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 P9,741 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P9,741
P11,484 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (867 reviews)
"We loved staying here. Only problem was the tv didn’t work."

Reviewed on Jul 21, 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 P4,899 per night from Aug 20 to Aug 21
P4,899
P5,659 total
Aug 20 - Aug 21
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! (1,202 reviews)
Relaxed atmosphere.
"We really enjoyed our stay. The staff was friendly, the music was awesome, the food was pretty good. My only take is if you had a non pork option for some of us that don't eat pork. But rather than that? Everything else was spot on. I also surfaced cleaned before I left. Because the staff work do ..."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Sonesta Select Milwaukee Brookfield
Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel

3.5 out of 5
375 S Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI
The price is P5,010 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P5,010
P5,786 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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! (353 reviews)
"Enjoy my stay"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel
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 P5,931 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P5,931
P6,874 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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! (1,010 reviews)
"Everything was very nice. Clean comfortable room and the staff was friendly and welcoming."

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

Four Points by Sheraton Milwaukee North Shore
The Pfister Hotel

The Pfister Hotel

4.5 out of 5
424 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI
The price is P10,784 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
P10,784
P12,714 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
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! (1,693 reviews)
Attending Wallin wedding
"The amenities at the Pfister were absolutely top notch. Everything was exquisite."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

The Pfister Hotel
Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa

Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa

3.5 out of 5
10499 W Innovation Dr, Milwaukee, WI
The price is P5,335 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P5,335
P6,184 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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! (1,498 reviews)
"We were happy here"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 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

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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.

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

East Town

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
Milwaukee which includes interior views and heritage elements

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
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Walker's Point

While visiting Walker's Point, you might make a stop by sights like Milwaukee Brewing Co. and Allen-Bradley Company Clock.

Walker's Point
Milwaukee Public Library which includes interior views

Westown

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

When in Yankee Hill, you can plan a visit to Veteran's Park and Milwaukee Art Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Yankee Hill

Historic Third Ward