Milwaukee, known for its rich brewing history and as home to the famous Harley-Davidson, is also a fantastic place to develop your manual driving skills. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, this city offers a mix of urban areas and open spaces, making it a versatile location for learning how to drive stick shift. Milwaukee is also a hub for culture and industry, earning its spot as one of the largest cities in the Midwest, which you can read more about here.
For those looking to practice manual driving, we’ve compiled a list of eight excellent locations in and around Milwaukee that feature open parking lots that are usually not too busy. These spots will help you focus on mastering your clutch control, gear shifts, and other essential manual driving skills.
1. American Family Field Parking Lot
1 Brewers Way, Milwaukee, WI 53214
The parking lot at American Family Field, home of the Milwaukee Brewers, is expansive and quiet on non-game days. With plenty of space and minimal traffic, this is an ideal place for practicing manual driving, especially on weekdays or during off-season periods.
2. Southridge Mall Parking Lot
5300 S 76th St, Greendale, WI 53129
Located in nearby Greendale, Southridge Mall boasts a large parking lot that is relatively quiet during weekdays. This spot offers a safe environment to practice gear changes and maneuvers without much distraction from other vehicles.
3. Mitchell Park Domes Parking Lot
524 S Layton Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53215
Mitchell Park Domes is a unique and iconic location in Milwaukee. Its parking lot provides ample space and is generally less busy during non-event hours. The scenic view of the domes adds an interesting backdrop while you practice driving stick shift.
4. Mayfair Mall Parking Lot
2500 N Mayfair Rd, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Mayfair Mall, located in the nearby city of Wauwatosa, offers a large parking lot that is ideal for manual driving practice. The space is especially quiet on weekday mornings, making it perfect for beginners looking to get comfortable behind the wheel.
5. Wilson Park Recreation Center
1601 W Howard Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53221
Wilson Park Recreation Center has a large, open parking lot that is usually not crowded. It’s an excellent place to practice starting, stopping, and shifting gears in a calm environment.
6. Milwaukee County Sports Complex
6000 W Ryan Rd, Franklin, WI 53132
Located just outside the city in Franklin, the Milwaukee County Sports Complex features a vast parking area that is often underutilized. The quiet setting makes it an ideal spot for uninterrupted manual driving practice.
7. Bayshore Town Center
5800 N Bayshore Dr, Glendale, WI 53217
Bayshore Town Center in Glendale has multiple parking structures that are generally quiet during weekdays. The large, open spaces provide a great opportunity to practice shifting gears and parking in a variety of conditions.
8. Oak Creek Community Center
8580 S Howell Ave, Oak Creek, WI 53154
The Oak Creek Community Center is situated just south of Milwaukee, and its parking lot is spacious and typically not busy. It’s an excellent location for beginners who want a peaceful area to practice manual driving skills.
Conclusion
Whether you’re navigating the streets of Milwaukee or exploring the greater Milwaukee area, these eight locations provide excellent opportunities to practice manual driving. Each site offers open spaces, quiet settings, and safe environments for learning to drive a stick shift. If you’re ready to take your driving to the next level with personalized instruction, book a lesson with Manual Driving Academy here.
