Top Milwaukee activities
Top Milwaukee landmarks
Beyond Milwaukee
Milwaukee trip ideas

The Original Milwaukee Ghost Walk - Third Ward

12 Reviews 3.92 out of 5 stars Based on 12 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Milwaukee, USA

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (4) days in advance.

90 to 120 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

Milwaukee's original haunted history walking tour introduces you to the unique heritage of the Historic Third Ward in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Third Ward, dubbed “The Bloody Third” in 1846, is a charming arts district today but conceals a violent gangster past. Once home to Milwaukee’s mafia operations and, before that, Irish gangsters, known as the Third Ward Cowboys, its streets have been touched by tragedy and the paranormal.

Expect to learn more about paranormal happenings and ghost sightings at the Skylight Opera Theatre, the Italian Community Center, and MIAD, as well as many other lesser-known locations. Ghosts stories with Third Ward connections including supernatural encounters at the Hilton Garden Inn and the Pfister Hotel.

What's Included

  • Tour Guide

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    400 North Water Street
    Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA

    Show on Google Maps

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
    Read more

    Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

    Milwaukee Public Market

    Meet on the corner St. Paul Avenue and Water Street for a history lesson they never taught you in school. Get glimpse of the scandalous 19th Century past of these streets when the area was nicknamed the Bloody Third.
    Read more

    15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    116 E Pleasant St

    Built in 1910, this building originally housed the F. Mayer Boot & Shoe Co. We keep the memory of a spectral little boy named Timmy alive. Over the years when the Institute of Beauty and Wellness occupied the building this wee ghost was blamed for many supernatural shenanigans.
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Broadway Theatre Center

    The lovable yet ostentatious Clair Richardson founded the Skylight Music Theatre 1959. Although he died in 1980 before he could see his dream fully realized, his cremated remains have resided inside, in the Cabot Theatre’s trap room, since 1993. Many believe his spirit has returned. As in life, Clair loves to make his presence known.
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Tied House Milwaukee

    This building was once known as the Pabst Brewing Co. Saloon and Boarding House. Perhaps the unfortunate "boarding house" label, a term that was often a euphemism for houses of ill repute, has led to its current reputation as a former brothel and the legend of the unlucky lady of the night who haunts it
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    207 E Buffalo St

    Gossip about a harrowing late night elevator ride turns out to have some basis in fact. Who was the vanishing man in dusty overalls who allegedly vexed a writer for Milwaukee’s famous weekly newspaper the Shepherd Express?
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Italian Community Center, Inc. (pass by)

    Legends
    Read more

    The Marshall Building

    An eerie encounter remains a mystery and adds to the intrigue surrounding The Marshall Building. The incident has left the employee and others wondering about the true nature of the apparition.
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design

    Many eerie occurrences have left students and teachers wondering if the building is haunted. Despite the unsettling experiences, the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design continues to thrive as a center for creativity and learning.
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    The Wicked Hop

    The oldest building in The Third Ward contains one of its darkest ghost stories....
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Historical Marker 327: Sinking of the Lady Elgin

    The Lady Elgin Memorial Marker in Milwaukee commemorates the tragic sinking of the steamship Lady Elgin on September 8, 1860. The disaster, which occurred on Lake Michigan, resulted in the loss of over 300 lives, making it one of the deadliest maritime disasters in Great Lakes history.
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Show 9 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (7)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The Original Milwaukee Ghost Walk – Third Ward?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CDT). Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-156267P5

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    3.92
    12 reviews

    Average 3.92 out of 5 stars based on 12 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    6
    4 stars
    3
    3 stars
    1
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    2

    Loading Options
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 14 (4) days in advance.

    Similar Tours & Activities

    Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Snack

    Learn about Milwaukee’s thriving brewpub scene and taste up to 12 different beers on this guided brewery tour with a snack. See how beer is...

    3 hoursFree Cancellation
    3 hoursFree Cancellation
    3 hours • Free Cancellation
    4.6 (10)
    from
    $109
    The Ghosts of Milwaukee & the Haunted Third Ward: Private Tour

    Join us for a private walking ghost tour of Milwaukee’s haunted historic Third Ward. As the largest city in Wisconsin with an industrial past, it’s...

    2 hoursFree Cancellation
    2 hoursFree Cancellation
    2 hours • Free Cancellation
    4.3 (4)
    from
    $45
    Historic Third Ward Walking Tour

    The Historic Third Ward was the first stop for many of Milwaukee's European immigrants, particularly the Irish and later the Italians. Close to cheap housing...

    90 to 120 minutesFree Cancellation
    90 to 120 minutesFree Cancellation
    90 to 120 minutes • Free Cancellation
    5.0 (1)
    from
    $16
    Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Milwaukee A Splash of Color

    Let’s Roam leads the way as the top app-led adventure hunt company! Wander to discover the city’s top landmarks and uncover hidden gems while tackling...

    2 hoursFree Cancellation
    2 hoursFree Cancellation
    2 hours • Free Cancellation
    4.1 (11)
    from
    $14.99

    Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

    Personal and Detailed Milwaukee Sightseeing Bus Tour
    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out

    Tap into Milwaukee's famous attractions and history as well as other sights you may not have known existed. Don't just see Milwaukee, experience it!...

    2 hours
    2 hours
    2 hours
    5.0 (874)
    from
    $47
    Discover Iconic Milwaukee Tour

    Embark on an intimate high-end unforgettable journey through the heart of Milwaukee. Where history, culture & vibrant energy converge to create an experience like no...

    100 to 120 minutes
    100 to 120 minutes
    100 to 120 minutes
    4.9 (319)
    from
    $68
    The Grand Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour through Milwaukee

    ________ PLEASE NOTE: This is a self-guided audio tour, not an entry ticket to the Milwaukee Art Museum. The tour ends in front of the...

    35 to 50 minutesFree Cancellation
    35 to 50 minutesFree Cancellation
    35 to 50 minutes • Free Cancellation
    4.4 (38)
    from
    $8.99
    Milwaukee Morbid Mirrorlight Ghost Tours
    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out

    Step into the eerie world of Milwaukee with Brew City Ghosts, where history and hauntings merge in a spellbinding walking tour! Guided by a local...

    1 hourFree Cancellation
    1 hourFree Cancellation
    1 hour • Free Cancellation
    4.3 (123)
    from
    $26

    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Tour Guide

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
    • Operated by a business

    Protecting you

    Activity name

    For your protection and stress-free bookings, use our secure platform to pay for bookings. American Ghost Walks - Wisconsin

    Report Product Issue

    Activity name

    Language
    Currency

    Site Settings

    Activity name

    Currency

    Activity name

    Activity name

    Free Cancellation

    100% refund
    No refund

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CDT).
    • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

    Sorting, ranking, and search results

    Activity name

    Cool Destinations wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

    On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

    If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Destinations over a 12-month period.

    The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

    Choose an option

    Activity name

    or

    Cool Rewards Terms & Conditions

    Activity name

    Cool Rewards

    • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

    Earning rewards

    • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
    • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
    • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
    • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
    • If a booking where rewards were issued is canceled, the earned rewards will not be redeemable and will be moved to a canceled state.

    Redeeming rewards

    • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
    • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
    • You will not be able to redeem only a portion of your available rewards at checkout. It is only possible to redeem all or none of your available rewards.
    • There is no minimum order value required to redeem your rewards. This means that you can pay for 100% of your order with rewards.
    • Rewards are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
    • If rewards are redeemed against a booking that is canceled or refunded, the rewards will be reissued to your account.

    Miscellaneous

    • You can check your Cool Destinations account to see the rewards you have collected at any time. You are responsible for ensuring that your rewards balance is correct.
    • We reserve the right to modify these Cool Rewards Terms and Conditions at any time, with or without notice, including the rules for earning and redeeming rewards. Any changes will be reflected in the updated Terms and Conditions.
    • We reserve the right to terminate the Cool Rewards program and cease issuing any further rewards on future bookings. All pending and available rewards balances will be honored.
    • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.