Historic Third Ward - Milwaukee, WI Area Guide

The historic Third Ward is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the oldest center of commerce and warehousing in Milwaukee. A tragic fire in the district in 1892 levelled most of the buildings, but the area was rebuilt again into a commercial dynamo. This rebuilding allowed for a continuity of architecture, which makes the neighborhood feel unique. During the 1970s and 80s, many of the warehouses fell into disrepair following an overall slow-down of manufacturing across the US. Since then, over 500 businesses have created a renaissance in the area, bringing it back to the heights of its glory days.

The area is also home to the Broadway Theater Center, a complex of buildings including a centerpiece 17th-century baroque-style theater. There is a vital arts scene here as well, with many galleries filled with established and up and coming artists.

The Historic Third Ward district is swimming in amazing restaurant options and nightlife fun. There are tons of upscale as well as affordable places to get some great food. Since 2005, Swig has pioneered small-plate dining, and now offers lunch, entrées salads and more. With small-plate options like lobster-stuffed roasted poblano peppers, you just can't go wrong. For more sophisticated flavors, try the seared scallops with mushroom beurre blanc, asparagus and micro greens. Sit fireside with your tasty small plates or along the elegant bar, sipping one of Swig's 20 specialty martinis.

For a taste of something new, head over to Milwaukee Public Market, and be amazed by the sheer size, quality and diversity of the shops and restaurants lining this amazing indoor market. Sample samosas while sipping a finely-crafted espresso drink. Fine cheeses mingle with all-pork hot dogs in this very international, and yet very Wisconsin, institution. The market is also home to tons of events and even cooking classes, sushi rolling lessons and more.

With bars scattering the area there is plenty to do at night in or very close to the neighborhood. The Milwaukee Ale House is a beer-lover's dream and since 1996 this bar and brewery has been crafting some of the finest ales in Wisconsin. The brewery occupies several floors of the historic Saddlery building and is host to live music and a great nightlife scene. The property contains six boat slips, so water-faring vessels may too pull into dry land for a tasty brew.

The historic Third Ward presents many transportation options within a short distance. The immediate area is very walkable, and there are many services within a relatively short walk. The area has some bike paths and is close enough to downtown to access on two wheels. Hailing a cab is possible here, but calling ahead or using Uber is your best course of action especially during Summerfest when they are quite difficult to get. Public parking is readily available at most times thanks to two public parking structures. In the parking structures, be prepared to pay $3.00 for an hour and an additional $1 for each additional hour.

The district is very central in the city and highways and Interstate 794 are available to points in the suburbs and outside the area. N Milwaukee street, a major thoroughfare, runs directly through the center of the area as well, providing a straight shot to downtown Milwaukee.

Adjacent to the historic Third Ward and located on a peninsula which juts out into Lake Michigan is the dazzling Lakeshore State Park. The many hiking paths with criss-cross the area provide fantastic views of downtown Milwaukee. Paved trails are suitable for biking and skating, and connect with the Hank Aaron state trail and Oak Leaf trail. The park marina offers 20 boat slips for mooring boats up to 60 feet. Kayaks and canoes are allowed to launch and land on the beach or at stone steps in the south of the peninsula. Dogs are allowed, but are required to be kept under control and on a 8-foot-max leash. Ice fishing is a very popular activity in the lagoon area when temperatures permit, as well as snowshoeing.

The cost of living in this extremely desirable neighborhood is higher than both the Milwaukee and national averages. The district on average has a 19.4% higher cost of living than Milwaukee and is 11.4% higher than the rest of the nation. The Milwaukee County Transit System buses are $2.25 and are well connected with downtown. One-bedroom apartments start at around $1,200 per month and go up from there. A draft beer will cost around $3-5 and a little less for non-craft canned beers. Gas is about 3% less expensive the national average and is about average for Milwaukee as a whole.

There are many shopping areas distributed throughout the district, with clothing and specialty shops comprising a majority of the commercial core. The overall theme leans toward a high-end product and presentation, but that great Wisconsin charm should ease any fears of pretension.

Lela Boutique is an eclectic and fashionable women's clothing store in the heart of the historic Third Ward. Since 2003, Lela has assembled an amazing collection of vintage and modern pieces, from rare vintage print dresses to last year's current designer hand bags. Lela's shop offers consignment for quality vintage clothing and accessories. It's so good it appears to have a problem keeping merchandise from flying off the shelves. The store stays up-to-date with current trends in Chicago, LA and beyond, so fashionistas can shop with confidence.

3rd Ward Jewelry is another amazing local store with some fantastic designs focused on an artistic approach to curating jewelry. From simple gold bands to wildly creative rings and earrings, 3rd Ward Jewelry hosts work from 75 artists across the United States. They also focus in alternative metals and stones for a distinctive selection of jewelry found nowhere else.

For groceries you'll need to travel a little out of the area to either the North or the West where Metro Markets or Pick'n Save can provide you with all of the essentials. If you want to stay in the district then travel down to Bavette La Boucherie for selection of local artisan products and perfectly butchered meats.