The Historic Third Ward
UPSCALE AND HISTORIC
Once a warehouse district, the Third Ward has emerged in recent years as one of the toniest neighborhoods in the city, with a bustling commercial strip, boutiques, riverfront dining and condos.
For the Culture Vulture
If gallery-hopping is your thing, this is the place to be. Start at Tory Folliard (233 N. Milwaukee St.), a gallery that represents Wisconsin-based artists. The Marshall Building (207 E. Buffalo St.) houses galleries on every floor. Don’t miss Portrait Society (Suite 526), which often features outsider artists. MARN is located in a large, airy space (191 N. Broadway) and is home to a gallery, a comfortable cafe and a gift shop that carries one-of-a-kind objects made by local artists.
Do Some Shopping
This area is home to many independent shops and boutiques. Among the highlights is Mod Gen (211 N. Broadway), a great place for gifts, plants, home goods and more. Lela (321 N. Broadway) carries women’s fashion, plus a selection of vintage clothing. For a curated selection of designer clothes, visit The District Row (249 N. Water St.). Pick up a sweatshirt at Unfinished Legacy (201 N. Water St.), a Milwaukee-based streetwear brand. And for rugged-cool menswear, check out Milworks (143 N. Broadway).
➡️ Must-Visit: The Milwaukee Public Market
Have a glass of wine, do your grocery shopping, pick up Wisconsin-made food items, enjoy a meal, and grab some T-shirts for gifts. 400 N. Water St.
Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!
Bay View
TRENDY & HIP
South of Downtown, this hopping neighborhood has plenty of personality. Kinnickinnic Avenue (aka KK) serves as its main street, a long stretch full of delicious dining, classic cocktail lounges and quirky shops.
Neighborhood Highlights:
If it’s Saturday morning, head straight for the South Shore Farmers Market (2900 S. Shore Dr.), where you’ll find prepared food in addition to produce. The park is also home to a lively beer garden that opens at 11 a.m. on the weekends and is a great place for lunch and people-watching. After lunch, spend some time perusing the many vintage stores along KK, including Ormson Supply (2866 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.), Plume (3001) and Goodland Antiques (3391).
➡️ Must-Visit: Avalon Atmospheric Theater
This movie theater is a unique gem, with a bar, food service and a ceiling decorated to look like the night sky, with twinkling stars. 2473 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Immerse Yourself in Arts + History
Milwaukee Art Museum: With a winged addition designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, MAM is a local landmark. Inside, you’ll find a vast collection. 700 N. Art Museum Dr.
Milwaukee Public Museum: This natural history museum is one of the oldest in the United States. Collection highlights include one of the largest dinosaur skulls ever found. 800 W. Wells St.
Villa Terrace: A unique museum modeled after a Florentine villa, with beautiful grounds and views of Lake Michigan. 2220 N. Terrace Ave.
Charles Allis: Housed in a 1911 building that Charles and Sarah Allis commissioned as a place to live and display their extensive art collection, this gem of a museum features rotating exhibitions. 1801 N. Prospect Ave.
Walker’s Point
COZY & HAPPENING
One of the oldest neighborhoods in Milwaukee, this spot south of Downtown is marked by the local landmark Allen-Bradley Clock Tower looming over streets full of galleries, a host of great restaurants and coffee shops.
➡️ Must-Visit: Zócalo Food Park
Find diverse, delicious local food vendors, a welcoming bar and outdoor dining in the warm months. 636 S. Sixth St.
East Side
CLASSIC & SOCIAL
The East Side is a nightlife and shopping hub with a diverse mix of students, young professionals and homeowners. Brady Street is known for its bar scene, while Downer Avenue is replete with restaurants and shops.
➡️ Must-Visit: Boswell Book Co.
This independent seller has a passionate staff and wide selection. Check out the schedule of live author talks. 2559 N. Downer Ave.
STROLL ALONG THE RIVERWALK
Take in the architecture and public art of the Historic Third Ward and Downtown Milwaukee while waving to boaters as you stroll along the RiverWalk. Start at Trestle Park (501 E. Erie St.), then head northwest for 1 mile, where you’ll find the Bronze Fonz.
Bronzeville
VIBRANT & GROWING
This near-north neighborhood is a burgeoning cultural hot spot. You’ll find thriving businesses and destinations including America’s Black Holocaust Museum (401 W. North Ave.), Pepperpot Jamaican Food (2215 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.) and Dead Bird Brewing (1726 Dr. William Finlayson St.).
➡️ Must-Visit: Bronzeville Collective
A collection of over 30 small vendors selling crafts, clothes and more. 339 W. North Ave.
Riverwest
QUIRKY & DIVERSE
On Center Street, you’ll find repurposed storefronts serving as galleries, bookstores, studios and more. Check the schedule at the Jazz Gallery Center for the Arts (926 E. Center St.), where there are frequent musical performances as well as gallery shows.
➡️ Must-Visit: Woodland Pattern
This poet- and artist-run nonprofit book center is also a gallery and performance space, putting on hundreds of literary events throughout the year. 720 E. Locust
Fun Stuff for Kids
Discovery World: Lay on a bed of nails, dance with a robot dinosaur, race mini go-karts and stare down piranhas – the exhibits are weird in the best way! 500 N. Harbor Dr.
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum: Build your own toys at the Be a Maker space, or play on the museum’s kid-size railroad. Kids under 4 will love Pocket Park, a mini playground designed just for them. 929 E. Wisconsin Ave.
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum: Milwaukee is home to the largest collection of bobbleheads anywhere on earth, all on display in this quirky museum.
170 S. First St.
