Historic Third Ward Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Historic Third Ward
Historic Third Ward
Historic Third Ward
Historic Third Ward
Historic Third Ward

Experience Milwaukee’s hot spot for art and fashion when you check out the dynamic boutiques, restaurants, theatres and galleries that fill this exciting district.

Milwaukee’s creative community is in full swing at the Historic Third Ward. Discover the latest offerings from up-and-coming designers and favoured local labels in the shops and boutiques that line the streets. Book tickets to see a performance of local theatre, music or dance at one of the esteemed Historic Third Ward venues. Bustling cafés and atmospheric restaurants serve up Wisconsin’s fresh produce with exciting culinary creations. See the work of local artists and touring names when you peruse the galleries. The riverside trails are perfect for stretching your legs and finding a spot to relax awhile.

Pass underneath the arched Historic Third Ward sign and begin your exploration of this heritage warehouse neighbourhood. Today, over 500 businesses thrive in the community and exciting surprises are around every corner. Go shopping at the many specialty stores and refresh your wardrobe or your home with quality locally made items.

Browse the district’s dynamic art galleries and spend some time perusing curated exhibitions. Pick up a unique souvenir and find out what’s on trend at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.

Pick up gourmet treats and delicacies at the Milwaukee Public Market. This indoor market is the ideal spot to grab some items for a picnic. Alternatively, take a seat at one of the cafés nestled into the chic repurposed warehouses. Go for a stroll along the picturesque Third Ward Riverwalk and enjoy pretty views of the Milwaukee River and the district’s industrial streetscape.

Find out what’s showing at the local theatre and entertainment venues. Catch a show at the Broadway Theatre Centre or see what’s happening at one of the dance studios. Four times a year, the Historic Third Ward hosts a 24-hour art extravaganza called Gallery Night & Day. Local artisans and craftspeople show their wares at the Third Ward Art Festival held annually over the Labour Day Weekend.

The Historic Third Ward is situated a short distance south of downtown Milwaukee and is east of the Milwaukee River. Park for free on weekends or make use of the district’s two parking lots. A bus line passes through the district’s western quarter. The district is free to visit at any time.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Historic Third Ward Hotel Deals

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel by IHG

4.5 out of 5
310 E Chicago St, Milwaukee, WI
The price is AU$258 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
AU$258
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (914 reviews)
"Great location. Good feel."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel by IHG
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

4.5 out of 5
1611 West Canal Street, Milwaukee, WI
The price is AU$268 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
AU$268
3 Nov - 4 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 7 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,350 reviews)
"Not a drinker so I can't answer about the drinks. I did not eat breakfast at the hotel. I can't answer about the breakfast."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

3 out of 5
700 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI
The price is AU$201 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$201
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,917 reviews)
"Super friendly staff!"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown
Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa

Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa

3.5 out of 5
10499 W Innovation Dr, Milwaukee, WI
The price is AU$158 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$158
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,708 reviews)
"Room was nice and clean. We did however have problems with the shower door wouldnt close properly."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa
The Iron Horse Hotel

The Iron Horse Hotel

4 out of 5
500 W Florida Street, Milwaukee, WI
The price is AU$310 per night from 16 Oct to 17 Oct
AU$310
16 Oct - 17 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"Nice place! Great location, lots of parking. Love the atmosphere in the lobby!!"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

The Iron Horse Hotel
Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

4 out of 5
333 W Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee, WI
The price is AU$191 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
AU$191
10 Nov - 11 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,169 reviews)
"Best last minute decision I ever made"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Historic Third Ward

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Fifth Ward

Fifth Ward is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Milwaukee Brewing Co. or Clock Shadow Creamery.

Fifth Ward
Milwaukee Art Museum

East Town

4/5(3 area reviews)

Lake Michigan and Veteran's Park are top sights in East Town, and you should be sure to explore the fantastic nightlife. Hop aboard the metro at Michigan & Jackson Tram Stop or Clybourn & Jefferson Tram Stop to see more sights in the area.

East Town
Milwaukee

Downtown Milwaukee

Lake Michigan and Pabst Theater are a few top attractions in Downtown Milwaukee. Hop around the city on the metro at Michigan & Jackson Tram Stop or Clybourn & Jefferson Tram Stop and check out the area's fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and acclaimed art galleries.

Downtown Milwaukee
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Walker's Point

If you're spending some time in Walker's Point, Milwaukee Brewing Co. and Allen-Bradley Company Clock are top sights worth seeing.

Walker's Point
Milwaukee Public Library featuring interior views

Westown

4/5(3 area reviews)

While visiting Westown, you might make a stop by sights like Miller High Life Theatre and Milwaukee Public Museum.

Westown
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Yankee Hill

While there might not be top attractions in Yankee Hill, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Veteran's Park and Milwaukee Art Museum.

Yankee Hill


Historic Third Ward Travel Guide

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