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! (870 reviews)
"The hotel was sophisticated, yet kid friendly. The beds and pillows were incredibly comfy and the bathroom was gorgeous. Would absolutely stay here again!"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 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 £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! (1,683 reviews)
"Nice and cosy"

Reviewed on 3 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 £147 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
£147
2 Sept - 3 Sept
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! (1,333 reviews)
"Great hotel, rooms are clean and comfy. Would have preferred proper mug/cups for coffee and not cardboard. The choice of restaurants/cafe were poor for the sizeof hotel.Large market place, food court only open certain mornings for breakfast. Cafe only open till 2pm every day but closed some days. ..."

Reviewed on 1 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 £76 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
£76
17 Aug - 18 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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (364 reviews)
"It was a great stay, there was three problems. 1. Our air condition was broken we told them in the morning they didn’t come to fix it, we came back and had to tell them again but it was fixed right away once we told them again. 2. Staff could have had better handle on the guest, kids were running ..."

Reviewed on 3 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 £53 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
£53
18 Aug - 19 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
Sonesta Select Milwaukee Brookfield

Sonesta Select Milwaukee Brookfield

3 out of 5
16865 W Bluemound Rd, Brookfield, WI
The price is £73 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
£73
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Brookfield. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,209 reviews)
"Was in Brookfield for a dental procedure. The hotel was close which made it easy for my husband to get back n forth. Clean, comfortable, and the people we dealt with were very pleasant."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 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

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
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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

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 Travel Guide

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