Discover Westown’s vibrant transformation on a 1.4-mile walking tour through historic sites, arts venues, and modern developments. Explore Milwaukee’s cultural heart.
Discover Westown’s vibrant transformation on a 1.4-mile walking tour through historic sites, arts venues, and modern developments. Explore Milwaukee’s cultural heart.
- The Grain Exchange | A Bartolotta Catering & Events Venue - The tour commences at the Historic Milwaukee Store, situated at 235 E. Michigan St., previously known as the Grain Exchange, now called the Mackie Building.
- 622 N Water St - The Ladybug Building.
- East Wisconsin Avenue & West Wisconsin Avenue - Gertie the Duck Statue.
- **101 W…
- The Grain Exchange | A Bartolotta Catering & Events Venue - The tour commences at the Historic Milwaukee Store, situated at 235 E. Michigan St., previously known as the Grain Exchange, now called the Mackie Building.
- 622 N Water St - The Ladybug Building.
- East Wisconsin Avenue & West Wisconsin Avenue - Gertie the Duck Statue.
- 101 W Wisconsin Ave - ASQ Center, formerly Gimbels Department Store.
- Milwaukee RiverWalk - Discover Milwaukee’s Riverwalk.
- 116 W Wisconsin Ave - The Riverside Theater/Empire Office Building.
- 161 W Wisconsin Ave - Plankinton Arcade/Grand Avenue Mall.
- 212 W Wisconsin Ave - Bradley Symphony Center.
- 310 W Wisconsin Ave - Reuss Federal Plaza.
- Old World 3rd St. - Currently known as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
- 135 W Wells St - Germania Building.
- 144 E Wells St - Pabst Theater.
- 200 E Wells St - Milwaukee’s City Hall.
- 784 N Broadway - Engine Co. #1 - The oldest firehouse in Milwaukee.
- 235 E Michigan St - The tour concludes where it started, at the Historic Milwaukee Store.

- Audio Headsets
- Audio Headsets
- Tips (not required but appreciated)
- Tips (not required but appreciated)
To the west of the Milwaukee River lies the historic arts and entertainment district of Downtown. Currently, the area known as Westown boasts several theaters, arts venues, sports arenas, the Baird Convention Center, and numerous historic hotels. Additionally, the district features the multi-block Grand Avenue Mall (1982), which has been transformed…
To the west of the Milwaukee River lies the historic arts and entertainment district of Downtown. Currently, the area known as Westown boasts several theaters, arts venues, sports arenas, the Baird Convention Center, and numerous historic hotels. Additionally, the district features the multi-block Grand Avenue Mall (1982), which has been transformed into The Avenue (2018), offering a modernized food hall and shopping experience.
This tour will delve into the recent conversion of several historic buildings into mixed-use developments, featuring apartments, new coffee shops, gallery spaces, and revitalized office areas. Highlights of the tour include Milwaukee’s prominent blue building, the Reuss Federal Plaza, now referred to as 310W (1983), the historic Hotel Wisconsin (1913), and the Pabst Theater (1895).
The walking tour covers a distance of 1.4 miles.
Travelers are advised to bring (weather permitting): comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and/or an umbrella.
- Not recommended for travelers who cannot walk or use a mobility device for duration of tour.
- 1.4 miles, moderate to brisk pace
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.