Bronze Fonz
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Bronze Fonz

4.5
·2k reviews·Milwaukee, United States

A bronze tribute to Henry Winkler's iconic 'Happy Days' character, Fonzie, located on the scenic Milwaukee Riverwalk.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Better lighting & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Bronze Fonz

Bronze Fonz

Best Time

Daytime

Better lighting & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A bronze tribute to Henry Winkler's iconic 'Happy Days' character, Fonzie, located on the scenic Milwaukee Riverwalk.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"Strike a pose with the iconic 'Happy Days' character, a beloved Milwaukee landmark."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Snap a Classic Pic

Recreate Fonzie's iconic 'Ayyy!' pose for a memorable photo op.

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Riverwalk

Discover the Bronze Fonz while enjoying a scenic walk along the Milwaukee River.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Bronze Fonz Statue

The Bronze Fonz Statue

Milwaukee Riverwalk

Strike a pose with the iconic 'Happy Days' character, a beloved Milwaukee landmark. A must-see for fans!

Milwaukee Riverwalk Stroll

Milwaukee Riverwalk Stroll

Downtown Milwaukee

Enjoy scenic views of the Milwaukee River and discover public art, including the Bronze Fonz, along this vibrant path.

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Planning Your Visit

Finding the Fonz

The Bronze Fonz statue is a popular photo spot on the Milwaukee Riverwalk. While it's a fun tribute to 'Happy Days,' some visitors suggest visiting during daylight hours for better lighting and to avoid potential issues with people sleeping nearby. InstagramReddit

Navigating to the Statue

Google Maps might lead you astray when trying to find the Bronze Fonz. A more enjoyable approach is to take a leisurely stroll along the Milwaukee Riverwalk and discover the statue organically. Reddit

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Better lighting & fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Reflective water views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Let's recap the first night of the RNC in Milwaukee in front of this large metal Fonzie. #rnc #rnc2024
@salonofficial
3.2K likes • 18.9K views

📸 Snap a Classic Pic

Recreate Fonzie's iconic 'Ayyy!' pose for a memorable photo op. TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Riverwalk

Discover the Bronze Fonz while enjoying a scenic walk along the Milwaukee River. InstagramReddit

The Bronze Fonz is “missing”… #MilwaukeeWI #MilwaukeeWisconsin #DiscoverMilwaukee
@jmattmke
2.4K likes • 61.1K views
📸UNIQUE PHOTO SPOTS IN MILWAUKEE📸 Giannis Mural by @mauriciopaints 📍600 E Wisconsin, Milwaukee Bronze Fonz 📍N RiverWalk Way Stone Arch @urbanecologycenter 📍1500 E Park Pl, Milwaukee Spillover at Atwater Park 📍4000 N Lake Dr, Shorewood Mama Rosa @fireflygrovepark 📍1900 N 116th St, Wauwatosa Giant Campbell’s Soup Can 📍500 W Edgerton Ave, Milwaukee Follow @milwaukee_eatandplay for a mouth...
milwaukee_eatandplay
665 likes • 23.9K views

☀️ Visit During Daylight

For the best experience and lighting, aim for a daytime visit. Reddit

📍 Don't Rely Solely on GPS

Enjoy the journey; the Fonz is best discovered on a Riverwalk stroll. Reddit

Met Milwaukee Goal #1 The Bronze Fonz!! 👍 #milwaukee #riverwalk #bronzefonz #wisconsin #happydays #henrywinkler #henrywinklerthefonz
grudich4
350 likes • 5.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Snap a Classic Pic

Recreate Fonzie's iconic 'Ayyy!' pose for a memorable photo op. TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Riverwalk

Discover the Bronze Fonz while enjoying a scenic walk along the Milwaukee River. InstagramReddit

☀️ Visit During Daylight

For the best experience and lighting, aim for a daytime visit. Reddit

📍 Don't Rely Solely on GPS

Enjoy the journey; the Fonz is best discovered on a Riverwalk stroll. Reddit

🎨 Appreciate the Art

The statue is a fun piece of public art celebrating pop culture history. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Bronze Fonz statue a fun and nostalgic photo opportunity on the Milwaukee Riverwalk. While some note that GPS can be unreliable for finding it, a leisurely stroll along the river is recommended. Many appreciate the statue's pop culture significance and the scenic surroundings, especially when visited during daylight hours.

"On a business trip to Milwaukee I enjoyed the Riverwalk. I did meet up with the Fonz in Bronze.. it was fun to snap pics and say, heeey! 👍. I recommend finding the Fonz during the daytime as there are a few people sleeping on the benches in that area and the area didn't seem to be as well lit as other sections on the Riverwalk."

Laura

"If you are letting Google Maps show you the way there, you will get yourself turned around trying to find him. Why not take a nice Riverwalk and discover the beauty of the Milwalkee River downtown and see Fonzi along the way, you will be glad you did!"

Lynette Willingham

"I visited this statue on a cold night. It’s very strange to think “I’m lucky to have seen a statue of a fictional character”…. But I did, and I do. The surround views were nice. The lights reflecting off the water made it even better."

John Von Klopp

What People Like

Nostalgic tribute
Fun photo op
Riverwalk location

What People Dislike

GPS navigation issues
Occasional nighttime concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Bronze Fonz is located on the Milwaukee Riverwalk. While GPS might be tricky, the best way to find it is by walking along the Riverwalk downtown. InstagramReddit

There are several parking garages and street parking options in downtown Milwaukee near the Riverwalk. It's recommended to check parking apps for availability and rates. Instagram

Yes, several Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) bus routes stop in the downtown area, providing easy access to the Riverwalk. TikTok

The Milwaukee Riverwalk is generally accessible, and the statue is at ground level, making it easy to view and take photos. Instagram

Take your time, enjoy the views of the Milwaukee River, and keep an eye out for other public art installations along the way. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Bronze Fonz statue is a public art installation and is free to view and photograph. Instagram

The Bronze Fonz is accessible 24/7 as it's part of the public Riverwalk. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for better visibility and safety. Reddit

The Milwaukee Riverwalk is a public space and does not have an admission fee. Instagram

While it's a statue, it's generally advised to avoid excessive touching or rubbing to preserve the artwork. However, many visitors do pose for photos with it. Reddit

Some Milwaukee walking tours may include a stop at the Bronze Fonz as part of their itinerary, highlighting its pop culture significance. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Daylight hours offer the best natural light. Evenings can be atmospheric with reflections on the water, but may be less well-lit. Reddit

Pose with the Fonz, recreate iconic 'Happy Days' moments, or capture the statue with the Riverwalk scenery in the background. TikTokInstagram

Yes, the entire Milwaukee Riverwalk offers scenic views, public art, and cityscapes perfect for photography. Instagram

Drone usage in downtown Milwaukee may be restricted. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone in the area. TikTok

Experiment with different angles! Standing slightly to the side or in front, mimicking Fonzie's pose, often works well. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Bronze Fonz is a fun, quick stop for families visiting Milwaukee. Kids who are familiar with 'Happy Days' will get a kick out of seeing the statue, and it's a great spot for a playful photo. TikTok The Riverwalk itself is generally safe and pleasant for a family stroll, offering nice views of the river. Instagram

Pro-tip: Make it a game to find the Fonz! Turn the visit into a mini-scavenger hunt as you explore the Riverwalk. Visiting during the day ensures better visibility and a more relaxed atmosphere for younger children. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Bronze Fonz offers a unique subject that blends pop culture with urban scenery. The statue itself is well-lit during the day, and the surrounding Riverwalk provides interesting backdrops with the river and city skyline. Instagram+1

Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' for softer light and a more dramatic effect on the bronze. The reflections on the Milwaukee River can also add an artistic element to your shots. Reddit Don't forget to experiment with different poses to capture the playful spirit of the Fonz. TikTok

💖 Pop Culture Fans

If you grew up watching Happy Days or appreciate iconic television history, the Bronze Fonz is a pilgrimage site. It's a tangible connection to a beloved era of American television and a testament to the show's lasting impact. Instagram+1

Take a moment to channel your inner Fonzie and snap a photo. It's a nostalgic experience that brings a piece of TV history to life. TikTokInstagram Many visitors find it a charming and memorable part of their Milwaukee trip, especially if they have fond memories of the show. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Significance of the Bronze Fonz

The Bronze Fonz statue, officially titled 'The Bronze Fonz,' is a life-size bronze sculpture depicting Arthur Fonzarelli, the iconic character played by Henry Winkler in the beloved 1970s sitcom Happy Days. The show was famously set in Milwaukee, making the statue a fitting tribute to the city's connection to this piece of American pop culture history. Instagram+1

Commissioned by Visit Milwaukee and created by artist Gerald P. Sawyer, the statue was installed on the Milwaukee Riverwalk in 2008. It quickly became a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Milwaukee's playful side. Visitors often recreate Fonzie's signature 'Ayyy!' pose, embracing the nostalgia and fun associated with the character. TikTokInstagram

Over the years, the statue has undergone refurbishments, including a recent repainting that gave it a more classic, two-toned bronze appearance, which many locals and visitors prefer. Reddit Its presence on the Riverwalk adds a unique charm, blending public art with a touch of Hollywood magic right in the heart of the city.

Experiencing the Milwaukee Riverwalk

The Milwaukee Riverwalk is a vibrant urban promenade that winds through the heart of downtown Milwaukee, offering a scenic and engaging experience for visitors. Stretching for miles along the Milwaukee River, it connects various attractions, restaurants, and cultural sites, making it an ideal place for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. Instagram

Along the Riverwalk, you'll encounter a diverse array of public art, including the famous Bronze Fonz statue. The path is dotted with charming cafes, lively bars, and unique shops, providing ample opportunities to relax, dine, or shop. In warmer months, you can often see boats cruising along the river, adding to the dynamic atmosphere. Reddit

Whether you're a local or a tourist, the Riverwalk offers a fantastic way to explore Milwaukee's downtown. It's a place where you can appreciate the city's architecture, enjoy the natural beauty of the river, and discover hidden gems like the Bronze Fonz, all while soaking in the local ambiance. Instagram+1

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