Office of African American Affairs
Affordable land and leasing costs, abundant fresh water, an educated workforce, low business costs and easy access to financing, technical assistance and efficient transportation have helped local businesses succeed and grow.
Find information about things to do and happenings in the City of Milwaukee.
Department of City Development
Open to the public, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the Milwaukee Riverwalk System began in 1993, as a means to offer public access to the river. Once complete, the Riverwalk will extend 3.1 miles along both sides of the Milwaukee River, from the site of the former North Avenue Dam, through Downtown and the Historic Third Ward to Lake Michigan. The system is a public-private partnership between riverfront property owners and the City of Milwaukee. In exchange for permanent public access, the City provides financial assistance for the construction of the private Riverwalk improvements.
Accessibility Update: The lifts (#2 & #3) adjacent to the Bronz Fonz at Wells Street and 731 North Water Street, on the east side of the Riverwalk, have been replaced and are operational. The replacement of the lift at 808 N Plankinton (adjacent to Wells Street) and the southern lift at 100 E Wisconsin (adjacent to Wisconsin Avenue) will commence in December upon delivery of the equipment.
The Milwaukee RiverWalk draws a mix of high-end residential, commercial and recreational venues to its shoreline, creating a highly active pedestrian environment along the river. This amenity is open to the public 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and with access points located throughout the system, we look forward to your visit.
System Map
Downtown
Beerline B
Historic Third Ward
Menomonee Valley
Harbor District
The City of Milwaukee fosters enhanced utilization and appreciation of the Milwaukee River by partnering with private developers and Business Improvement Districts to build a continuous system of riverwalks along the shores of all three of its rivers. Since 1993, public-private cost sharing has facilitated the construction of more than 5-miles of riverwalk.
During the second half of the 20th century Milwaukee turned its back on a valuable economic resource, the three rivers that run through the heart of the City. Once the center of commerce and recreation, the Milwaukee River had become one of the City's most neglected amenities. Continue reading about RiverWalk History
Questions?
Contact Alyssa Remington Phone 414-286-5802 Email [email protected]
Downtown Home
History
Regulation & Funding Policy Beerline RiverWalk Downtown RiverWalk Third Ward RiverWalk The Milwaukee River is on the USATODAY list of 10 great places to stream through cities
City of Milwaukee Office of Mayor Cavalier Johnson