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 $296 per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
CA $296
CA $349 total
Oct 19 - Oct 20
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)
"Excellent staff. No wait to check in. Bikes and helmets available - excellent amenity!"

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2026

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 CA $273 per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
CA $273
CA $322 total
Oct 19 - Oct 20
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! (2,273 reviews)
"Great location. Cool view of the city from the pool. Employees prompt and caring"

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2026

The Pfister Hotel
Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

4 out of 5
333 W Kilbourn Ave Milwaukee WI
The price is CA $131 per night from Oct 11 to Oct 12
CA $131
CA $154 total
Oct 11 - Oct 12
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
AmericInn by Wyndham Brookfield

AmericInn by Wyndham Brookfield

3 out of 5
16865 W Bluemound Rd Brookfield WI
The price is CA $113 per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
CA $113
CA $130 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Brookfield. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
AmericInn by Wyndham Brookfield
Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

4 out of 5
700 N. Water Street Milwaukee WI
The price is CA $180 per night from Oct 11 to Oct 12
CA $180
CA $212 total
Oct 11 - Oct 12
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 ...
Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown
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 CA $125 per night from Oct 18 to Oct 19
CA $125
CA $147 total
Oct 18 - Oct 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Milwaukee. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
Ambassador Hotel Milwaukee, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
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 Pabst Theater 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 Veteran's Park. 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

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: