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.
Historic Third Ward
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 NZ$403 per night from 6 July to 7 July
NZ$403
6 July - 7 July
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Was okay, nothing special. Since I’m not 21 I called to make sure I could check in, was told it would be no problem. When we got there I was asked if anyone that was 21 would be checking in, I told her no and that I had called before hand and was told it would be no problem. She had to go talk to ..."

Reviewed on 20 June 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 NZ$329 per night from 30 June to 1 July
NZ$329
30 June - 1 July
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! (1,568 reviews)
"Clean updated hotel that is pretty centrally located between brewers stadium and historic downtown/riverfront/ Harley museum."

Reviewed on 27 June 2026

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
The Pfister Hotel

The Pfister Hotel

4.5 out of 5
424 E Wisconsin Ave Milwaukee WI
The price is NZ$462 per night from 5 July to 6 July
NZ$462
5 July - 6 July
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! (2,149 reviews)
"The Pfister is an Amazing Hotel steeped with an interesting history. From the moment we walked in the door until our departure, the service was fantastic. Our room was lovely and well appointed, we had a view of the river There are a number of great dining options on the property The location is ..."

Reviewed on 27 June 2026

The Pfister Hotel
Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel

3.5 out of 5
375 S Moorland Rd Brookfield WI
The price is NZ$217 per night from 28 June to 29 June
NZ$217
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! (921 reviews)
"The staff was extremely nice and helpful. There was also a shuttle from the hotel to the airport, which was very helpful to save me some money. I really enjoyed my stay. The only thing I wish is that you could open the windows because my room did have a little bit of a musty smell. But besides that ..."

Reviewed on 27 June 2026

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield 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 NZ$314 per night from 29 June to 30 June
NZ$314
29 June - 30 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! (2,267 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 27 June 2026

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown
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 NZ$230 per night from 5 July to 6 July
NZ$230
5 July - 6 July
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! (1,018 reviews)
"They canceled our 4 room booking last minute causing us to down double on hotels then had the audacity to send me emails asking how my stay was , this shows complete lack of awareness and competence. I book hundreds of hotels a year never again a crown plaza"

Reviewed on 27 June 2026

Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport by IHG
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.

Downtown Milwaukee

Lake Michigan and Cathedral Square 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.

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.

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.

East Town

Lake Michigan and Cathedral Square 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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