Historic Third Ward

Milwaukee

Historic Third Ward showing a river or creek, a sunset and kayaking or canoeing
Historic Third Ward which includes a river or creek
Historic Third Ward showing 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 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 RM631 per night from 4 Jan to 5 Jan
RM631
RM744 total
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (933 reviews)
Staff was amazing!

Reviewed on 18 Dec 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 RM616 per night from 15 Jan to 16 Jan
RM616
RM726 total
15 Jan - 16 Jan 2026
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,828 reviews)
Everything was great and outstanding

Reviewed on 21 Dec 2025

The Pfister Hotel
Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel

Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel

4 out of 5
139 E Kilbourn Ave Milwaukee WI
The price is RM526 per night from 18 Jan to 19 Jan
RM526
RM621 total
18 Jan - 19 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,494 reviews)
All around excellent. Even has an excellent art gallery in the hotel.

Reviewed on 21 Dec 2025

Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel
Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport by IHG

Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport by IHG

3.5 out of 5
6401 S 13th Street Milwaukee WI
The price is RM308 per night from 4 Jan to 5 Jan
RM308
RM363 total
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
Friendly staff very helpful.

Reviewed on 15 Dec 2025

Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport by IHG
Ambassador Hotel Milwaukee, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Ambassador Hotel Milwaukee, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

4 out of 5
2308 W Wisconsin Ave Milwaukee WI
The price is RM292 per night from 11 Jan to 12 Jan
RM292
RM344 total
11 Jan - 12 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,263 reviews)
Staff was great!

Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025

Ambassador Hotel Milwaukee, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
The Iron Horse Hotel

The Iron Horse Hotel

4 out of 5
500 W Florida Street Milwaukee WI
The price is RM542 per night from 11 Jan to 12 Jan
RM542
RM640 total
11 Jan - 12 Jan 2026
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! (1,000 reviews)
All of above. It was a great night

Reviewed on 21 Dec 2025

The Iron Horse 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

Milwaukee which includes interior views and heritage elements

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

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 Tower.

Fifth Ward
Milwaukee Art Museum featuring night scenes, a bridge and a city

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 Public Library which includes interior views

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
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
Default Image

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