Milwaukee's Riverwalk Walking Tour

5.0 (3 reviews) 1 h 30 min – 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

3 reviews

5.0

Milwaukee's Riverwalk Walking Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Milwaukee's Riverwalk Walking Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Like many communities in the industrial Midwest, Milwaukee’s ecological legacy has a significant period of pollution. Thankfully, in the late 1980s & early 1990s, driven by Mayor John Norquist and others, Milwaukee dedicated resources to water clean up and the reinvigoration of the buildings along the Milwaukee River. This reinvestment included the creation of a public-private partnership known as the Riverwalk (1993).

Today, the Riverwalk extends 3.1 miles along both sides of the Milwaukee River, from the site of the former North Avenue Dam, through Downtown and the Historic Third Ward to Lake Michigan.

The tour will explore the industries and early city growth that impacted the river so greatly and also a number of the historic buildings along the way. You’ll also learn about some of the temporary and permanent public art on display.

This walking tour is 1.2 miles in length.

We recommend that travelers bring: good walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and/or umbrella.

Private and Luxury Audio Guides Architecture Tours Historical Tours Art Tours Walking Tours Street Art Tour Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min – 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–10
Audio guide: English
Guide: English
Operated by: Historic Milwaukee

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Audio Headsets

Not included

Not included: Tips (not required but appreciated)

Itinerary

Stop 1

10 min

Our tour will begin inside the Historic Milwaukee Store located at 235 E. Michigan St., formerly known as the Grain Exchange, now referred to as the Mackie Building.
Stop 2

Passing by

Chase Bank Plaza
Stop 3

Passing by

ASQ Center, formerly Gimbels Department Store
Stop 4

Passing by

Gertie the Duck: A Symbol of New Life & Hope Statue by Gwen Gillen
The Riverside Theater

Passing by

116 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Stop 6

Passing by

Germania Building
Pere Marquette Park

Passing by

Learn about the park.
Stop 8

Passing by

929 N Water Street
Bronze Fonz

Passing by

The sculpture depicts Henry Winkler, the actor who played Fonz in the show Happy Days. Happy Days, which aired in the 1970s, was a sitcom about a family in 1950s/1960s Milwaukee.
Stop 10

Passing by

This tour ends about two blocks from where it begins.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Our tour will begin inside the Historic Milwaukee Store located at 235 E. Michigan St., formerly known as the Grain Exchange, now referred to as the Mackie Building.

End point

This tour ends about two blocks from where it begins.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for travelers who cannot walk or use a mobility device for duration of tour.
1.2 miles, moderate to brisk pace