Saturday, May 2, 10 am to 4 pm
Tickets available online:
$30 | Historic Milwaukee Members
$40 | Non-Members
Explore nine houses on Milwaukee's Upper East Side!
Join Historic Milwaukee for Spaces & Traces, a unique opportunity to explore beautiful homes in Milwaukee’s Upper East Side. Guided by knowledgeable docents, this year’s tours will highlight residences representing a range of architectural styles, including Mediterranean Revival, Tudor Revival, Craftsman, and more.
These stunning homes showcase the rich architectural character of one of Milwaukee’s most historic neighborhoods while offering inspiring examples of how today’s homeowners are thoughtfully preserving and bringing new life to these historic spaces.
What's Included:
- Tour ticket purchase includes access to the 9 houses and allows the ticket holder to attend the lecture by historian Brian Fette.
- The list of tour locations is provided in the email confirmation once a ticket is purchased.
- You can begin your tour at any of the tour locations and create your own route. All the homes are located within a 1.6 mile radius. Present this email on your phone or printed from Historic Milwaukee at the first location you visit and receive a wrist band and tour brochure with properties listed. Shuttle transportation is not provided.
- The tour is recommended for ages 12 and up. Tickets are non-refundable.
Event HQ & Lecture Location
Plymouth Church UCC, 2717 E. Hampshire St., Milwaukee, WI 53211
For questions & restrooms from 10 am to 4 pm.
Spaces & Traces Programming
2 pm Lecture at Plymouth Church: If You Build It – Will They Come?: The Slow Rise of the Prospect Hill Neighborhood
As part of the day’s programming, guests are invited to attend a special lecture, presented by local historian Brian Fette at the event headquarters, Plymouth Church. Though surprising today, Prospect Hill developed slowly after being platted in 1893. Bounded by N. Downer Ave. and N. Lake Dr., and stretching from Kenwood Blvd. to E. Park Pl., the neighborhood saw only five lots sold in its first five years, with growth not accelerating until 1914. The lecture will explore the colorful personalities, unexpected challenges—including a plague of thistles—and the origins of street names that define the area today.
Spaces & Traces – FAQs
What’s included with my ticket?
Access to all nine homes + admission to a 2 p.m. lecture by historian Brian Fette.
When will I get the home list?
Tour locations are sent to you when you purchase your ticket.
What's the Tour Brochure?
The brochure includes historic info about each featured property, a map and a QR code that links to a digital map.
How does the tour work?
Start at any home and create your own route. Show your ticket at your first stop to receive a wristband for entry to all locations. All homes require guests to wear cloth shoe covers that are provided. Guests may remove shoes and wear socks if preferred.
Can I take photos?
No interior photography is permitted.
Are the homes walkable?
Yes! All homes are located within 1.6 miles of each other, making it easy to walk between stops.
Is transportation provided?
No—please plan your own transportation if you prefer not to walk. If you drive, please follow parking regulations on signs in the neighborhood. Do not block driveways.
Where is Event HQ?
Plymouth Church UCC (2717 E. Hampshire St.)
Open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. for questions and restrooms.
Tell me about the lecture.
If You Build It – Will They Come? at 2 p.m. explores the rise of the Prospect Hill neighborhood with historian Brian Fette. Seating is first come first served.
Are tickets refundable?
No, all sales are final.
Is this event suitable for kids?
Recommended for ages 12+.
Are these residential homes?
Yes—these are private residences. Please tour respectfully and follow the tour path within the home: only enter rooms open to guests, wear provided shoe covers or socks, do not sit on furniture or touch objects, and no interior photography.
Is the tour accessible?
Accessibility varies by home due to the historic nature of the properties.
Are there restrooms available?
Yes - at the event HQ, Plymouth Church UCC, 2717 E. Hampshire St., Milwaukee, WI 53211
Need help during the event?
Stop by Event HQ between 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Call for Volunteers
Historic Milwaukee is seeking volunteers to help guide visitors during the 44th annual Spaces & Traces tour on Milwaukee's Upper East Side.
Volunteers are assigned to a home and given a script to help share the history and stories of the featured properties.
Shifts: 9:45 am - 1:00 pm, 12:45 pm -4 pm
Benefits: Volunteers have the option of purchasing tickets to tour for 50% off.