Building Description
Station 1846 is a café bar and the home base for City Tours MKE, located in a renovated former auto mechanic shop in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood. The building dates back to the early-to-mid 20th century and has been thoughtfully repurposed, preserving its industrial character while creating a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike.
The name Station 1846 is a nod to the year Milwaukee was officially incorporated as a city, paying tribute to its rich civic history. What once was a gritty workspace is now a lively gathering spot featuring indoor seating, a custom-built bar, and a sunny patio — all while maintaining key architectural elements like the original garage doors, exposed brick, and industrial framing. This site is unique not only for its adaptive reuse but also for its function: it serves as the launch point for a variety of guided experiences through City Tours MKE, including sightseeing, brewery tours, karaoke cruises, and interactive team-building adventures.
Visitor Experience
Visitors to Station 1846 during Doors Open Milwaukee will enjoy an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at one of Walker’s Point’s most unique transformations — from former auto shop to vibrant café bar and tour headquarters.
Guests can take part in self-guided tours of the space, highlighting original architectural features such as garage doors and industrial framing as part of the building’s story. Team members will be on hand to share the history of the building, the inspiration behind the name 1846, and how the space was reimagined into a hub for community and tourism.
To make the day even more memorable, enjoy live music set on the patio and a small vendor pop-up featuring local makers.
Address
215 W Bruce St
Saturday Hours
10 am - 5 pm
Sunday Hours
Not Open
Photography
Photography allowed, Videography allowed
Accessibility
Fully wheelchair accessible