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 RM689 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
RM689
RM812 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
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! (907 reviews)
"Great hotel with exceptional customer service."

Reviewed on 23 Sept 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 RM755 per night from 9 Oct to 10 Oct
RM755
RM891 total
9 Oct - 10 Oct
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! (1,758 reviews)
"Our room had a few things left from previous guests and it made me feel like it wasn't thoroughly cleaned"

Reviewed on 26 Sept 2025

The Pfister Hotel
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 RM467 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
RM467
RM550 total
30 Oct - 31 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,930 reviews)
"Clean room & extremely friendly staff"

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

4.5 out of 5
1611 West Canal Street, Milwaukee, WI
The price is RM622 per night from 8 Oct to 9 Oct
RM622
RM733 total
8 Oct - 9 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,393 reviews)
"All staff was very friendly, clean comfortable room, had a great trip"

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
The Iron Horse Hotel

The Iron Horse Hotel

4 out of 5
500 W Florida Street, Milwaukee, WI
The price is RM718 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
RM718
RM847 total
13 Oct - 14 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,034 reviews)
"A"

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

The Iron Horse Hotel
Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa

Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa

3.5 out of 5
10499 W Innovation Dr, Milwaukee, WI
The price is RM391 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
RM391
RM453 total
5 Oct - 6 Oct
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! (1,697 reviews)
"Great value. Bed comfortable."

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa
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 Clock Shadow Creamery.

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 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

Walker's Point

If you're spending some time in Walker's Point, Milwaukee Brewing Co. and Allen-Bradley Company Clock are top sights worth seeing.

Walker's Point
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 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