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Downtown Milwaukee Walking Tour

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$16.00 /person
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About the activity

Explore the unique architecture and streetscape of downtown and learn how Milwaukee's three founders used Lake Michigan, three rivers, and the harbor to create the Milwaukee you see today.

  • Free cancellation
    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
  • Instant confirmation & Mobile tickets
    Receive your ticket right away. Use your phone or print your voucher.
  • Live guiding
    English
  • Duration
    2 hours
  • Includes
    • Volunteer Docent led walking tour
    • Audio Headsets to hear the guide
    • Interior visits to buildings
    • Tips (not required but appreciated)
Highlights & Description

Highlights

  • The Mackie & Mitchell Buildings - 2nd Empire Architecture
  • Gas Light Building - Art Deco Architecture
  • Milwaukee Art Museum - Brutalist & Modern Architecture
  • Federal Building - Richardsonian Romanesque Architecture
  • Northwestern Mutual’s Neoclassical Headquarters

Description

Downtown Milwaukee’s growth began around the intersection of N. Water St. and E. Wisconsin Ave. but expanded quickly as the small settlement became a large city. If you are looking for an introduction to Milwaukee’s history, this is the best place to start.

The tour will explore this commercial district from the earliest beginnings at the river’s edge all the way to the modern office buildings along Lake Michigan’s shore. Stops on the tour include a variety of architectural styles including Alexander Eschweiler’s Art Deco Gas Light Building (1930), the Richardsonian Romanesque style Federal Building (1892), and Northwestern Mutual’s Neoclassical Headquarters (1914).

Duration - 2 hours

Start Location - Historic Milwaukee Gift Shop at 235 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI US 53202

Good to know before you go
  • We recommend that tour-goers arrive 10-20 minutes early to find parking and for check-in.
  • Tour is 1 mile, moderate to brisk pace
  • This tour is 90 minutes to 2 hours
  • Not recommended for travelers who cannot walk or use a mobility device for the duration of the tour.
Meeting point

Reviews & Ratings

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cancellation policy for this activity?
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
2. When will I receive the confirmation of my booking?
You will receive an email notification right after your successful payment. If you don't see it in your inbox, check your spam or junk mail folder. When the payment is completed you have the option to download your ticket directly.
3. Are mobile tickets enough or do I have to print them?
Tickets don't need to be printed. You can show your ticket from your smartphone as a PDF.
  • Adults
    13-99 years
  • Children
    5-12 years
  • Infants
    0-4 years
October 2026
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