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 HK$1,339 per night from 31 May to 1 Jun
HK$1,339
HK$1,579 total
31 May - 1 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! (985 reviews)
"Had an issue with the valet parking. Young man who took our key fob went off shift without logging it in. I only knew there was an issue because I did not receive the valet text for payment and retrieval. It took about 45 minutes to resolve. Glad I did not need vehicle right away! Rest of experience ..."

Reviewed on 15 May 2026

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel by IHG
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

4.5 out of 5
1611 West Canal Street Milwaukee WI
The price is HK$1,163 per night from 25 May to 26 May
HK$1,163
HK$1,371 total
25 May - 26 May
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! (1,488 reviews)
"It was very clean and nice. The only thing that was lackluster was the staff. Most of them were not rude but they were not friendly. They seemed like they did not want to be bothered."

Reviewed on 18 May 2026

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
The Pfister Hotel

The Pfister Hotel

4.5 out of 5
424 E Wisconsin Ave Milwaukee WI
The price is HK$1,332 per night from 14 Jun to 15 Jun
HK$1,332
HK$1,571 total
14 Jun - 15 Jun
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! (2,115 reviews)
"I thoroughly enjoyed the staff they were 5* customer service. The bars and restaurant choices were great too."

Reviewed on 19 May 2026

The Pfister Hotel
The Iron Horse Hotel

The Iron Horse Hotel

4 out of 5
500 W Florida Street Milwaukee WI
The price is HK$1,480 per night from 31 May to 1 Jun
HK$1,480
HK$1,745 total
31 May - 1 Jun
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! (1,129 reviews)
"This is probably one of the most beautiful iconic historical hotels you will see. The artwork alone is like being in an art show. The architecture, the industrial feel, plus all the motorcycle and vintage merchandise. I've traveled quite a bit and I've never seen anything quite like it. Amazing, ..."

Reviewed on 19 May 2026

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$1,018 per night from 26 May to 27 May
HK$1,018
HK$1,200 total
26 May - 27 May
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! (2,209 reviews)
"Super friendly staff. We loved the free cocktails and the breakfast. We did not take advantage of the dinner, because we wanted to explore the city food/restaurants. Centrally located, parking on premise that you have to pay for but that was okay. Will stay again."

Reviewed on 18 May 2026

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown
Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel

3.5 out of 5
375 S Moorland Rd Brookfield WI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$828 per night from 24 May to 25 May
HK$828
HK$957 total
24 May - 25 May
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! (813 reviews)
"Room - especially bed - was very good. Shower needs some attention. Shower diverter was almost impossible to pull up, and a little soap tray was about to fall off and un-usable. The staff was excellent!! Having a Starbucks in the building was great. We did not try the $15 breakfast buffet."

Reviewed on 19 May 2026

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield 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.

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 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
Fifth Ward

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 Great Lakes Distillery.

Fifth Ward
East Town

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
Westown

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
Yankee Hill

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

Walker's Point


Historic Third Ward