• The Grain Exchange | A Bartolotta Catering & Events Venue - Meet your guide at the Historic Store located at the corner of E. Michigan St. and N. Broadway.
• Historic Third Ward - This tour explores Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. This tour explores themes of industrial heritage, adaptive reuse, and social history present in this neighborhood. The Historic Third Ward was also one of the hubs for Milwaukee’s Irish & Italian communities.
• Tied House Milwaukee - An example of a “tied house” –tavern built and leased by brewers, served one brand exclusively, in this case Pabst
• Milwaukee Public Market - The iconic Milwaukee Public Market was built in 2005.

• Audio Headsets

The Historic Third Ward was a primary destination for many European immigrants arriving in Milwaukee, especially the Irish, followed by the Italians. Attracted by affordable housing and job opportunities, these newcomers established tight-knit communities. Like many major industrial cities, the Third Ward experienced a significant and devastating fire in 1892, which reshaped the area into much of what is seen today. In the 1970s, the neighborhood underwent a revival, transforming factories and warehouses into condos and mixed-use spaces.

This tour offers insights into the neighborhood’s landscape, the Irish and Italian immigrant communities, and the influence of the LGBTQ+ community and other residents. Highlights include the Milwaukee Public Market (2005), Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) (1974), and Commission Row (1894).

The walking tour covers a distance of 1 mile.

Participants are advised to bring (weather permitting): comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and/or an umbrella.

• Not recommended for travelers who can not walk or use a mobility device for the duration of the tour

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.