Historic Third Ward

Milwaukee

A river with boats, a marina, and historic buildings along the waterfront.
A riverside walkway with a bridge, green trees, and buildings along the riverbank.
A waterfront with red brick buildings, a white boat docked, and a flag.
A boat with people on it moving through a body of water with buildings and a bridge in the background.
A waterfront restaurant with outdoor seating, boats docked nearby, and an American flag.

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.


Stay near popular Historic Third Ward attractions

Things to do


Historic Third Ward Hotel Deals

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel by IHG

4.5 out of 5
310 E Chicago St Milwaukee WI
The price is CA $274 per night from Jul 5 to Jul 6
CA $274
CA $323 total
Jul 5 - Jul 6
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"Was okay, nothing special. Since I’m not 21 I called to make sure I could check in, was told it would be no problem. When we got there I was asked if anyone that was 21 would be checking in, I told her no and that I had called before hand and was told it would be no problem. She had to go talk to ..."

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2026

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel by IHG
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

4.5 out of 5
1611 West Canal Street Milwaukee WI
The price is CA $224 per night from Jun 30 to Jul 1
CA $224
CA $264 total
Jun 30 - Jul 1
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 7 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,571 reviews)
"The casino was huge! Was very clean except the smoking room. I thought it would be cleaner. The air freshener was way too strong, I couldn’t stop sneezing and got a headache. Otherwise the staff was super friendly and helpful!!"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2026

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
The Pfister Hotel

The Pfister Hotel

4.5 out of 5
424 E Wisconsin Ave Milwaukee WI
The price is CA $314 per night from Jul 5 to Jul 6
CA $314
CA $370 total
Jul 5 - Jul 6
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,149 reviews)
"The Pfister is an Amazing Hotel steeped with an interesting history. From the moment we walked in the door until our departure, the service was fantastic. Our room was lovely and well appointed, we had a view of the river There are a number of great dining options on the property The location is ..."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2026

The Pfister Hotel
Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel

3.5 out of 5
375 S Moorland Rd Brookfield WI
The price is CA $150 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
CA $150
CA $173 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this 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! (921 reviews)
"The staff was extremely nice and helpful. There was also a shuttle from the hotel to the airport, which was very helpful to save me some money. I really enjoyed my stay. The only thing I wish is that you could open the windows because my room did have a little bit of a musty smell. But besides that ..."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2026

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel
Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

4 out of 5
700 N. Water Street Milwaukee WI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $182 per night from Jul 12 to Jul 13
CA $182
CA $214 total
Jul 12 - Jul 13
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this 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! (2,267 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2026

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown
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 CA $156 per night from Jul 5 to Jul 6
CA $156
CA $184 total
Jul 5 - Jul 6
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,018 reviews)
"They canceled our 4 room booking last minute causing us to down double on hotels then had the audacity to send me emails asking how my stay was , this shows complete lack of awareness and competence. I book hundreds of hotels a year never again a crown plaza"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2026

Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport by IHG
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.

Where to stay in Historic Third Ward

Find the best Historic Third Ward areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.

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 Cathedral Square are major draws. Catch the metro at Michigan & Jackson Tram Stop or Clybourn & Jefferson Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Wauwatosa

Wauwatosa is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Mayfair Mall and The Mayfair Collection while you're in town.

West Allis

West Allis is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Milwaukee Mile Speedway and Wisconsin State Fair Park.

East Town

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

Westown

While visiting Westown, you might make a stop by sights like Miller High Life Theatre and UW–Milwaukee Panther Arena.


Historic Third Ward

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