Historic Third Ward

Milwaukee

Historic Third Ward which includes a river or creek, kayaking or canoeing and a sunset
Historic Third Ward which includes a river or creek
Historic Third Ward which includes a river or creek
Historic Third Ward featuring boating and a river or creek as well as a small group of people
Historic Third Ward which includes a river or creek

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 HK$1,246 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
HK$1,246
HK$1,469 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (876 reviews)
"Great stay as always"

Reviewed on 9 Aug 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 HK$1,448 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
HK$1,448
HK$1,708 total
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,691 reviews)
"Amazing hotel in the BEST location. Gorgeous!!"

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

The Pfister Hotel
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

4.5 out of 5
1611 West Canal Street, Milwaukee, WI
The price is HK$1,154 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
HK$1,154
HK$1,360 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 7 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,339 reviews)
"Beautiful rooms"

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

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 HK$682 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
HK$682
HK$787 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star golf hotel in Brookfield. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (387 reviews)
"Comfortable beds and clean hotel"

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel
AmericInn by Wyndham Glendale/Milwaukee

AmericInn by Wyndham Glendale/Milwaukee

2.5 out of 5
5110 N Port Washington Rd, (772), Milwaukee, WI
The price is HK$557 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
HK$557
HK$646 total
8 Sept - 9 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,022 reviews)
"It was a quiet location"

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

AmericInn by Wyndham Glendale/Milwaukee
Sonesta Select Milwaukee Brookfield

Sonesta Select Milwaukee Brookfield

3 out of 5
16865 W Bluemound Rd, Brookfield, WI
The price is HK$682 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
HK$682
HK$787 total
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Brookfield. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,247 reviews)
"The hotel was great. The only issue was checkin. System was down and it didn’t come back up. One staff member said he couldn’t do anything until system was back up - which it still was not up 8 hours later. One staff member did allow us to check in manually thankfo."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Sonesta Select Milwaukee Brookfield
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 Clock Shadow Creamery.

Fifth Ward
Milwaukee Art Museum featuring a city, night scenes and a bridge

East Town

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 which includes heritage elements and interior views

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, Milwaukee Brewing Co. and Great Lakes Distillery are top sights worth seeing.

Walker's Point
Milwaukee Public Library showing interior views

Westown

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

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