Historic Third Ward Travel Guide

Milwaukee

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

Things to do


Top hotels in Historic Third Ward

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel by IHG

4.5 out of 5
310 E Chicago St Milwaukee WI
The price is ฿5,574 per night from 5 Mar to 6 Mar
฿5,574
฿6,572 total
5 Mar - 6 Mar
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! (954 reviews)
Always a great stay at the Journeyman and the 3rd ward district

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

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 ฿5,261 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
฿5,261
฿6,203 total
24 Feb - 25 Feb
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! (1,991 reviews)
The hotel is gorgeous and the staff are so friendly.

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

The Pfister Hotel
Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel

Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel

4 out of 5
139 E Kilbourn Ave Milwaukee WI
The price is ฿5,175 per night from 11 Mar to 12 Mar
฿5,175
฿6,101 total
11 Mar - 12 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (2,566 reviews)
Rooms wear nice, loved the record player, and multiple different bar/food options. Also great location downtown. .5 miles from all key attractions. Would stay here again!

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel
The Knickerbocker on the Lake

The Knickerbocker on the Lake

3 out of 5
1028 East Juneau Avenue Milwaukee WI
The price is ฿2,886 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
฿2,886
฿3,403 total
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
The room was clean. Check in was easy. Felt safe and quiet from outside noise. The walls are thin. The bed is hard and squeaks when you move. The pillows have no support and the sheets were scratchy. From what i could tell, no way to change the temperature in the room.

Reviewed on 21 Feb 2026

The Knickerbocker on the Lake
Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

3 out of 5
700 N. Water Street Milwaukee WI
The price is ฿3,110 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
฿3,110
฿3,667 total
10 Mar - 11 Mar
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! (2,077 reviews)
The staff was extremely friendly! Our room was amazing. Will definitely stay again!

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

4.5 out of 5
1611 West Canal Street Milwaukee WI
The price is ฿4,339 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
฿4,339
฿5,116 total
24 Feb - 25 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 7 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,403 reviews)
The room was nice. TV very small for the size room. Also, for a hotel of this caliber I wouldn't think you would have to request to have your room cleaned but you do. Also, they only clean for guests staying a minimum of three nights. Room cleaning, valet service, bellhop service is requested via ...

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
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 Milwaukee City Hall 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
Just had their grand opening! Try the espresso beer and Wicket Wheat! Or get a sampler like I did. Yum!

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
Milwaukee Art Museum

East Town

3/5(1 area review)

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
The Milwaukee Riverwalk System began in 1993, as a means to offer public access to the river.  Once complete, the Riverwalk will extend 3.1 miles along both sides of the Milwaukee River, from the site of the former North Avenue Dam, through Downtown and the Historic Third Ward to Lake Michigan.

#LikeALocal

Westown

4/5(1 area review)

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

Westown
#LoveMyTown because our lakefront is so beautiful. #Milwaukee

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 Allen-Bradley Company Clock Tower are top sights worth seeing.

Walker's Point


Historic Third Ward Travel Guide