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.
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.
Chase Bank Plaza
ASQ Center, formerly Gimbels Department Store
Gertie the Duck: A Symbol of New Life & Hope Statue by Gwen Gillen
116 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Germania Building
Learn about the park.
929 N Water Street
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.
This tour ends about two blocks from where it begins.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Milwaukee's Riverwalk Walking Tour lasts about 1h 30min–2h. The itinerary has 10 stops.
Prices start at $16 per person for this Milwaukee experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is 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. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN, EN.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 20 participants.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
I wanted to share feedback regarding my recent tour. Cindy was amazing and took the time to explain every aspect of the walk-through in great detail. If you are in Milwaukee and planning to take this tour, I highly recommend asking for Cindy.
Our guide, Tim, did a great job. Lots if interesting history and anecdotes. He is phenomenally well informed. The River Walk area is lovely.
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee's Riverwalk Walking Tour | 1h 30min–2h | 5.0 (2) | $16 | |
 Jeffrey Dahmer American Cannibal Walking Tour | 1h 30min | 4.4 (90) | $67 | View |
 Milwaukee Historic Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour | 1h–1h 30min | 4.4 (17) | $10 | View |
 Outdoor Escape Room in Milwaukee - RiverWalk | 2 hours | 4.3 (14) | $75 | View |
 Downtown Milwaukee Walking Tour | 1h 30min–2h | 4.3 (4) | $16 | View |
 Historic Third Ward Walking Tour | 1h 30min–2h | 5.0 (2) | $16 | View |
 Water to Westown Walking Tour | 1h 30min–2h | — | $16 | View |