Milwaukee's Harbor District

Connecting the Past and Future

Just south of downtown Milwaukee lies the Harbor District, a neighborhood steeped in history and revitalized by a new generation of innovation and investment. It’s where you’ll find some of the city’s hottest restaurants and bars alongside some of its most relaxing waterfront activities. The region also blends one-of-a-kind shopping with longstanding industrial landmarks. Simply put, the district has a little bit of everything, which makes it a distinctive place that appeals to everyone.

Outdoor Recreation & Waterfront Fun

The Harbor District is built along the Kinnickinnic River and against Lake Michigan, so it’s no surprise that water plays a key role in its identity, culture, and activities. The Harbor View Plaza celebrates all that in a scenic, family-friendly educational park and play space right on the waterfront. Its centerpiece four-story tower, includes a spiral slide and offers breathtaking vistas of the entire area. 

Nearby, UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences offers 90-minute tours for both the general public and high school groups as part of its ongoing community outreach. These guided walking tours focus on the groundbreaking research conducted by the university’s faculty, scientists, and students.

When you actually want to get on the water, there’s no better way than kayaking. Milwaukee Kayak Co. and Brew City Kayak offer rentals for a couple of hours or all day from their riverfront launch sites, making it easy to explore the city via its meandering waterways. If you want to take the party with you, try the Milwaukee Paddle Tavern or the Milwaukee Pedal Tavern, where the workout is just part of the fun.

Local Kitchens, Craft Cocktails, & Waterfront Views

When it comes to dining, drinks, and nightlife, the Harbor District is spoiled for options. That includes hidden gems like Barnacle Buds, a laid-back waterfront tavern with a Jimmy Buffett vibe specializing in casual seafood and cocktails.

Continuing with the casual-but-tasty theme, be sure to stop by Allie Boy’s Bagelry & Luncheonette or Transfer Pizzeria Cafe to learn why they’re local favorites. Merriment Social serves up great burgers and seasonal cuisine in an industrial chic setting, while Momo Mee is the district’s go-to place for pan-Asian cuisine.

The area has also become a focal point for locally made craft beer and spirits. When Great Lakes Distillery opened in 2004, it became Wisconsin’s first distillery since Prohibition. They offer daily tours that include samples of their many spirits, including vodka, gin, and whiskey. Twisted Path Distillery—founded by an ex-CIA man—joined the scene in 2013 with a focus on rum, whiskey, and vodka. Beer lovers shouldn’t miss the Broken Bat Brewing and New Barons Brewing creations, which help make the Harbor District a true destination for craft beverage enthusiasts.

Other sports that highlight the district’s varied nature include Wantable Cafe—a coworking coffee shop—and NorthSouth Club, a vibrant bar with shuffleboard and axe throwing. Along the waterfront, you’ll find Northwoods-themed bar Boone & Crockett and The Cooperage, a welcoming and expansive event space.

Retail, Tradition & Innovation

The Harbor District is remarkable for blending old and new, big and small, into a seamlessly welcoming destination. Clock Tower Antiques, with its three levels of eclectic finds, sits across the street from industry staple Rockwell Automation and its landmark clock tower. Global equipment manufacturer Komatsu’s new South Harbor campus, built with sustainability and energy efficiency at its forefront, sits across the water from UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences, whose students and faculty perform groundbreaking research that safeguards the Great Lakes. Lake Michigan serves as a beautiful backdrop for everything, too.

The Harbor District is marked by a culture full of fun and creative energy. It’s also where people are producing the innovative ideas that drive a modern economy. There is so much to see that you’ll want to plan your visit today.