Hoan Bridge - white and orange steel frame
1 / 10

Hoan Bridge

4.8
·180 reviews·Milwaukee, United States

Milwaukee's iconic Hoan Bridge, a marvel of engineering illuminated nightly, connecting communities and hosting vibrant events.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Bridge lights up spectacularly

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Hoan Bridge - white and orange steel frame

Hoan Bridge

Best Time

Evenings

Bridge lights up spectacularly

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Milwaukee's iconic Hoan Bridge, a marvel of engineering illuminated nightly, connecting communities and hosting vibrant events.

4.8
(180 reviews)

"The Hoan Bridge is a glorious piece of engineering, but what's even better is the lighting!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Best photo spots

Sail Loft and National Ave boat launch offer prime views for stunning bridge photos.

✨ Dynamic light shows

Check for special themed light shows, like Star Wars or awareness days!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Illuminated Night Views

Illuminated Night Views

Along the Milwaukee Riverfront

Witness the bridge transform into a dazzling light show, with colors often changing for special occasions.

Hoancoming Festival

Hoancoming Festival

Near the Hoan Bridge

Experience a community celebration with fireworks, drone displays, and live music.

Aerial Perspectives

Aerial Perspectives

From nearby high points or drone footage

See the bridge's impressive scale and its connection to Lake Michigan and the city skyline.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Nighttime is the Right Time

The Hoan Bridge truly comes alive after dark. Its dynamic lighting system transforms it into a dazzling spectacle, often changing colors for special events and awareness days. For the best views and photos, plan your visit for the evening.

Community & Events Hub

More than just a transit route, the Hoan Bridge is a focal point for community events like Hoancoming and Hoanchella. These often feature fireworks and drone shows, making them prime times to experience the bridge's vibrant atmosphere.

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Bridge lights up spectacularly
Crowd
Medium
When
During special events
Why
Fireworks & drone shows
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Best shot we got of the Knight ride. Custom 1994 honda shadow 1100. ~75 mph over the Hoan bridge in milwaukee. My suit is real, custom made by me. Weighs 95lbs the helmet alone is 11 lbs. You can tell the weight because a bit after halfway you can see me struggle to hold my head still from the wind. I built the bike to be reminiscent of a horse and armor. The tank and fenders are blue patina (mo...
@theteslaknight
150K likes • 865.4K views

📸 Best photo spots

Sail Loft and National Ave boat launch offer prime views for stunning bridge photos. Reddit

✨ Dynamic light shows

Check for special themed light shows, like Star Wars or awareness days! Instagram

Here are 6 fun things to do in San Francisco on your next trip! 👏🏽 (save!) 🌁 Golden Gate Bridge & Battery Spencer Start your adventure with breathtaking views of San Francisco at the Golden Gate Bridge! 🌉 Battery Spencer has an amazing view, and the love lock gate is adorable. 🔒 🐉 Chinatown SF has the LARGEST Chinatown outside of Asia, and it's filled with authentic food, colorful murals, uniqu...
@marissadaily_
12.1K likes • 326.2K views
It’s been a long time coming but the Hoan Bridge is lit (again!) this time on its east side. It’s been a long hard journey for our friends at @lightthehoan and I’m excited to see what they do next! Seeing the way the bridge has been able to bring together the community through events like Hoancoming and the Intern Challenge as well as lighting up to celebrate our victories as a community and remem...
natevomhof
592 likes • 12.1K views

🚗 Driving experience

Enjoy the drive any time of day or night; it's a unique perspective. Reddit

🛥️ River cruise views

Take a boat ride for a unique vantage point of the bridge. Instagram

The Hoan Bridge is one of Milwaukee’s most recognizable landmarks, spanning nearly 2 miles over the Milwaukee Harbor. Completed in 1977, it connects downtown to the city’s south side and offers incredible views of Lake Michigan. This aerial perspective highlights its unique design and importance to Milwaukee’s infrastructure and identity. What’s your favorite Milwaukee landmark? #HoanBridge #Mil...
angelsviewdrone
138 likes • 3.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Best photo spots

Sail Loft and National Ave boat launch offer prime views for stunning bridge photos. Reddit

✨ Dynamic light shows

Check for special themed light shows, like Star Wars or awareness days! Instagram

🚗 Driving experience

Enjoy the drive any time of day or night; it's a unique perspective. Reddit

🛥️ River cruise views

Take a boat ride for a unique vantage point of the bridge. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(180 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Hoan Bridge, especially its spectacular nighttime illumination and its role as a community icon. Many highlight the bridge's engineering marvel and its ability to uplift spirits, particularly during special events and light shows. While primarily a driving route, its visual appeal from various vantage points makes it a beloved Milwaukee landmark.

"Great boat ride under an immense bridge!!"

Nathan Wischnewski

"I absolutely love this bridge! It's a glorious piece of engineering, but what's even better is the lighting! Sometimes they change the colors up, but usually it's the yellow with blue and twinkling lights, and it's really a sight to see at night!!"

Glenn Martinie

"A jewel of a bridge in the Historic 3rd Ward. Named after Milwaukee's socialist mayor who served from 1916 to 1940. The Western face of the bridge is lit with a different theme nearly every evening. The best views are from the Sail Loft and National Ave boat launch. Various festivals like Hoanchella and Hoancoming celebrate the bridge with fireworks, drone displays, and music from local stations."

Tim M

What People Like

Spectacular night lights
Community event hub
Impressive engineering

What People Dislike

Limited pedestrian access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Hoan Bridge is easily accessible by car, connecting downtown Milwaukee to the south side. It's a major artery, so GPS navigation is straightforward. For those looking for a scenic approach, consider a boat tour on the Milwaukee River, which often passes under or alongside the bridge. Instagram+1

While direct bus routes might not stop directly on the bridge itself, several Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) routes serve areas near the bridge on both the north and south sides. Check the MCTS website for routes that get you closest to your desired viewing spot. Instagram

Parking availability can vary. Areas near the Historic Third Ward or along the riverfront offer some options. For specific events, designated parking areas are usually provided. Reddit

The Hoan Bridge is primarily designed for vehicular traffic. While some sections may have pedestrian or bike access, it's best to check local advisories or opt for a boat tour for a safer and more scenic experience. TikTok

Many visitors recommend experiencing the Hoan Bridge at night when its lights are on full display. A boat tour on the Milwaukee River offers a unique perspective, especially during events. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, general viewing of the Hoan Bridge is free. However, if you plan to attend specific events like Hoancoming, tickets or passes may be required for entry to festival grounds or viewing areas. Instagram

The Hoan Bridge is a public roadway and is open 24/7 for vehicular traffic. The lighting displays typically run from dusk until dawn. Instagram

As of recent information, there are no tolls or fees associated with driving over the Hoan Bridge. Instagram

Special light shows, often themed, occur on various evenings. It's best to follow the 'Light the Hoan' social media accounts or local Milwaukee event listings for schedules. Instagram+1

Yes, events like Hoancoming are designed for public access. Information on viewing areas and tickets can usually be found on the event's official website or social media pages. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The most dramatic photos are taken at night when the bridge's lighting system is active. Dusk and dawn also offer beautiful light for capturing the bridge with the city skyline or Lake Michigan. InstagramReddit

Photographers often recommend the Sail Loft and National Ave boat launch for excellent views. The Milwaukee Riverwalk and various points along the lakefront also provide great vantage points. Reddit

Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local ordinances. Always check current rules and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone in the area. Instagram

For night photography, use a tripod for stability, a wider aperture (lower f-number) to let in more light, and experiment with longer exposure times to capture the light trails and illuminated details. Instagram

Daytime photos can showcase the bridge's impressive engineering and its integration with the Milwaukee landscape, including Lake Michigan and the city skyline. Instagram

🎫 💡 Community & Events

The Hoan Bridge is a centerpiece for community events like Hoancoming and Hoanchella, which often feature fireworks, drone shows, and live music. It's also lit up for various awareness days. InstagramReddit+1

Follow local Milwaukee event calendars, the 'Light the Hoan' social media pages, and community news outlets for announcements about upcoming events and special lighting schedules. Instagram

'Light the Hoan' is an initiative aimed at illuminating the Hoan Bridge with dynamic lighting, often for community events and awareness campaigns, enhancing its role as a Milwaukee landmark. Instagram+1

When the Hoan Bridge is lit orange, it's often in support of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) Awareness, as Wisconsin is one of the states that recognizes it. Reddit

Yes, festivals like Hoancoming and Hoanchella are held to celebrate the bridge and the community it connects, often featuring spectacular light and aerial displays. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Hoan Bridge offers a visually stimulating experience for families, especially at night when the lights are on. The changing colors can be a fun spectacle for children. Consider a boat tour that passes under the bridge; kids often enjoy being on the water and seeing the bridge from a different angle. Instagram For events like Hoancoming, look for family-friendly activities and viewing areas. Instagram Remember that while driving over the bridge is easy, dedicated pedestrian access might be limited, so planning your viewing spot is key.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Hoan Bridge is a dream for photographers, particularly after dark. The dynamic lighting system provides endless opportunities for capturing stunning shots, especially during special themed light shows or awareness campaigns. InstagramReddit Scout out locations like the Sail Loft or National Ave boat launch for the best angles. Reddit Experiment with long exposures and tripods to capture the vibrant colors and light trails. Daytime photography can also be rewarding, showcasing the bridge's architectural grandeur against the backdrop of Lake Michigan and the city. Instagram

🌃 Nightlife & Evening Explorers

For those seeking evening entertainment, the Hoan Bridge is a must-see. Its illuminated presence transforms the Milwaukee skyline into a magical scene. Instagram Plan a visit during one of the community events like Hoancoming for a lively atmosphere with fireworks and music. Instagram A river cruise at night offers a romantic and breathtaking way to experience the bridge's glow. Instagram Even a simple drive across the bridge after dark provides a memorable visual treat.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Hoan Bridge: An Engineering Marvel and Community Icon

The Hoan Bridge, officially the North-South Freeway, is a significant piece of infrastructure in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Spanning nearly two miles over the Milwaukee Harbor, it connects downtown to the city's south side and is a vital transportation link. Completed in 1977, its impressive scale and unique design have made it a recognizable landmark, offering stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee skyline. Instagram

Beyond its functional purpose, the Hoan Bridge has evolved into a symbol of community pride and a canvas for artistic expression. The 'Light the Hoan' initiative has transformed the bridge into a dynamic visual spectacle, with its lighting system frequently changing colors to celebrate holidays, support awareness campaigns, and enhance the city's nighttime ambiance. Instagram+1 This transformation has fostered a deeper connection between the bridge and the residents of Milwaukee, turning it into a focal point for local events and celebrations. Reddit

Community events like Hoancoming and Hoanchella further solidify the bridge's role as a cultural hub. These festivals often include fireworks, drone shows, and live music, drawing crowds to experience the bridge in a festive and engaging way. InstagramReddit The bridge's ability to unite the community through shared experiences and visual splendor underscores its importance not just as a structure, but as a beloved icon of Milwaukee.

Experiencing the Hoan Bridge: Views and Activities

The most captivating way to experience the Hoan Bridge is undoubtedly at night, when its elaborate lighting system comes to life. The bridge is often illuminated in a standard yellow with blue and twinkling lights, but it frequently changes colors for special occasions, holidays, and awareness days, creating a dazzling spectacle. Reddit Visitors rave about the visual treat, noting how it never fails to cheer them up, regardless of the season. Reddit

For unparalleled views, consider a boat tour on the Milwaukee River. These tours offer a unique perspective, allowing you to glide beneath the immense structure and appreciate its scale from water level. Instagram Many tours also provide opportunities to stop for local dining, making for a complete evening experience. Instagram Alternatively, for those who prefer to stay on land, prime viewing spots include the Sail Loft and the National Ave boat launch, which offer excellent vantage points for photography and simply soaking in the illuminated beauty. Reddit

The bridge also serves as a backdrop for significant community events. Hoancoming and Hoanchella are prime examples, transforming the area around the bridge into a lively festival ground with fireworks and drone displays. InstagramReddit Even a simple drive across the bridge offers a memorable experience, providing sweeping views of Lake Michigan on one side and the Milwaukee skyline on the other, a constant reminder of hope and connection. InstagramReddit

You may also like

1 of 2