center is at 11700 W. Capitol Dr.     

6: Milwaukee County Zoo - A leading zoological park, using natural settings indoors and outdoors, the zoo at 10001 W. Bluemound Rd. is open 365 days a year.

7: Frozen custard - Don’t confuse rich concoction with ice cream.

8: Allen-Bradley Clock Tower  - The world’s largest four-sided clock, the tower is the first thing you see from the south or from the air. Factory automation pioneer Allen-Bradley is now part of Rockwell International and is based under the clock.

9: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - UWM’s familiarity nationwide jumped last year when its basketball team made the Sweet 16 of the NCAA basketball tournament.

10: Friday night fish fries - Just about every restaurant or tavern in the Milwaukee area offers its version of this dining delight. Even the most upscale restaurant has its version of a fish fry, usually with fries and often cole slaw.

Gems from 11 through 20, were Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers; Mount Mary College; the Historic Third Ward; Jazz in the Park at Cathedral Square every summer; the Mitchell Park horticultural domes; Marquette University; Miller Brewing Company and the Miller Valley; St. Josephat’s Basilica and Brady Street.

Gems from 21 through 30 were the Pabst Theater; Milwaukee County and City parks; the Milwaukee Brewers; the Milwaukee Public Museum; Milwaukee’s RiverWalk; the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra; the Pfister Hotel; the Pabst Mansion; the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist and Alverno College.

The Milwaukee Press Club, which conducted the gem balloting, is the oldest, continuously operating press club in North America.  The club’s headquarters is the Newsroom Pub, 137 E. Wells St.