by Ellie Reischl

Created on: April 21, 2009   Last Updated: October 21, 2010

In a city of breweries and burgers, Milwaukee is a surprising candidate for a cultural attach. With its historical sense of style mixed with modern accessories, Milwaukee's neighborhoods stand out. One of these cultural trendsetters is the Historic Third Ward.

Just south of downtown and flanked on the east by Lake Michigan and the west by the Interstate, the Third Ward seems to be effortlessly escorted into the cultural limelight on a weekly basis.

Here are the seven best places to get a fix of culture in the Third Ward:

1. Milwaukee Ale House

Located on the Milwaukee River, the Milwaukee Ale House is a restaurant, bar, and all around advertisement for the essence of Milwaukee. With a culture of karaoke, home-brewed beer, live music, and a drive in dock for hungry boaters fresh from the Lake, The Ale House brings a little bit of Milwaukee to a lot of patrons.

2. Gallery Night

A much anticipated quarterly event, Gallery Night marries Milwaukee's artistic to the Third Ward. Scattered throughout the area are many boutiques, salons, and galleries that host the hard work of the artists. The art is for purchase, but the viewing is free of charge.

3. The Eisner Museum

The Eisner is an American Museum of Advertising and Design located on Water Street in the heart of the Third Ward. This influential museum offers insight into the world of design and advertising, as well as support for area students in the field to aspire towards. Admission is $5 so even the frugal can find themselves immersed in culture at a price that won't scare them away.

4. Milwaukee Public Market

Under the Marquette Interchange, a tangle of interstates that make up the heart of the city, sits the Milwaukee Public Market. Inside, one will find a grand mixture of local businesses offering their goods to the seekers. The market offers more than just flowers and fish. Cooking classes taught by local chefs and live music make this a special place to find that something special.

5. Henry Maier Festival Park

Most famously known for hosting Summerfest, "the world's largest music festival," these grounds are also host to many cultural festivals throughout the summer. Eleven celebrations ranging from Irish Fest to Asian Moon Festival to Pride Fest take over the park, infusing its own proud history into its attendees.

6. Fred Astaire Dance Studio

Instead of walking through the cultural aspects of the Third Ward, become immersed in it. Dance is something very personal to each ethnicity and with classes such as ballroom and Latin, Fred Astaire is a way to boogie down in a cultural fashion.

7. Riverwalk

The Riverwalk zigzags throughout downtown Milwaukee and the Third Ward. Just taking a leisurely summer stroll showcases Milwaukee's cultural history. The area is steeped in the original makings of the city. The integrities of the buildings have been kept intact, though many of them have been renovated into condominiums.

The Historic Third Ward of Milwaukee can cure any cultural craving. Its mysterious mix of history and modernism alluring and can leave even the most unsophisticated feeling cultured.

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