Historic Third Ward

Milwaukee

Historic Third Ward showing a river or creek, kayaking or canoeing and a sunset
Historic Third Ward showing a river or creek
Historic Third Ward which includes a river or creek
Historic Third Ward which includes boating and a river or creek as well as a small group of people
Historic Third Ward showing a river or creek

Experience Milwaukee’s hot spot for art and fashion when you check out the dynamic boutiques, restaurants, theaters 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 favored local labels in the shops and boutiques that line the streets. Book tickets to see a performance of local theater, 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 neighborhood. 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 theater and entertainment venues. Catch a show at the Broadway Theater Center 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 Labor 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 P9,649 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P9,649
P11,376 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (847 reviews)
"It was a bit stuffy in the room and couldn’t adjust the temperature or get a fan going."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel by IHG
Sonesta Select Milwaukee Brookfield
Sonesta Select Milwaukee Brookfield
3 out of 5
16865 W Bluemound Rd, Brookfield, WI
The price is P4,706 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P4,706
P5,435 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Brookfield. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,124 reviews)
Nice hotel, reasonable price
"Everything was good. My only complaint was that there was a large sticky spot on the carpet."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Sonesta Select Milwaukee Brookfield
Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa
Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa
3.5 out of 5
10499 W Innovation Dr, Milwaukee, WI
The price is P4,909 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
P4,909
P5,690 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,395 reviews)
"I love this place so much. Luxury casual on a budget. Kind staff. Great experience this time and always."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa
Four Points by Sheraton Milwaukee North Shore
Four Points by Sheraton Milwaukee North Shore
3 out of 5
8900 N Kildeer Ct, Milwaukee, WI
The price is P6,066 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P6,066
P7,031 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"The only thing we noticed that needed to be addressed was the lack of adequate non-slip bottom of the bathtub (especially in an accessible room). Otherwise, everything was very good."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Four Points by Sheraton Milwaukee North Shore
Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel
Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel
3.5 out of 5
375 S Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI
The price is P4,932 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P4,932
P5,697 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star golf hotel in Brookfield. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (305 reviews)
"Great. But the breakfast is bad because it’s all pork stuff. But hotel is nice"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel
The Pfister Hotel
The Pfister Hotel
4.5 out of 5
424 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI
The price is P10,482 per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
P10,482
P12,358 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,654 reviews)
"Great location! Love the atmosphere and history. Walkable to summerfest."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

The Pfister 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

Just had their grand opening! Try the espresso beer and Wicket Wheat! Or get a sampler like I did. Yum!

Fifth Ward

Travelers come to Fifth Ward for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Milwaukee Brewing Co. and Allen-Bradley Company Clock while you're in town.

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East Town is highly notable for its fantastic nightlife, and you might want to visit top sights like Lake Michigan and Veteran's Park. See more of Milwaukee by jumping on the metro at Michigan & Jackson Tram Stop or Clybourn & Jefferson Tram Stop.

East Town
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Downtown Milwaukee

Known for its fantastic nightlife, stunning river views, and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Milwaukee. Top attractions like Lake Michigan and Pabst Theater are major draws. Catch the metro at Michigan & Jackson Tram Stop or Clybourn & Jefferson Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Downtown Milwaukee
Just had their grand opening! Try the espresso beer and Wicket Wheat! Or get a sampler like I did. Yum!

Walker's Point

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Walker's Point
Milwaukee Public Library showing interior views

Westown

While visiting Westown, you might make a stop by sights like Miller High Life Theatre and Milwaukee Public Museum.

Westown
#LoveMyTown because our lakefront is so beautiful. #Milwaukee

Yankee Hill

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Yankee Hill

Historic Third Ward