Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend
Where to beat the winter blues in West Bend
Don’t let the winter doldrums get you down—there are lots of great restaurants, shops and attractions in West Bend that are sure to put you in a good mood. Here’s a look at just a few you should visit.
What to do: The Bend and the Museum of Wisconsin Art
Looking for a fun night out downtown? Just follow the iconic “West Bend” sign—that’s the historic West Bend Theatre, known these days as The Bend. The theater was built in 1929 to host vaudeville shows and underwent many changes through the years before being restored to its original condition in 2020 by a local nonprofit group. These days, The Bend hosts live music, movies, stand-up comedy and more. See The Bend’s calendar of events here.
West Bend is also home to a stunning art museum on the banks of the Milwaukee River. The Museum of Wisconsin Art holds the largest collection of Wisconsin art ever assembled and houses an extensive collection of late 19th century and early 20th century paintings and drawings. In addition to its impressive collections and rotating exhibits, the museum also offers regular programming for guests.
See more West Bend attractions here.
Where to shop: Savoring Thyme and Candyman on Main
Pick up something special at Savoring Thyme, a store that’s home to unique gifts and one-of-a-kind treasures. Shoppers will find everything from boutique clothing and home décor to seasonal gifts and things for the garden. More than 30 of the store’s product lines are made in the United States (including some from Wisconsin), and Savoring Thyme also offers complimentary gift wrapping.
If you’re shopping for someone with a sweet tooth (or you’ve got one yourself), don’t miss Candyman on Main, a downtown West Bend institution that’s a one-stop-shop for chocolates, truffles, angel food, cheese corn, homemade bear claws and more. Candyman on Main is locally owned and is a great place to find Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream in the spring and summer, too.
See more West Bend shopping options here.
Where to eat: Ninja Japanese Steakhouse
Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, hibachi, or teriyaki, you’ll find something delicious on the menu at Ninja Japanese Steakhouse, located just south of Forest View Park on the southeastern side of West Bend. You’ll discover tasty made-to-order Japanese specialties, including hand-rolled sushi, hibachi favorites like shrimp and chicken, and entrees beef teriyaki and vegetable tempura.
See more West Bend restaurants here.