Activity Page
Check out the fun activity page for this neighborhood, designed by artist CK Ledema. Available in English and Spanish. Click to download and print!

Página de Actividad
Vea la página de actividades divertidas para este vecindario, diseñada por el artista CK Ledema. Disponible en ingles y español. Haga clic para descargar e imprimir!

About the Neighborhood

Historic Mitchell Street is rich with history, dating back to 1857, and at one time was known as "The Downtown of Milwaukee's South Side."  It was formerly a Polish stronghold in Milwaukee. Now the commercial and residential neighborhood is populated by culturally diverse communities. In the early 1900's and over the years since then, there have been seven movie theaters on Mitchell, a large number of bridal stores, a variety of restaurants, banks, two large church complexes, a popular bowling alley, and a variety of retail stores, including Sears, Penney's. Schusters, Goldmann's, The Grand, Kunzelmann Esser, etc. Today the retail businesses  include western wear stores, Hispanic gift and boutique stores, an art gallery, and a variety of culturally diverse restaurants, all of which comprises a very interesting and unique historic district in the City of Milwaukee.

Places to Visit

Real Tinsel Gallery is emerging from the necessary hiatus with a show by Milwaukee artists Ella Dwyer, Thad Kellstadt, Amanda Tollefson and Becca Kacanda. In the time of Covid-19, presenting work in a traditional indoor gallery poses an obvious health risk, so for the immediate future there will  be rotating shows in the prominent street-level window bays.

Mitchell Street Library - 906 W Historic Mitchell St

The Mitchell Street Branch is the largest of Milwaukee Public Library’s branch libraries. The branch is part of an historic restoration and redevelopment of the five-story Hill’s Building which was once home to a department store of the same name. This mixed-use facility also includes sixty apartment units, eight of which are townhouse units that are located in the rear of the building. View hours.

Dining in the Neighborhood

Lopez Bakery - 1100 W. Historic Mitchell Street
Taqueria El Toro - 551 W. Historic Mitchell Street
Tony's Pizzeria - 604 W. Historic Mitchell Street
Anmol Pakistani and Indian Restaurant - 711 W. Historic Mitchell Street
Damascus Gate Syrian Restaurant - 807 W. Historic Mitchell Street
Rojo Blanco Mexican Fast Food Carry-Out - 837 W. Historic Mitchell Street
Lopez Bakery & Restaurant - 1100 W. Historic Mitchell Street
Los Gamelos Tacos - 1116 W. Historic Mitchell Street
La Borincana Puerto Rican Restaurant - 1820 S. 13 Street
Taqueria Los Gallos - 1800 S. 13th Street
Palcteria Leon & Moctezuma - 1414 W. Forest Home Avenue

Guidelines for Visiting Neighborhoods

While Historic Milwaukee is not opening buildings and sites to tour this year, we still encourage you to visit these recommended neighborhood locations for self-guided experiences. When visiting neighborhood locations please follow the mask ordinance - wear a mask and maintain social distance and respect residents and neighbors.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to artist CK Ledesma who designed and created the Doors Open Neighborhoods Activity pages. Thanks also to the neighborhood leaders to contributed information and recommendations on things to do and places to see in their neighborhoods. And thank you to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation for their support of the Activity Booklet.