Bronze Fonz
North Riverwalk Way, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
As you’re strolling the Milwaukee Riverwalk, you’ll likely spot a statue with a leather jacket and two thumbs up. “Aayyyy!” That’s Arthur Fonzarelli, aka “The Fonz,” from the 1970s TV show Happy Days. Set in Milwaukee, The Fonz is still the city’s coolest character—even his statue is genuinely beloved, as showcased by the passersby waiting for their “Bronze Fonz” selfie.
You can find the Bronze Fonz just south of Wells Street, right on the RiverWalk (the water flows behind him, which makes for a great photo). The statue’s surprisingly 5’6” tall (167 centimeters), aka the height of Henry Winkler, the actor who portrayed him.
In summer, patio furniture surrounds the statue; grab a seat, and you’re officially cool enough to hang out with The Fonz himself. Just know that you likely won’t be alone—it’s not uncommon for a line of selfie-seekers to form, waiting for their chance to say “Aayyyy!” with the beloved Milwaukee star.
Make a day of it—several more art pieces line the RiverWalk.
If you don’t want to scout out The Fonz yourself, he’s a staple of several city tours.
The best light for photos is in the late morning or early afternoon.
At some point on your trip to Milwaukee, you need to get on the RiverWalk—you might already be in this area to visit the Pabst Theatre, Milwaukee Rep, and other attractions. Otherwise, the Milwaukee Streetcar can get you within a few blocks, or you can bike, hail a taxi, or book a rideshare.
The Bronze Fonz always appreciates visitors and never tells you to “sit on it.” But if you’d like a selfie without a crowd gawking at you or getting in the way, come early on a weekday. Summer’s easily the most popular time to be on the RiverWalk, but The Fonz is available for photo ops year-round.
Visit Milwaukee, the local tourism board, commissioned the statue in 2008—taking a note from other famous TV-character statues, like Minneapolis’s Mary Tyler Moore. Though there was some initial opposition, the statue became an absolute hit; in fact, it was briefly removed in 2022 to address its scratches and tarnishing from The Fonz’s many adoring (and sometimes destructive) fans.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!