The pedal tavern is one of Milwaukee's friendliest ways to spend a group outing: a large, multi-seat bicycle on which everyone pedals together while a driver steers and the rest of the group chats. This two-hour tour starts from the Cooperage Building on South Water Street in the Historic Third Ward and rolls through the neighborhood with short stops and drive-bys, pausing at bars along the route, where drink specials are common. The tour is BYOB, so you can bring a few canned drinks aboard, and anything beyond that is bought at the bars. It carries a maximum of 15 travelers, and a group of at least six is needed. The appeal is the company. Because everyone pedals and the pace is gentle, it suits birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette gatherings, work outings and friends meeting for a weekend, and the riding takes care of the icebreaking. The tour is rated 4.8 from 52 reviews, a strong score for an activity built on fun, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start. The route covers part of the Third Ward and the bar scene around it, so it works as an easy, active alternative to a standard bar crawl.
Booking and timing
The meeting point is 820 South Water Street, where check-in happens at the garage outside the Cooperage Building and the Boone and Crockett bar. Dates are chosen at booking, and the tour can be booked well ahead, so plan early for weekends. Confirmation arrives within two days of booking, depending on availability. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, which is helpful because outdoor activities depend on the forecast.
What to expect
The tour is designed for adults enjoying drinks, and the BYOB rule limits what you can bring aboard to three canned alcoholic drinks, with the rest bought at the bars you visit. Everyone pedals, but you can rest your legs when you want to, and the driver keeps the route and the schedule on track. The tour is not wheelchair accessible. As with any group outing involving alcohol, set a plan for getting back to your hotel, and use a rideshare rather than driving.
Making it count
Dress for the weather, wear flat shoes you can pedal in and bring a small bag for your phone. The Pedal Tavern pairs well with dinner in the Third Ward afterward, since you finish where the restaurants are, and with a morning at the Public Market. It is warm-weather in spirit, so check the booking calendar for your dates rather than assuming winter departures. If you are traveling as a couple or a small family, this is not the right fit; look at the RiverWalk or a food tour instead.
Is it right for your group? The pedal tavern works best with friends who like a lively, slightly silly outing and who are happy to be seen on the street. It works less well for people who dislike crowds, who cannot pedal for a stretch or who want a quiet evening. If half the group is unsure, balance it with a calmer plan on another night, such as a sit-down meal in the Third Ward or a walk on the RiverWalk, and keep the pedal ride as the highlight of the trip.
What to expect
The experience
A guided two-hour ride on a pedal-powered bar for groups, with stops at bars in the Historic Third Ward area.
Best time
Warm-weather afternoons and evenings; check the booking calendar for your dates.
How long
About two hours, ending where you began.
Tips
Bring up to three canned drinks, wear flat shoes and arrange a rideshare home.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Groups of friends, birthdays and work outings looking for something active and social.
- Families
- For adults; the tour centers on bar stops, so it is not a family activity.
- Couples
- Better for groups than for two, since a party of six or more is needed.
- Pair with
- Dinner in the Third Ward and the RiverWalk.
- Time needed
- Two hours, plus check-in.
Good questions
How long is the Milwaukee Pedal Tavern tour?+
The tour lasts about two hours, starting and ending at the meeting point in the Third Ward.
Can we bring our own drinks?+
Yes, the tour is BYOB and you may bring three canned alcoholic drinks aboard. Anything more is bought at the bars along the route.
How many people do we need?+
A group of six or more is required, and the bike carries a maximum of 15 travelers.
Where do we meet?+
Meet at 820 South Water Street, checking in at the garage outside the Cooperage Building and the Boone and Crockett bar.
Can I cancel?+
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund.
