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Milwaukee

Discovery World

  • June 9 2026
  • Within Walking Distance
Overview
Getting To and From
Inside the Venue
Onsite Accessibility
Our Guidelines
Comments
Cane man - Black Accessibility Information Google Map Venue Floor Plan Website
About
Discovery World is Wisconsin's premier science museum, located at 500 N Harbor Dr on Lake Michigan's shoreline in downtown Milwaukee, between the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Summerfest grounds. It features a world-class aquarium — Wisconsin's largest — where visitors explore aquatic animals from around the globe through themed areas such as a Caribbean shark trek and Lake Michigan exhibits, alongside hands-on interactive exhibits and immersive educational experiences including virtual world creation, tinker labs, structure building, and rocket launches. Discovery World began in a Boys & Girls Club basement, moved to the Milwaukee Public Library's Central Branch, relocated in 1995 to share space with the Milwaukee Public Museum, and in 2006 opened its world-class facility on the lakefront under the guidance of local philanthropist and relentless tinkerer Michael Cudahy. Its mission is to inspire generations to discover the wonders of science.
Getting To and From
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
On Site Parking Garage or Lot
Yes
Yes
 Underground heated parking garage: $10 for 1 hour, $22 for 5+ hours, including 6 accessible spaces located near the main elevator (6'8" height limit). Upper surface lot: $10 for 1 hour, $30 for 5+ hours (scan-to-pay). Members receive parking discounts.
Drop Off/Pick Up Lanes/ Ride Share
Yes
Yes
 Guest drop-off and pick-up is allowed at Discovery World's main entrance.
Off site Parking
Yes
Yes
 Additional street and lot parking is available nearby on the lakefront. Public transit is available via the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS).
Accessible Entrance
Site Map/Floorplan
Yes
Yes
 Downloadable building maps are available in English and Spanish, along with a group bus and building map.
Inside the Venue
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
Dedicated Accessible Entrance
Street Level Access and Automatic Doors
Security Checkpoint
Use of Mobility Aids
Yes
Yes
 A limited number of wheelchairs (including a bariatric wheelchair) and strollers are available to guests on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge. Staff assistance is available at the Admissions Desk. Service animals are permitted in Discovery World; other live animals are prohibited unless authorized for a special event.
Accessible Seating (Theater)
Location
500 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Getting To and From

Find essential details on parking, drop-off points, and accessibility to make your visit smooth and hassle-free.
Check the table below for more information.
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
On Site Parking Garage or Lot
Yes
Yes
 Underground heated parking garage: $10 for 1 hour, $22 for 5+ hours, including 6 accessible spaces located near the main elevator (6'8" height limit). Upper surface lot: $10 for 1 hour, $30 for 5+ hours (scan-to-pay). Members receive parking discounts.
Drop Off/Pick Up Lanes/ Ride Share
Yes
Yes
 Guest drop-off and pick-up is allowed at Discovery World's main entrance.
Off site Parking
Yes
Yes
 Additional street and lot parking is available nearby on the lakefront. Public transit is available via the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS).
Accessible Entrance
Site Map/Floorplan
Yes
Yes
 Downloadable building maps are available in English and Spanish, along with a group bus and building map.

Inside the Venue

Get to know what to expect indoors—from seating layouts to restrooms and concessions.
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
Dedicated Accessible Entrance
Street Level Access and Automatic Doors
Security Checkpoint
Use of Mobility Aids
Yes
Yes
 A limited number of wheelchairs (including a bariatric wheelchair) and strollers are available to guests on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge. Staff assistance is available at the Admissions Desk. Service animals are permitted in Discovery World; other live animals are prohibited unless authorized for a special event.
Accessible Seating (Theater)

Onsite Accessibility

Learn about ramps, elevators, restrooms, and other accessible features available during your visit
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
Restrooms
Yes
Yes
 An all-gender family/companion restroom is located on the 1st floor, featuring an adult-weight lift table and a height-adjusting sink. A parent's room is available for nursing and private needs.
Elevators
Yes
Yes
 A main elevator serves the building; the 6 accessible parking spaces in the underground garage are located near the main elevator.
On-Site Dining
Yes
Yes
 Downtown Kitchen Express by Bartolotta's, the café at Discovery World, offers grab-and-go items including pizza, hot dogs, pretzels, salads, sandwiches, and more. Open 10:00am–3:00pm on days Discovery World is open, unless otherwise stated. Discovery World members receive a 10% discount on Downtown Kitchen Express purchases. The café is managed by The Bartolotta Restaurants.
Theater, Auditorium, etc. (Museum)
Yes
Yes
 Discovery World features the Reiman Aquarium — Wisconsin's largest — with a Caribbean shark trek, a touch tank, and Lake Michigan exhibits, alongside hands-on interactive science and technology exhibits. The building is organized into a Tech Side and an Aqua Side. KultureCity sensory bags (VIP badge, feeling thermometer, fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones) and a KultureCity app with social story are available. Quiet areas are located near the BIG exhibit on the 2nd floor (Tech Side) and near the Upper Mezzanine restrooms (Aqua Side). Headphone zones are at the Power On! and Great Lakes Future exhibits.
Our Guidelines
1. Make Accessibility Info Easy to Find - Dedicated Website Accessibility Page

Clearly post detailed accessibility information online, covering parking, entrances, interior pathways, site plans, and more.


2. Include All Mobility Devices

Consider walkers, canes, crutches — not just wheelchairs. Provide specifics for a variety of mobility needs. Include people who use different devices in the conversation.

3. Go Beyond ADA Compliance

ADA is the minimum. Strive for real-world accessibility through thoughtful design and ongoing improvements.

4. Visibility = Accessibility

If disabled visitors aren't present, barriers may exist. Transparency and preparation are the keys to inclusion. Empower everyone to attend.

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