historic in the best way

TEN SQUARE
BLOCKS

OF O.G. MILWAUKEE

The Historic Third Ward is downtown Milwaukee’s top neighborhood destination for the arts, dining, shopping, recreation & more. Steps from Lake Michigan — and home to the city's top festivals — we are where historic meets modern, grit meets glam & renaissance happens on the daily.

WHAT'S UP
IN THE WARD

IN THE NEWS

Spring fashion is blooming in the Historic Third Ward! Visit our Directory to see a full list of the dozens of women's, men's, accessories boutiques right here in the neighborhood.

FEELIN'
FRESH ...

MORE INFO

creativity

Don't miss MIAD's annual Senior Exhibition through May 10!

MORE INFO

The Milwaukee Public Market is celebrating 20 years in 2025!

MORE INFO

Amen! Sister Act is rocking the stage at Skylight Music Theatre this month

MORE INFO

treat yourself

Lash Dolls MKE

Pamper your lashes and brows with treatments like lash extensions, and brow lamination, tinting and shaping at the Third Ward's premier lash and brow studio in the historic Landmark Building.

MORE INFO

FEATURED IN THE WARD

Screenshot 2025-02-24 at 12.17.39 PM.png

Who let the dogs out?

Salty Paws

Salty Paws is Milwaukee’s first ice cream bar and bakery with sweets made just for dogs! Choose from several flavors of Fido-approved ice cream and toppings, bones, toys, treats and more.

MORE INFO

Creativity Flows Here

The Marshall Building

The Marshall Building is a dynamic building and creative hub. Art lovers — and those new to art — can explore six floors of inspiration. The building boasts dozens of studios and galleries. (Shown here, Kashes Collection)

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say "I do" in style

The Rivulet

Host your wedding at the Ward’s newest venue. Boasting a stunning staircase, arched doorways, and Cream City brick that creates the perfect backdrop for your special day, it isn’t just a venue — it’s a whole vibe.

MORE INFO

CATCH THE THIRD WARD VIBE

The spread you want to see on Easter Sunday 😋 🤤

Have you booked your table yet?! Find and book an eggsellent brunch at these hoppin' 🐰 Third Ward spots:
🥚 @cafebenelux
🥚 @iccmke
🥚 @onestomke
🥚 @smokeshacked
🥚 @the.edison.mke
🥚 @cavas.mke
🥚 @trerivalirestaurant
🥚 @bluebatkitchen

📸: @littletreatchicago

Who else is searching for spring styling inspo? 🙋

Luckily, the glam gals at @thedistrictrow can help you get your closet in check with their closet concierge service 🤝 ✨ After learning about you and your wardrobe faves, you can get expert advice on your clothing organization and styling 💁‍♀️

You may even find your new seasonal pieces in their store 👀

We'll see you out shopping 🛍️

📸: @thedistrictrow

Forget Year of the Snake 🐍 2025 is Year of the Market 🐓 ❤️

This year, our forever iconic @milwaukeepublicmarket has been operating for 20 👏 fabulous 👏 years 👏 Serving Milwaukeeans and tourists alike with that one-of-a-kind Midwestern charm ✨

If you're looking for ways to join in on the fun, keep reading to celebrate two decades of this Milwaukee mainstay:
🐓 Vote for the @milwaukeepublicmarket as Best Public Market in @usatoday's @10best Reader's Choice Awards now through 11 a.m. on Monday, April 14!
👟 Take the @historicmilwaukee walking tour: Get behind-the-scenes stories of the beloved antiques on display and delve into the neighborhood’s past as the center of Commission houses and the wholesale grocery business in Milwaukee.
💃 Dance the night away - '05 style - at a special 'Market After Hours' event Friday, April 25. Listen to mid-2000s tunes from DJ BG GOOD along with themed cocktails, throwback snacks and more!

Learn more, get tickets and mark your calendars by clicking the link in our bio 🔗

📸: @milwaukeepublicmarket

New season, fresh inspiration 🌱

Spring Gallery Night MKE is BACK and uniting the city through art today and tomorrow April 11 and 12 👩‍🎨

Visit 60+ participating venues throughout the Historic Third Ward, Walker’s Point, East Town and more. Click the link in our bio to design your trip and learn more about all the participating artists and venues 🎨

Gallery Night MKE is produced by @historicthirdward and presented by @llgmke. The event’s 2025 sponsors include @radiomilwaukee, @miadcollege, @thepfisterhotel and @saintkatearts.

📸: @artdosemagazineweekly

All rise for @skylightmusictheatre's Sister Act ⛪

Don't miss this gut-busting end to Skylight's 65th season now through April 27 🙏 In this film-turned-musical, Ms. Deloris Van Cartier - played by theater powerhouse @monaswain - creates a glittery atmosphere from the nightclub to the convent 🕺 ✨

To learn more and get tickets now, click the link in our bio 🔗

📸: @frohmaster

New beginnings on the first floor of the Marshall Building ✨

@weavingsilverlinings' HQ has been open for one week! Scroll through to see the artful space during its grand opening celebration 🤩

Harmonic Harvest aims to connect people through community events, programming and story telling 🤝 Plus, the headquarters hosts myriad small businesses in its marketplace — from skincare and tea to candles, jewelry, apparel and more.

Stop by and say hello to weave your own silver lining this week or during @gallerynightmke April 11 & 12 🎨

📸 @weavingsilverlinings

Holding strong for Monday at @flying_squirrel_pilates 💪

📸: @flying_squirrel_pilates

Coming soon to a neighborhood near you: Sunny summer Sundays 😍 ☀️

📸: @abovemke

The sweetest goodbye 💔 @sweetlybakedmke recently announced their closure coming Friday, April 11

Over the past year, Third Ward residents and visitors alike have enjoyed delicious bakery, curated wines and infused-goodies at this Marshall Building favorite 🧁 🍪 🍰

We're wishing a happy, healthy — and oh-so sweet — future to owner Amanda Buhrman. Don't miss your chance to indulge one last time, through April 11 🥂

📸: @an.eliz31

Squeezing in all the good stuff on National Vitamin C Day 🍊

Yes, it's a real holiday! And today, we're celebrating by hitting the following spots to get our fix:
🥤 @aladdinsmke and @fusionpokemke for delicious fruit smoothies (try Aladdin's Everyday Turmeric Smoothie, you will not regret it 👀)
💧 @ivme.now and @h2ohealthmke for their High Dose Vitamin C hydration drip therapy

We'll (vitamin) C you around the neighborhood, MKE ☀️

📸: Enxhi B. on Yelp

In just one week, immerse yourself in the local arts scene at @gallerynightmke on April 11 & 12 🎨

Find the piece you've been dreaming of — or simply get to know the talented artists in your community 🤝 Venues are located across the city in the Historic Third Ward, Walker's Point, East Side and around town ⭐

To view all of the 60+ participating galleries and venues, click the link in our bio to plan your Gallery Night MKE today 👩‍🎨

📸: @artdosemagazineweekly

That post @drybarmilwaukee blowout got us feeling like ✨

Spring wind and rain getting you down? Stop in to @drybarmilwaukee to get your 'do in check 🤩

📸: @misschelseylee

No April Fool's shenanigans here: This view is the real deal 😍

📸: @mke_photo_stevestango

Pop the bubbly: We're celebrating 10 years of @mainstreamboutiquemke 🥂 🎉

This weekend, April 4-6, don't miss your chance to:
🛍️ Enter to win a VIP styling appointment and $250 gift card
🛍️ Receive a free gift with a $75+ purchase (while supplies last)
🛍️ Get 20% off your entire purchase!

Plus, strike a pose and wear your favorite Mainstream outfit from the past 10 years in a special Polaroid photo booth 📸

Let's shop! 🫶

Mark your calendars (and get ready!): The @thirdwardbeergarden opens for the season on Thursday, May 1 🍻

We're so close to local brews with friends in sunny Catalano Square ... we can almost taste it 😋

📸: @haasandhaas

Spending our Saturday sippin' at @tiedhousemilwaukee 🍷 And checking a box off of our bingo card 👀

FYI: This is your last call for Historic Third Ward bingo! Until Monday, March 31, visit participating woman-owned businesses to win a $25 gift card 🤩

For more information and all participating businesses, click the link in our bio ✨

📸: @gibson_on_a_mission

Fun in the sun? We like the sound of that ☀️

The Northwestern Mutual Community Park 2025 season has officially started! Located on the lakefront in the middle of the grounds, families can enjoy children-focused entertainment and activities during Summerfest.

Bring your fam and join in on the fun at Henry Maier Festival Park from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day 😎

📸: @milwaukeeworldfestival

This month's must-haves: Sampling the seasonal menu at @trerivalirestaurant, happy hour at @outsiderrooftop and appreciating the small things at the @journeymanhotel

The best part? You can do it all under one roof 🤩

Plus, you can donate blood at @eppsteinuhen's blood drive with @versitibloodcenterofwisconsin next Thursday, April 3 🩸 Then enjoy a post-donation treat at your favorite neighborhood haunt 🤝

Click the link in our bio to schedule your donation time today!

📸: @trerivalirestaurant (1), @outsiderrooftop (2), @journeymanhotel (3)

This weekend we took “hot girl walk” to another (super windy) level with @girlswhowalkmke 👟✨

Through Lakeshore State Park and back, we chatted with new friends and added to the fun with a post-walk brunch at @mkebrisa 😋

Thank you to @girlswhowalkmke for partnering with us - and keep an eye out for more walks coming your way this summer 👀

Sunday morning cuppa views at @valentinecoffee ☕ 🌅

Have you switched up your coffee order lately? Upgrade your coffee game with seasonal lattes at cafes across the neighborhood or try something totally new to you 🤩

Looking for more ways to rest and recharge? Click the link in our bio to read the newest edition of THREE magazine 📖 And find 25 different ways to evolve your routine while you're there 👀

📸: @chaicoffeecroissants

The newest spring trend? Treating 👏 yourself �👏

We're less than 10 days away from the end of March ... that means you have just over a week to complete your Historic Third Ward bingo card!

This weekend, stop in to participating woman-owned businesses like @saltypawsmke, @freesescandyshoppe, @mainstreamboutiquemke or @daasmokehouse to indulge in some spring delights (and cross off some of those bingo spaces!) 😋

For more information and all participating businesses, click the link in our bio ✨

📸: @yorki3toulouse (1), @freesescandyshoppe (2), @haasandhaas (3), @milwaukeepublicmarket (4)

The countdown to patio season starts now 😍

📸: @haasandhaas

It may be the first day of spring, but colder temps make us want to dig into @the.edison.mke's shrimp risotto ASAP 🤤

📸: @ziting_eats

Chic & unique ✨

From 4-6 p.m. next Wednesday, March 26, join @missrubyboutique for a Women's Social Hour. Celebrate Women's History Month by connecting, sharing stories and networking with inspiring women from around the city in Miss Ruby's gorg space at The Pritzlaff 🫶

RSVP by clicking the link in our bio 🤝

📸: @missrubyboutique

Zoomin' 🏃 through the week with the help of @performancerunning 👟

Every Wednesday at 6 p.m., shake off that mid-week slump — and meet fellow runners — during PRO's weekly Third Ward group run 😄

📸: @performancerunning

We're always wearing our Third Ward green 💚 Our signature color dots the neighborhood's landscape on everything from our iconic light posts to our gateway arches.

Where are you donning (and perhaps drinking 🍻) your green on this St. Patrick's Day? 🍀

📸: @natevomhof

Ring in spring with @girlswhowalkmke next Sunday 💐

Join us and @girlswhowalkmke Sunday, March 23, at 10 a.m. in Erie St. Plaza (the park next to Milwaukee Sail Loft) for a two-mile walk through Lakeshore State Park 🌊

Then, head to @mkebrisa for a post-walk brunch, including a special power plate and all you can drink mimosas 🥂

We'll see you there, friends!

📸: @erichalvie

In with the new ... and the old ⌛

Nearly 12 months ago, our friends at @hoffmanyork presented the project of a lifetime: Augmented History! Your phone becomes a window to the past 👓 while viewing century-old ghost signs via augmented reality 👻

Last month, the project was awarded at the @unitedadworkers for the best Event, Experiential or Guerilla ad campaign ⭐

Have you taken the walking tour yet? Take advantage of the weather this weekend and enjoy a trip into the past 👀

Click the link in our bio to take the tour today 🔗

Picture this: The weather is beautiful, and you’ve just picked up your weekend itinerary, The Historic Third Ward bingo card! Available at participating women-owned businesses now 🤩

Shop local this weekend and fill five spots on your bingo card when spending $5 or more at participating women-owned businesses around the Ward (more details below) ✨ Then, stop by @broadwaypaper to randomly select your $25 gift card to one of the participating businesses!

To give you some inspo, we’ve highlighted a few ways to win:
⬇️ DOWN: Treat yourself at @benandjerrysmilwaukee and @donutmonster414, stroll through lux styles at @thedistrictrow, then complete the day with a margarita at @margaritaparadise_mke’s counter 🍹
↗️ CORNER TO CORNER: Grab new spring staples at @lelaboutique and @shoostoremke, then sit down for a bite at @bavettebutcher, and maybe even a donut from @donutmonster414 👀
➡️ ACROSS: Find your new favorite journal at @broadwaypaper, get ready for outdoor walks at @performancerunning, and remember to fuel up at @thai_namite and @donutmonster414 (Can you tell we’re craving donuts? 🤣)

As a reminder, this promotion is running through March 31 🎉 One bingo card per person. Promotion valid at Third Ward locations only. Exclusions may apply. While supplies last.

Participating businesses: @atriojewelry, @bavettebutcher, @benandjerrysmilwaukee, @broadwaypaper, @c.adamsbakery*, @daasmokehouse*, @donutmonster414, @exploriumbrew, @freesescandyshoppe*, @lelaboutique, @mainstreamboutiquemke, @margaritaparadise_mke*, @missrubyboutique, @performancerunning, @saltypawsmke, @shoostoremke, @sweetlybakedmke, @thai_namite*, @thedistrictrow and @tiedhousemke. (*@milwaukeepublicmarket locations)

Click the link in our bio to learn more 🔗

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PLAN

your visit

Building designed by important Milwaukee architect Henry C. Koch for wholesale grocers Wellauer & Hoffmann.

1893

THE BROADWAY

chronicles

PLAN

your visit

Building designed by important Milwaukee architect Henry C. Koch for wholesale grocers Wellauer & Hoffmann.

1893

THE BROADWAY

chronicles

PLAN

your visit

Building designed by important Milwaukee architect Henry C. Koch for wholesale grocers Wellauer & Hoffmann.

1893

THE BROADWAY

chronicles

PLAN

your visit

Building designed by important Milwaukee architect Henry C. Koch for wholesale grocers Wellauer & Hoffmann.

1893

THE BROADWAY

chronicles

historic in the best way

TEN SQUARE BLOCKS

OF O.G. MILWAUKEE

The Historic Third Ward is downtown Milwaukee’s top neighborhood destination for the arts, dining, shopping, recreation & more. Steps from Lake Michigan — and home to the city's top festivals — we are where historic meets modern, grit meets glam & renaissance happens on the daily.

WHAT'S UP IN THE WARD

FEELIN' FRESH ...

creativity

Don't miss MIAD's annual Senior Exhibition through May 10! MORE INFO

cuisine

The Milwaukee Public Market is celebrating 20 years in 2025! MORE INFO

culture

Amen! Sister Act is rocking the stage at Skylight Music Theatre this month MORE INFO

3 SURE THINGS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW

treat yourself

Lash Dolls MKE

FEATURED IN THE WARD

Who let the dogs out?

Salty Paws

Creativity Flows Here

The Marshall Building

say "I do" in style

The Rivulet

CATCH THE THIRD WARD VIBE

​

Join our mailing list

TEN SQUARE
BLOCKS

WHAT'S UP
IN THE WARD

FEELIN'
FRESH ...

Don't miss MIAD's annual Senior Exhibition through May 10!

MORE INFO

The Milwaukee Public Market is celebrating 20 years in 2025!

MORE INFO

Amen! Sister Act is rocking the stage at Skylight Music Theatre this month

MORE INFO