Historic Third Ward

Milwaukee

Historic Third Ward
Historic Third Ward
Historic Third Ward
Historic Third Ward
Historic Third Ward

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 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 S$257 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$257
per night
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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! (848 reviews)
"Great location to Summerfest grounds. Quick check in. Clean room"

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 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 S$121 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
S$121
per night
28 Jul - 29 Jul
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! (1,126 reviews)
"Good location. Quiet and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Sonesta Select Milwaukee Brookfield
Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa
Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa
3.5 out of 5
10499 W Innovation Dr, Milwaukee, WI
The price is S$128 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
S$128
per night
14 Jul - 15 Jul
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! (1,377 reviews)
Expensive pet fee
"On Hotels.com the description says "pet friendly" but does not say $75 non refundable. That seems unusually steep and should be in writing."

Reviewed on 4 Jul, 2025

Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa
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 S$158 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
S$158
per night
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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! (1,004 reviews)
"The only thing we noticed that needed to be addressed was the lack of adequate non-slip bottom of the bathtub (especially in an accessible room). Otherwise, everything was very good."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Four Points by Sheraton Milwaukee North Shore
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 S$192 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
S$192
per night
31 Jul - 1 Aug
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! (1,801 reviews)
Great option in downtown Milwaukee
"Very nicely renovated former office tower. Hotel was lean and Drury team was super friendly!"

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown
Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel
Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel
3.5 out of 5
375 S Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI
The price is S$128 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$128
per night
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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! (304 reviews)
"Great. But the breakfast is bad because it’s all pork stuff. But hotel is nice"

Reviewed on 4 Jul, 2025

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield 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

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.

Fifth Ward
Milwaukee Art Museum

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

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, Great Lakes Distillery and Milwaukee Brewing Co. are top sights worth seeing.

Walker's Point
Milwaukee Public Library showing 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