Historic Third Ward

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 S$274 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
S$274
22 Feb - 23 Feb
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (952 reviews)
I love staying at the Journeyman. They have the best staff. So warm and helpful. It’s the ideal location in the heart of the Third ward.

Reviewed on 14 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 S$253 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
S$253
23 Feb - 24 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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,982 reviews)
Staff throughout the hotel from the front desk to bartenders to wait staff were all exceptional.

Reviewed on 16 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 S$249 per night from 11 Mar to 12 Mar
S$249
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. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,553 reviews)
This stay was absolutely perfect. This is better than any experience I’ve had at an upscale hotel. They put the people first.

Reviewed on 18 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 S$139 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
S$139
15 Mar - 16 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! (1,004 reviews)
The room was clean and the staff were courteous.

Reviewed on 12 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 S$150 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
S$150
24 Feb - 25 Feb
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! (2,060 reviews)
Courteous staff. Clean, quiet and comfortable room. Great location with a lot of amenities.

Reviewed on 15 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 S$208 per night from 5 Mar to 6 Mar
S$208
5 Mar - 6 Mar
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! (1,402 reviews)
Everything was wonderful

Reviewed on 17 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.

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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 Great Lakes Distillery are top sights worth seeing.

Walker's Point


Historic Third Ward