Milwaukee VA campus map

Cost: Free

Wheelchair availability: Wheelchairs are available upon arrival for patients who need them to access the building.

Patients and visitors should park in the east lot or parking garage, accessible from National Avenue. Valet parking is available to all patients at the East Entrance of the main medical center.

Valet parking at the VAMC Milwaukee is free to all patients. To use the service, stop by the East Entrance of the main building and show your VA Patient ID or appointment letter. The service runs Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  (No tips are accepted) 

Handicapped-Accessible Parking

Handicapped parking is available in both the west and east lots.

Security

Milwaukee VA Police Department provides 24-hour patrols of the campus, including parking lots. For general police assistance, please dial ext. 42222. In case of an emergency, dial 911 or find the blue-light call boxes if outside.

Report all suspicious or criminal activity, vehicle accidents and personal property losses to Milwaukee VA Police while on campus as soon as possible. 

The Milwaukee VA Medical Center is federal property, and all people, vehicles and bags are subject to search. In addition, no weapons, alcohol or illegal drugs are permitted.

Map and location directory

Please view our campus map to see the locations of our parking lots, handicapped parking areas and facility buildings.

Outpatient Clinic Parking

Free parking is available at our community outpatient clinics.

Milwaukee VA campus map

Van services for Veterans

DAV vans

Hours: Individual van schedules vary

We work with Disabled American Veterans and county Veterans Affairs directors to provide transportation for Veterans and authorized caregivers to get to scheduled medical appointments.

For more information on DAV transportation, call 414-384-2000, ext. 47274 or ext. 45877.

Non-DAV van services

Many localities in the region provide other van services to Veterans.

Learn more about DAV and the other van services available in your county

Local transportation services

Milwaukee County Transit Service bus, Route 18.

Other services

Coming soon!

Beneficiary travel

Beneficiary travel benefits include round-trip transportation from your home to the medical center, mileage reimbursement, or special mode transport. 

Find out if you qualify for beneficiary travel benefits

Milwaukee VA campus map

Visitation Guidance

Effective July 25, 2022

All visitors must wear an appropriate face covering consistent with facility policy and must conduct hand hygiene upon entrance and exit of the Veteran's room. Visitor wristbands issued at entrance should be visible at all times. Visitors are limited to the Veteran's room only unless otherwise noted.

Inpatient visitors under 18 years old must be supervised at all times by an adult who is not the patient.

Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for general-population, inpatient units in the main hospital. The frequency and duration of visits will be coordinated with the care team, based on the Veteran’s needs.

Medical and Surgical Units (including intensive care and progressive care )

• Up to two visitors per day per Veteran inpatient.
• Visit duration may be up to four hours, dependent on patient tolerance and/or recommendations as monitored by assigned health care professional.
• Veterans who are admitted to the inpatient unit between 8 p.m. and 7:45 a.m. may have one visitor who is allowed a 20-minute visit to support the admission process, and then may return during the next normal visitation period.
• Virtual visits can be coordinated between staff and family.

3C, DOM 123 (Mental Health)

• No visitation, unless pre-arranged by the intradisciplinary team on a case-by-case basis.
• Virtual visits are preferred and can be coordinated between staff and family.

Emergency Department

• Up to two visitors per Veteran are permitted, including in waiting areas.
• COVID-positive patients will not be granted a visitor unless an essential caretaker is deemed necessary by clinical staff.

COVID Patients (any inpatient visits)

• In-person visitation is approved only for those who may be imminently dying.
• Recommendation is one visit per length of stay, with frequency and duration to be discussed with the assigned care team based on Veteran’s need and life-sustaining treatments.
• Virtual visits are preferred and can be coordinated between staff and family.

Community Living Centers (9A, 9CS, 9CN, buildings 146, 147, 148)

• Up to two visitors per Veteran, at any one time.
• Visit duration may be up to four hours, dependent on patient tolerance and/or recommendations as monitored by assigned health care professional.
• Visit must occur in private room (or double room, but staggered so only one Veteran is present during the visit), dining room or patio.
• Visitors must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (cough mask and face shield).
• Outdoor visits are preferred and can be coordinated between staff and family.

Spinal Cord Injury

• Up to two visitors per Veteran at any one time.
• Visit duration may be up to four hours, dependent on patient tolerance and/or recommendations as monitored by assigned health care professional.
• Visit must occur in private room (or double room but staggered so only one Veteran is present during the visit), dining room or patio..
• Visitors must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (cough mask and face shield).
• Outdoor visits are preferred and can be coordinated between staff and family.

Imminently Dying and End of Life (non-COVID)

Up to two visitors at any one time per Veteran. Only one person authorized for an overnight stay.

Outpatient

One escort as necessary to support goals of the visit (essential caretaker).

Outpatient visitors under 18 years old must be supervised at all times by an adult who is not the patient.

Food and Beverages

Visitors may not bring food or beverages to patients without authorization from physicians or nurses. Call ahead to discuss with clinic staff.

Children Under 18 Years Old

Children under 18 must be supervised at all times by an adult who is not the patient.

Exceptions

For the health and well-being of all patients and staff, the physicians may limit, restrict or deny visitation. We apologize for any inconvenience when this occurs and appreciate your understanding that it may be medically necessary. In the event this happens, video or virtual visits can be used. 

VA Canteen Service Cafeteria

Currently, seating is limited in the cafeteria due to COVID-19 protocols.

Visitors are welcome to purchase food and meals at the VA’s Veterans Canteen Service cafeteria, which is located on the first floor of the main hospital building. VCS offers hot and cold entrees, beverages, desserts and items from local food vendors.

Cafeteria Hours 
7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday 
CLOSED Saturday, Sunday and federal holidays

Patriot Retail Store – VCS 

We offer a full-service retail store with such products as electronics, cosmetics, groceries, toiletries and clothing. Items may be purchased tax-free. The store, open to patients, staff and caregivers, is located on the first floor of the main hospital building, across from the canteen.

Retail Store Hours
6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
CLOSED on federal holidays

Starbucks Coffee Shop 

Located on the first floor of the main hospital building, across from the cafeteria. Offers coffee, other beverages and snacks. 

7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
CLOSED Saturday, Sunday and federal holidays

Visitors are not permitted to stay overnight in the medical center itself. Here are some other options:

Hoptel

Hoptel is a VA program designed to provide temporary, overnight lodging accommodations to eligible Veterans, such as non-VA lodging- motel/hotel.

Hoptel provides easier access to medical care for Veterans traveling a distance of 50 miles or more away.

A stay in Hoptel is not an inpatient admission; therefore nursing and caregiver assistance is not available.

The Milwaukee VA Medical Center Hoptel temporary lodging program has 24 beds (11 rooms to be shared among two people and two rooms that are single/private rooms which are assigned based on need).

This is a free service to all eligible Veterans. Please notify your provider or clinic when you think you will need Hoptel lodging. A referral to Hoptel is generated through your provider.

Who is eligible to stay?

• Veterans must be independent with all cares and clinically stable. Veterans can be accompanied by one caregiver able to provide the necessary care.
• Veterans must live more than 50 miles from the Milwaukee VA Medical Center
• Time of the appointment or procedure necessitates an overnight stay
• Unavailability of transportation necessitates overnight stay

As you prepare for your Hoptel lodging stay, please note the following:

• Be sure to have your provider enter a Hoptel referral. We have a limited number of beds, and a reservation is necessary to ensure you will have a room available.
• Our Hoptel is located in the A-wing of Building 123, which is west of the main hospital. The Hoptel door is located on the west side of Building 123 on South Washington Drive.
• Parking is available in Visitor Lot 2 on the east side of the main hospital. Shuttle service to building 123 is available from the main hospital.
• Our Hoptel lodging program does not provide meals; however, the Hoptel kitchen is generously supplied with donated food items. Each guest suite is equipped with a personal refrigerator. Lodgers also have access to a kitchen with a microwave and small cooking appliances.
• Please bring food with you or plan to purchase meals in our VA canteen or local restaurants. The Hoptel staff can provide information about the hours and delivery options of various restaurants in the area.
• Hoptel check-in is from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m Sunday-Thursday in Room A104 of Building 123. If you are not able to arrive by 7:30 p.m., you will need to check in at the AOD office in the main hospital.

Please call us if you have a reservation but no longer need to stay in the Hoptel so we can offer the room to another Veteran.

414-384-2000 (or toll-free 1-888-469-6614)
Hoptel Coordinator: ext. 41136
Hospital AOD Office (after 7:30 p.m.): ext. 42038
Milwaukee VA Medical Center
5000 W. National Ave
Milwaukee, WI

Fisher House

The Milwaukee VA Fisher House provides a “home away from home,” allowing Veteran’s families to be together during extended treatments or hospitalizations.

The home, which opened in 2016, is a 13,000-square-foot facility with 16 private guest suites. Each room is professionally decorated and beautifully furnished. In addition to private bedrooms with a private adjoining bathroom, the house includes a fully equipped shared kitchen for families and caregivers to use during their stay.

The house also provides:

• A spacious common dining room
• Inviting family room and living room
• Laundry facilities
• In-room phone and TV/DVD player
• Guest Wi-Fi

Some food items are donated by the community, but guests are encouraged to bring their own food. Private food storage space is provided.

Support staff and volunteers are available to answer questions.

Who is eligible to stay?

• Guests may be family members or caregivers of Veterans who are hospitalized at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center.
• Guests must live more than 50 miles away from the medical center.
• Guests must be self-sufficient and able to care for themselves independently or be accompanied
  by a caregiver.
• Guests must be able to stay in an unsupervised setting and follow all house rules.
• There is no fee for families staying at the Fisher House.

Referrals:

A VA social worker or case manager will conduct an initial screening with the Veteran to determine if a referral to Fisher House is appropriate.

The Fisher House manager will determine eligibility and advise the family on the status of the referral and of room availability. Rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, contact:

Jennifer Kiefer - Fisher House manager
414-384-2000 or (toll-free 1-888-469-6614) - ext. 45005 or 45006
email: VHAMIWFisherhouse@va.gov

For more information about how you can help the Milwaukee VA Fisher House contact: Voluntary Service Office 414-384-2000 (toll-free 1-888-469-6614) ext. 41803

Milwaukee VA Medical Center campus map

The Zablocki Integrated Health Program (ZIHP) at the Milwaukee VA is designed for appointment-only outpatient visits without entering the main hospital building.

The Quick Shot clinic is located in the ZIHP clinic. Quick shot is a one-stop shop for COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots as well as other vaccinations, including flu shots.

Please arrive for your appointment on time. There is no need to be any earlier than your scheduled time.

The ZIHP Clinic is located just past the South Entrance of the main hospital building. Look for blue and white signs that say “ZIHP Clinic.” The easiest way to get to ZIHP is by using West National Avenue, entering the campus, and then using South Washington Street.

Zablocki VA asks that you leave the building as soon as your appointment is complete. This helps to provide parking for your fellow Veterans.

See a printable map of the campus or click here to learn more about ZIHP.

Please remember Milwaukee VA is a smoke-free campus. All those entering a Zablocki facility will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and required to wear a mask. If you do not have your own mask, one will be provided to you. Those under the age of 18 will not be allowed to enter the building. For more information on visitors, please check out the Visitors Guidelines.

If you need to cancel or reschedule this appointment, or if you have questions, call 414-384-2000, ext. 49069.

Your health and safety remain our focus. It is our mission to continue to provide you with the compassionate, safe and world-class care you deserve.

Click here for information on food service for inpatients.

• This applies to all patients being admitted to the hospital.
• We ask all patients to leave belongings at home, except for essential items such as hearing aids, dentures, glasses, cell phone, and mobility devices.
• VA accepts responsibility ONLY for those funds, effects, and valuables deposited for safekeeping. Anything not deposited for safekeeping will be your own responsibility in the event of loss or theft.