RiverWalk Tour
If you're looking to get a feel for the beauty and vibrancy of Milwaukee, our RiverWalk Tour is for you! The RiverWalk extends for approximately 20 city blocks along the Milwaukee River and connects the downtown to both the Brewer's Hill / Beerline "B" neighborhood to the north and the Historic Third Ward neighborhood to the south. The RiverWalk is an easy-to-stroll, well marked walkway with many bars, restaurants and interesting stops along the way! (Note: There are a few stairs on this tour.)
First, a bit of history. Milwaukee is situated at the confluence of three rivers (the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic), and the location was a natural spot for early fur traders and European explorers to trade with Native Americans who lived along the river banks. As European settlements grew, what is now Milwaukee was split into three prominent areas. Kilbourntown was established by businessman Byron Kilbourn on the west side of the Milwaukee River (now Westown), Juneautown was founded by fur trader Solomon Juneau on the east side of the river (now East Town), and George Walker, also a trader, established a settlement south of the Milwaukee River (now Walker's Point). There were some colorful rivalries between these groups, and it wasn't until 1846 that Milwaukee was established as a unified city.
Since that time, Milwaukee has grown into a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with much of it highlighted along the banks of the Milwaukee River. Milwaukee's city planners and civic organizations realized the economic potential of today's RiverWalk, and began planning and development in the early 1990s.
Today, the RiverWalk is a "must do" for anyone visiting Milwaukee. While it is busiest during the warm weather months (with plenty of boats, kayaks, outdoor dining, locals and tourists), the RiverWalk is a fun place to visit at any time of the year.
First, a bit of history. Milwaukee is situated at the confluence of three rivers (the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic), and the location was a natural spot for early fur traders and European explorers to trade with Native Americans who lived along the river banks. As European settlements grew, what is now Milwaukee was split into three prominent areas. Kilbourntown was established by businessman Byron Kilbourn on the west side of the Milwaukee River (now Westown), Juneautown was founded by fur trader Solomon Juneau on the east side of the river (now East Town), and George Walker, also a trader, established a settlement south of the Milwaukee River (now Walker's Point). There were some colorful rivalries between these groups, and it wasn't until 1846 that Milwaukee was established as a unified city.
Since that time, Milwaukee has grown into a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with much of it highlighted along the banks of the Milwaukee River. Milwaukee's city planners and civic organizations realized the economic potential of today's RiverWalk, and began planning and development in the early 1990s.
Today, the RiverWalk is a "must do" for anyone visiting Milwaukee. While it is busiest during the warm weather months (with plenty of boats, kayaks, outdoor dining, locals and tourists), the RiverWalk is a fun place to visit at any time of the year.