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 Rp2.751.540 per night from 29 Dec to 30 Dec
Rp2.751.540
Rp3.244.066 total
29 Dec - 30 Dec
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! (930 reviews)
Everyone was so friendly and helpful!

Reviewed on 23 Nov 2025

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 Rp2.538.776 per night from 1 Jan to 2 Jan
Rp2.538.776
Rp2.993.216 total
1 Jan - 2 Jan 2026
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,790 reviews)
Clean & Courteous.

Reviewed on 5 Dec 2025

The Pfister Hotel
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

4.5 out of 5
1611 West Canal Street Milwaukee WI
The price is Rp2.326.302 per night from 15 Dec to 16 Dec
Rp2.326.302
Rp2.743.035 total
15 Dec - 16 Dec
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! (1,382 reviews)
Room was beautiful, clean, couldn't have ask for anything better. Staff, friendly and helpful. A great weekend get away.

Reviewed on 7 Dec 2025

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel

Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel

4 out of 5
139 E Kilbourn Ave Milwaukee WI
The price is Rp2.169.974 per night from 4 Jan to 5 Jan
Rp2.169.974
Rp2.558.401 total
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
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. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,458 reviews)
Always enjoy staying at St Kate’s. Clean, convenient, friendly, and good music.

Reviewed on 7 Dec 2025

Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel
Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

3 out of 5
700 N. Water Street Milwaukee WI
The price is Rp1.667.433 per night from 1 Jan to 2 Jan
Rp1.667.433
Rp1.965.934 total
1 Jan - 2 Jan 2026
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! (2,001 reviews)
The room was spotless. The shower was wonderful. We got hot water right away and plenty of towels. Amenities were readily available. The hot breakfast and the kickback at 5:30pm were also a wonderful addition to the stay. The food was delicious and the service was also great. Everything was also ...

Reviewed on 5 Dec 2025

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown
Ambassador Hotel Milwaukee, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Ambassador Hotel Milwaukee, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

4 out of 5
2308 W Wisconsin Ave Milwaukee WI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp1.226.568 per night from 28 Dec to 29 Dec
Rp1.226.568
Rp1.446.124 total
28 Dec - 29 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,261 reviews)
Room was clean and spacious. However the toilets are very small and very low to ground. I felt like I was in an elementary school bathroom. It is good thing we have good knees. The only other thing was the water was not what I would consider hot in the shower, although warm enough just not a hot ...

Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025

Ambassador Hotel Milwaukee, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
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

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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
Milwaukee

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
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Walker's Point

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

Walker's Point
Milwaukee Public Library showing interior views

Westown

4/5(1 area review)

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

Westown
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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


Historic Third Ward Travel Guide