Historic Third Ward Travel Guide

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 £141 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
£141
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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! (869 reviews)
"We loved staying here. Only problem was the tv didn’t work."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 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 £164 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
£164
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,678 reviews)
"ALL OF THE STAFF WE ENCOUNTERED WERE VERY FRIENDLY AND CUSTOMER FOCUSED. BED WAS COMFORTABLE AND WE ENJOYED THE CAFE FOR BREAKFAST."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

The Pfister Hotel
Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel

3.5 out of 5
375 S Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI
The price is £76 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
£76
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (357 reviews)
"Enjoy my stay"

Reviewed on 30 Jul 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 £55 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
£55
11 Aug - 12 Aug
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,010 reviews)
"The property is steps away from a great walking trail and park, which hosts a wonderful market on Sundays. Other stores, including Trader Joe's, is a 4 minute walk from the property also. The staff was generally helpful but were sometimes a little too attached to their cell phones. The room was clean ..."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

AmericInn by Wyndham Glendale/Milwaukee
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

4.5 out of 5
1611 West Canal Street, Milwaukee, WI
The price is £129 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
£129
4 Aug - 5 Aug
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! (1,357 reviews)
"Free valet"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

3 out of 5
700 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £113 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
£113
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,832 reviews)
Good Stay!
"Our stay was very good Clean pool. Breakfast area well kept Fitness area equips well kept"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 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

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 Allen-Bradley Company Clock.

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
Milwaukee

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

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

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

Historic Third Ward Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: