15 Best Things to Do in New Berlin, WI

Home to beautiful industrial parks and conservancies, New Berlin in Wisconsin is eastern Waukesha County's third-largest city.

As of the 2020 census, the city had a total population of 40,451.

In 1836, Sidney Evans and P.G. Harrington settled in the area, becoming part of the Town of Muskego.

It was then separated from the town in 1839 and became the Town of Mentor, but Evans later changed the name to New Berlin after his hometown New Berlin, New York.

In 1959, it was incorporated as a city, becoming a hub for industrial parks, including the New Berlin Industrial Park.

Today, the city boasts a progressive economy and gorgeous attractions that have drawn people to live, work, and play in the area.

Wander around its downtown area or visit a museum to learn about its history.

Here are the best things to do in New Berlin, Wisconsin:

Drop by the New Berlin Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau

One of the worthy first stops in the city is the New Berlin Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau.

Here, you'll find helpful information about the city's top tourist attractions, shopping, dining, and fun activities and events.

You can check the city's calendar of activities to see the upcoming events you can enjoy with your family, friends, and the locals.

Get information about the hotels, restaurants, shops, and outdoor attractions and see if they offer discounts and gift certificates.

Who knows?

You might be able to experience one of the city's best destinations free of charge!

Established in 1959, the New Berlin Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau is located at West National Avenue.

Reconnect with Nature at Stigler Nature Preserve

For outdoor enthusiasts, having a moment with nature is a must, and Stigler Nature Preserve doesn't disappoint!

A beautiful and peaceful area awaits at the preserve, providing a relaxing atmosphere in the middle of urban development.

You can take scenic walks on the footpath, which is well-plotted with lots of cedar chips and is easy to traverse.

A creek also flows through the woods, with a pretty sight of marshland along the way.

The trail is only about a mile and is kid and dog-friendly.

With its relaxing vibe, you wouldn't think it's nestled in the city.

Located in West Liberty Lane, Stigler Nature Preserve is lovely all seasons!

Picnic at Calhoun Park

In New Berlin, the parks offer nice picnic areas, but Calhoun Park is exceptional for its picnic shelter with tables to use and grills for delicious barbecues.

It's a wonderful spot for families who want to eat lunch or snacks while enjoying the fresh air and a relaxing atmosphere.

Children can enjoy the park's beautiful playground with swings and slides or even sled on the small hill.

There's also a small fish pond, a scenic nature trail for strolls, and a few athletics fields for sports aficionados.

Calhoun Park is located on South Calhoun Road.

Grab a Pizza at Armeli’s Restaurant & Pizzeria

Armeli’s Restaurant & Pizzeria has a "secret" ingredient for its pizza sauce that makes the best pies in town.

Whether you like your pizza thick or with a traditional crust, you can trust that you're eating it fresh and made with passion and love.

Founded in 1986, Armeli’s Restaurant & Pizzeria also offers a Sunday buffet, weekly specials, delicious entrees, appetizers, and more.

You can find the restaurant on West National Avenue.

Get a Massage at Revived Massage Therapy

Relieve those aching muscles and experience top-notch therapy at Revived Massage Therapy after getting around the city's top destinations.

You'll feel relaxed and refreshed as soon as you step inside the spa with its invigorating aroma and warm atmosphere.

The owner herself is a licensed massage therapist who performs top-of-the-line services, including a full-body massage with face and scalp massage and foot scrub.

Established in 2014, the establishment's other services also include lymphatic massage and detoxing massage.

Revived Massage Therapy is nestled on West Greenfield Avenue.

Read a Book at the New Berlin Public Library

For traveling bookworms, the New Berlin Public Library offers a great selection of books for all ages and excellent resources for study and research.

The library also holds audiobooks, playaways, CDs, DVDs, and many other helpful resources for kids, teens, and adults.

You'll love its cheerful and bright ambiance, with artworks adorning the halls, as well as relaxing reading nooks for your reading sessions.

There's also a gift shop on-site if you're up for getting a souvenir with a book sale.

The Bridges Library System maintains the New Berlin Public Library, which opened in 1969.

You can find it on West Library Lane.

Get Your Coffee Fix at 1848 Coffee

With an unmatched relaxing and warm atmosphere, you can get your favorite coffee at 1848 Coffee.

This local coffee shop offers signature roasts that compete with those of big coffee houses, or even better!

Whether your favorite is mocha, macchiato, caramel, or a shot of espresso to kickstart your day, 1848 Coffee's offerings will satisfy you.

It also offers delicious baked goods, cold brews, tea, and tasty hot chocolate.

1848 Coffee started in a trailer and became the talk of the town for its signature roasts and flavors that change with the seasons.

It's conveniently located at West National Avenue.

Enjoy Tee Time at New Berlin Hills Golf Course

New Berlin Hills Golf Course features an 18-hole championship golf course.

It offers fast and challenging greens and panoramic views of lush vegetation, as well as a clubhouse.

Founded in 1907, the golf course also hosts tournaments, weddings, and other special events for families and private groups.

It has a pro shop, an outdoor patio, and a bar.

New Berlin Hills Golf Course is located on West Graham Street.

Indulge in Tasty Ale at New Berlin Ale House

The city's "hoppy place," New Berlin Ale House, offers 49 beers on tap that are popular among locals and tourists.

Here, you get to enjoy not only beers on tap but also a great selection of malt beverages, craft bottles, and domestic beers.

It also offers delicious eats ranging from handmade pizza, wings, nachos, tortillas, chili, and more.

While enjoying your beer, you can have fun with your friends and family at the 28-lane bowling alley with big screens where you can watch sports.

You can also enjoy karaoke here and be "hoppy"!

New Berlin Ale House is located on West Cleveland Avenue.

Learn about History at Historical Park

Preserving the city's local history and cultural heritage, Historical Park features historic buildings from the early days.

The 4.5-acre park is located in the Prospect Hill Settlement District, which was the city's pioneer crossroad.

Historic buildings include the 1884 Winton-Sprengel house, the 1848 Winton-Martin house, the 1853 Meidenbauer log house, and the 1863 little red school house.

The park also houses the 1859 Freewill Baptist Church in New Berlin, the Weston Antique Orchard, and Alice Westin Memorial Garden, among others.

Each building has significant details and information about its story and how it became one of the historic structures that helped shape New Berlin today.

The New Berlin Historical Society maintains Historical Park.

Learn a piece of history at the park on West National Avenue.

Enjoy Comfort Food at Matty’s Bar & Grille

Indulge in American eats in a warm atmosphere with a bar and great music at Matty’s Bar & Grille.

Enjoy its mouthwatering burgers, gyros, pizza, sandwiches, wraps, smoked wings, surf & turf, smoked ribs, and delicious breakfast.

The bar's award-winning Bloody Mary is not to be missed, especially since it's a popular drink many visitors rave about.

You can also enjoy your food and drink at the restaurant's lovely covered patio with live music performances by local bands.

Matty’s Bar & Grille was established in 1997 on College Avenue.

Buy Fresh Produce at New Berlin Farmers Market

Every Saturday from May to October, the New Berlin Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau hosts the New Berlin Farmers Market.

You'll find local goods at the market—from crafts, baked products, homemade jams, organic produce vegetables, fruits, flowers, and more.

All vendors produce and make their products here, which is one way of supporting local businesses and farmers.

If you're in the city between these months, New Berlin Farmers Market is worth a stop to get a souvenir or fresh produce.

It's located on the corner of West National Avenue and Michelle Witmer Memorial Drive.

Let the Kids Play at The Big Backyard

Bringing the outdoors inside a spacious playground, The Big Backyard offers children a place to run, climb, jump, slide, and ride.

The indoor playground features riding toys, a wide selection of play equipment, balls, playhouses, infant toys, a huge wooden play set, a bouncy house, and more.

The Big Backyard is specially designed for kids up to eight years old, but older kids can also enjoy it here.

You can bring food and drinks, but you can also get one from the Bistro, which offers pizza, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and more.

Also, make sure that your little ones are wearing socks, as it's a requirement to play at The Big Backyard.

The playground was established in 2008 on South 160th Street.

Hike through Deer Creek Sanctuary

Hike over a mile of an out-and-back walking trail at Deer Creek Sanctuary.

It's bordered by a portion of Deer Creek and is home to different varieties of birds, including woodpeckers and American robins.

If you're in the city during the spring season, you might also witness a bird migration.

The 47-acre preserve offers a scenic and peaceful nature trail that's easy to traverse and suitable for all skill levels and ages.

There are many forest areas to explore and amazing vegetation that gets you closer to nature.

You can bring your pet dog if you have one, but it must be on a leash to protect the wildlife and other hikers.

Deer Creek Sanctuary is located on South Acredale Road just north of National Avenue.

Play Sports at Valley View Park

Enjoy a few rounds of disc golf at Valley View Park, which features a dedicated 18-hole disc golf course.

The disc golf course has a few technical holes in the woods that makes it more challenging and fun.

It's also a great spot for those who play Frisbee, especially during the summer season when the weather isn't swampy and wet.

The 75-acre park also features athletic fields, an archery range, playgrounds, hiking trails, and a picnic shelter with tables and grills.

You can find Valley View Park on South Sunny Slope Road.

Final Thoughts

With a rich history and diverse culture, lovely parks, nature preserves, and amazing hospitality, New Berlin is one of Wisconsin's tourist gems.

Its location on the outskirts of Waukesha County makes it a perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts.

Enjoy these best things to do in New Berlin, Wisconsin, on your trip!