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$1,204 per night from 7 Dec to 8 Dec
HK$1,204
per night
7 Dec - 8 Dec
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (920 reviews)
We enjoyed our stay. Nice people on staff. There were a couple of lapses, though, which took time on our part to figure out. We were not advised on our arrival of how to get wifi, or even what checkout time is, and there was nothing in our check-in info. Luckily, we met Trevion at the front desk, ...

Reviewed on 27 Oct 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$1,294 per night from 14 Dec to 15 Dec
HK$1,294
per night
14 Dec - 15 Dec
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,783 reviews)
Beautiful hotel, clean room, quiet hvac system, very courteous staff.

Reviewed on 9 Nov 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$1,038 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
HK$1,038
per night
16 Nov - 17 Nov
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! (1,362 reviews)
Like it very much!

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2025

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Hilton Milwaukee

Hilton Milwaukee

4 out of 5
509 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI
The price is HK$695 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
HK$695
per night
23 Nov - 24 Nov
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,070 reviews)
The room was spotless. Customer service was top notch!

Reviewed on 8 Nov 2025

Hilton Milwaukee
Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

4 out of 5
333 W Kilbourn Ave Milwaukee WI
The price is HK$847 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
HK$847
per night
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,198 reviews)
Great room,great food .Valet Parking was great.

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2025

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

3 out of 5
700 N. Water Street Milwaukee WI
The price is HK$855 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
HK$855
per night
26 Nov - 27 Nov
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,972 reviews)
Quick, easy and polite check-in. Room was clean

Reviewed on 12 Nov 2025

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown
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

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 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, 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 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