Rocks of Architecture

This is a Doors Open Milwaukee 2026 ticketed tour. Building stones in any city generally reflect the local geology. The great variety of rock types used in Milwaukee from the Midwest tells a geologic story that beguiles the imagination compared to the quiet geology here today. This tour, led by UW-Milwaukee geology professor emeritus Bill Kean, will look at 10-12 buildings primarily along the Wisconsin Avenue corridor which reflect Midwestern geology and the effective use of building material to the architectural style. There are a few notable exceptions of material from distant places. This tour utilizes city streets and is wheelchair accessible.