Downtown
Downtown Milwaukee’s growth began around the intersection of N. Water St. and E. Wisconsin Ave. but expanded quickly as the small settlement became a large city. If you are looking for an introduction to Milwaukee’s history, this is the best place to start.
The tour will explore this commercial district from the earliest beginnings at the river’s edge all the way to the modern office buildings along Lake Michigan’s shore. Stops on the tour include a variety of architectural styles including Alexander Eschweiler’s Art Deco Gas Light Building (1930), the Richardsonian Romanesque style Federal Building (1892), and Northwestern Mutual’s Neoclassical Headquarters (1914).
After the tour, explore the Milwaukee Art Museum & Eero Saarinen’s Milwaukee County War Memorial Center or stroll through nearby Juneau Park.
Thoughts from other tour attendees
"Our guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We enjoyed the tour and our guide was excellent." - Tour Attendee, September 13, 2025
"She was absolutely GREAT! Really, really enjoyed the tour. Learned so many things I would not have otherwise known or been exposed to. Highly recommend this tour!" - Tour Attendee, October 11, 2025
"It was a great experience. Shelly was an excellent tour guide. - Despite the cold temperature and high winds, we spent two hours walking the streets of downtown Milwaukee with Shelly our tour guide as she talked about the history of the city and buildings and the important people who built them and whose names most of the buildings retain today. She was so knowledgeable. It was great." - Tour Attendee, October 22, 2025
Starting Location
Meet your guide at the Historic Milwaukee Store located at the corner of E. Michigan St. and N. Broadway.
Other Tours
Skywaukee Tour
Explore downtown Milwaukee from indoors! Stroll through the skywalk system…
Riverwalk
Like many communities in the industrial Midwest, Milwaukee’s ecological legacy…