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$1,214 per night from 11 Jan to 12 Jan
HK$1,214
HK$1,431 total
11 Jan - 12 Jan
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! (935 reviews)
The room was ok. A few things that stood out that I have not encountered before at this property was the cleanliness of the room itself and upkeep while I was there. The in room fridge smelled really bad like food that had been there a while and actually ruined the taste of my water I set in the ...

Reviewed on 28 Dec 2025

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel by IHG
The Pfister Hotel

The Pfister Hotel

4.5 out of 5
424 E Wisconsin Ave Milwaukee WI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$1,007 per night from 22 Jan to 23 Jan
HK$1,007
HK$1,187 total
22 Jan - 23 Jan
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! (1,839 reviews)
The staff is lovely. Courteous, helpful and thoughtful. The room is small but quite nice. Love the pool.

Reviewed on 26 Dec 2025

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 HK$1,013 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
HK$1,013
HK$1,194 total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
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! (2,497 reviews)
Friendly staff. Very nice and clean room.

Reviewed on 23 Dec 2025

Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel
The Iron Horse Hotel

The Iron Horse Hotel

4 out of 5
500 W Florida Street Milwaukee WI
The price is HK$1,082 per night from 4 Jan to 5 Jan
HK$1,082
HK$1,275 total
4 Jan - 5 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this boutique hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
Awesome place

Reviewed on 27 Dec 2025

The Iron Horse Hotel
Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

3 out of 5
700 N. Water Street Milwaukee WI
The price is HK$778 per night from 5 Jan to 6 Jan
HK$778
HK$917 total
5 Jan - 6 Jan
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! (2,009 reviews)
Our room was very clean. We had a great view. The location was close to the Riverwalk, Milwaukee Public Market, various restaurants, etc. I would stay here again. The food selection was great, loved having the various perks of staying at this hotel.

Reviewed on 30 Dec 2025

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown
Hyatt Place Milwaukee Airport

Hyatt Place Milwaukee Airport

3 out of 5
200 W Grange Avenue Milwaukee WI
The price is HK$655 per night from 3 Jan to 4 Jan
HK$655
HK$772 total
3 Jan - 4 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,215 reviews)
Nice room

Reviewed on 24 Dec 2025

Hyatt Place Milwaukee Airport
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

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
Default Image

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

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 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 Milwaukee Public Museum.

Westown
Default Image

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
Default Image

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


Historic Third Ward