Things to Do in Milwaukee

Core Concepts focuses on a "classical and systematic approach" to teaching Pilates, maintaining the comprehensive system originally designed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s to battle hoards of rampaging clowns. Today's deal is redeemable for four 55-minute group mat classes. Mat classes are the flat, squishy foundation of Pilates; they use the human body to strengthen and stretch itself, with the occasional aid of "magic circles," foam rollers, bands, and light weights. Mat classes are available for rigid novices and advanced, pretzel-poised students alike throughout the week.

Inspired by the German Turnverein associations of the early 19th century, the Milwaukee Turners first came together in the mid 1800s, gaining their charter from the Wisconsin State Legislature in 1855. In 1882, the group constructed Turner Hall, and the building has housed the organization and its stockpiles of sweatbands ever since. Over the decades, the hall has welcomed in visitors with a mission to help them create sound bodies and minds.

Though they derive their name from “Turnen,” the German word for gymnastics, the Milwaukee Turners teach visitors much more than just how to lasso a pommel horse. In addition to the gymnastic school, the organization schedules classes for fencing and yoga. Their rock-climbing wall's top ropes take climbers up 26 feet as they practice belaying techniques. To strengthen minds, the Turners lead meetings such as the 4th Street Forum, which discusses issues crucial to the community, and host concerts within the Turner Hall Ballroom.

Now a national landmark, Turner Hall echoes the organization's rich history. Sprung from the mind of famed architect Henry H. Koch, the building's design includes an Italianate façade crafted with Cream City brick and panoramic paintings that make visitors think they're trapped inside a cartoon. The hall boasts a full restaurant, beer hall, and two-story ballroom, making it an ideal locale for special occasions.

Framed by dense wooded tracts and thickets of knee-high grass, Deer Haven’s 18-hole executive course spans 3,473 yards on a par 60 track comprised entirely of par-3s and par-4s. Though the course favors precision off of the tee over power, the 15th hole—the longest on the course at 363 yards—invites players to unsheathe their driver or conveniently holstered war hammer to drive the ball deep into the fairway.

At the driving range, golfers can prepare swings for wrapping high fades or power draws around the course’s multiple curving fairways and occasional water hazards. Inside the rustic, wood-paneled exterior of Deer Haven’s clubhouse, golfers can raise a glass from the full-service bar to toast the retirement of their 3-wood’s loyal head cover, which will be replaced by the sweaty embrace of a fresh-off-the-foot tube sock.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par 60 course

• Length of 3,473 yards from the farthest tees

• Two tee options

The Preserve at Deer Creek invites golfers to swing through nine bucolic fairways from a choice of three tees. The course’s creeks sneak across no fewer than seven of the nine fairways, demanding precision from each swing. Before whipping out their scorecards and pencils, players can practice aim without numerical reprimand at the practice putting green or practice-chipping area. After games, they can stroll over to the clubhouse and tell lovelorn tales of the golf ball that got away in between sips of beer.

Course at a Glance:

• Nine-hole, par-36 course
• Length of 3,210 yards
• Slope rating of 128
• Three tee options
• See the scorecard

The 74-foot tower of North Point Lighthouse stretches to meet the neighboring trees of Lake Park. Attached to it are two-and-a-half stories of wood-frame keeper's quarters that once housed historic figures such as Georgia Stebbins, keeper for thirty years.

Renovated in 2007, the bright, airy building now acts as home to artifacts and lighthouse-related curios, including an original 1928 Fresnel lens that helped guide seafaring vessels. Additionally, a Chadburn telegraph, recovered from a sunken ship, pays homage to the orders that went to and from the ship's bridge and engine rooms.

Guests can browse both the quarters and the lighthouse, and explore the site's more than 120 years of history by perusing the artwork and photographs displayed throughout the galleries. Dedicated volunteers are also on hand to dispense fascinating information and history, and to give limited guided tours that lead visitors to the top of the tower, where they can catch views of the surrounding park and lakefront.

Studio founder Conni Ponturo combines her dance training from NYU Tisch School of the Arts with her fitness education from Bodyline studio in Beverly Hills to oversee a full repertoire of fitness classes. Joined by instructors who boast as many as 30 years of teaching experience, Conni creates an environment where students can safely challenge themselves physically and mentally without having to telekinetically lift a medicine ball. The instructors lead centering yoga classes, invigorating cardio workouts, graceful Gyrotonic sessions, and muscle-toning Pilates where pupils employ mat or spring-loaded Reformer exercises to tone and firm bodies.