Historic Third Ward Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A river with boats, a marina, and historic buildings along the waterfront.
A riverside walkway with a bridge, green trees, and buildings along the riverbank.
A waterfront with red brick buildings, a white boat docked, and a flag.
A boat with people on it moving through a body of water with buildings and a bridge in the background.
A waterfront restaurant with outdoor seating, boats docked nearby, and an American flag.

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.


Stay near popular Historic Third Ward attractions

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$321 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$321
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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 ...
Kimpton Journeyman Hotel by IHG
The Pfister Hotel

The Pfister Hotel

4.5 out of 5
424 E Wisconsin Ave Milwaukee WI
The price is AU$252 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
AU$252
27 Sept - 28 Sept
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 ...
The Pfister Hotel
AmericInn by Wyndham Brookfield

AmericInn by Wyndham Brookfield

3 out of 5
16865 W Bluemound Rd Brookfield WI
The price is AU$129 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
AU$129
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Brookfield. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
AmericInn by Wyndham Brookfield
Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

4 out of 5
333 W Kilbourn Ave Milwaukee WI
The price is AU$153 per night from 29 Sept to 30 Sept
AU$153
29 Sept - 30 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,431 reviews)
"Fast check in. Valet was worth the money!"

Reviewed on 31 Aug 2026

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

4 out of 5
700 N. Water Street Milwaukee WI
The price is AU$211 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$211
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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! (2,354 reviews)
"It was all wonderful! They even had cocktails and snacks in the evening"

Reviewed on 1 Sept 2026

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown
The Iron Horse Hotel

The Iron Horse Hotel

4 out of 5
500 W Florida Street Milwaukee WI
The price is AU$298 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
AU$298
20 Sept - 21 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this boutique hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,312 reviews)
"When you’re too hard to be cool, you can lose functionality. I get that this hotel is geared toward an adult crowd. I learned this by the glass wall the separated the shower and bedroom, which was essentially see through. My 19 year old daughter stayed with me and my husband and my husband had to ..."

Reviewed on 1 Sept 2026

The Iron Horse Hotel
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.

Our guide on where to stay in Historic Third Ward

Find the best Historic Third Ward areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Historic Third Ward
Learn more about Historic Third Ward

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.

West Allis

West Allis is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Milwaukee Mile Speedway and Wisconsin State Fair Park.

Wauwatosa

Travellers come to Wauwatosa for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Mayfair Mall and The Mayfair Collection while you're in town.

East Town

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.

Westown

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



Historic Third Ward Travel Guide

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