"Saw a building I've never seen before:" Doors Open Milwaukee gives public all-access pass to the city

MILWAUKEE -- The keys to the city were handed over to the residents of Milwaukee this weekend. Anyone who wanted got a behind the scenes look at various historical buildings for the 5th Annual Doors Open Milwaukee.

Doors Open Milwaukee

Ever gotten stuck in traffic as the Milwaukee River bridges opened for boaters? Well, September 19-20th, folks were given an up close look at the inter workings of the Wells Street vertical left bridge.

You could also take a tour of the Milwaukee Fire Museum.

"I just like being able to see all the history stuff like that," said Lindsey Munguia, enjoys Doors Open Milwaukee.

And this is the place to do it. Many families enjoyed an up close look at the fire house style from 1927, and the departments first ambulance -- a 1947 Cadillac.

Doors Open Milwaukee

"I think it's a great education for them to be able to see how things work," said Shannon Irwin.

Shannon and her husband, Mike, brought their two kids to Doors Open Milwaukee.

Doors Open Milwaukee

"We learn, he gets an experience so it's a lot of fun that way," said Mike Irwin.

The fun was spread across the city as many places gave you an all-access pass.

The event is largely run by volunteers like Judy Wimmer.

"I moved back to Milwaukee after many years away when I retired some years ago and I was training for these tours, I saw building I've never seen before, never knew they were here," said Wimmer.

Like the Eschweiler buildings, built for the agricultural college back in 1911.

Great Lakes Distillery

Other stops included the Great Lakes Distillery and the Orlandini Studio, an ornamental plaster studio that's been around since the 1930's.

"If you have that opportunity, I think it opens your eyes and it helps you to love the city which is yours," said Wimmer.

The city that gave you the keys for the weekend.

There were 150 locations free of charge to the public. Historic Milwaukee adds new locations each year.