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 Rp3.345.272 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
Rp3.345.272
Rp3.944.040 total
29 Jun - 30 Jun
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Beautiful Hotel on the good side of Milwaukee"

Reviewed on 18 Jun 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 Rp3.930.517 per night from 5 Jul to 6 Jul
Rp3.930.517
Rp4.634.091 total
5 Jul - 6 Jul
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! (2,133 reviews)
"Beautiful, historic hotel in downtown Milwaukee. Excellent location, allowing us to walk to various attractions. The staff was always friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2026

The Pfister Hotel
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

4.5 out of 5
1611 West Canal Street Milwaukee WI
The price is Rp2.802.555 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
Rp2.802.555
Rp3.304.524 total
29 Jun - 30 Jun
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! (1,565 reviews)
"Unbelievable stay everyone and everything was great!!!"

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2026

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel

3.5 out of 5
375 S Moorland Rd Brookfield WI
The price is Rp1.882.249 per night from 5 Jul to 6 Jul
Rp1.882.249
Rp2.173.997 total
5 Jul - 6 Jul
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! (897 reviews)
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Reviewed on 18 Jun 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
The price is Rp2.668.922 per night from 21 Jun to 22 Jun
Rp2.668.922
Rp3.146.658 total
21 Jun - 22 Jun
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! (2,259 reviews)
"The staff are always great"

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2026

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown
Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel

Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel

4 out of 5
139 E Kilbourn Ave Milwaukee WI
The price is Rp3.379.081 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
Rp3.379.081
Rp3.984.077 total
8 Jul - 9 Jul
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! (2,628 reviews)
"Awesome experience top to bottom."

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2026

Saint Kate - The Arts 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.

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