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$292 per night from 21 June to 22 June
AU$292
21 June - 22 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (992 reviews)
"Great location for the Third Ward!"

Reviewed on 25 May 2026

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$244 per night from 7 June to 8 June
AU$244
7 June - 8 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 7 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,513 reviews)
"Only complaint was pillows I never saw such small pillows for sleeping! Also ask for extra quilt or you’ll be quite cold. Hotel is great, the casino cleanliness is questionable. Especially at the drink self serve stations. If a smoker the 2 areas do not have great ventilation nor are they cleaned ..."

Reviewed on 2 June 2026

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel

3.5 out of 5
375 S Moorland Rd Brookfield WI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$170 per night from 28 June to 29 June
AU$170
28 June - 29 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Brookfield. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (863 reviews)
"Clean Room.friendly staff"

Reviewed on 31 May 2026

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel
Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport by IHG

Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport by IHG

3.5 out of 5
6401 S 13th Street Milwaukee WI
The price is AU$156 per night from 10 June to 11 June
AU$156
10 June - 11 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Last option! Look elsewhere"

Reviewed on 2 June 2026

Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport by IHG
The Pfister Hotel

The Pfister Hotel

4.5 out of 5
424 E Wisconsin Ave Milwaukee WI
The price is AU$363 per night from 14 June to 15 June
AU$363
14 June - 15 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,113 reviews)
"Room was clean and onsite dining was quality"

Reviewed on 1 June 2026

The Pfister Hotel
Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

4 out of 5
700 N. Water Street Milwaukee WI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$240 per night from 28 June to 29 June
AU$240
28 June - 29 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,239 reviews)
"i loved everything about it."

Reviewed on 2 June 2026

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown
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

Downtown skyline with Buildings along the Milwaukee River, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.; Shutterstock ID 523595590

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
Fifth Ward

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 Allen-Bradley Company Clock Tower.

Fifth Ward
East Town

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
Westown

Westown

4/5(3 area reviews)

While visiting Westown, you might make a stop by sights like Miller High Life Theatre and UW–Milwaukee Panther Arena.

Westown
Yankee Hill

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
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Walker's Point

If you're spending some time in Walker's Point, Milwaukee Brewing Co. and Great Lakes Distillery are top sights worth seeing.

Walker's Point


Historic Third Ward Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip:

Explore a world of travel with Expedia