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.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Tour Guide
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Meet at the corner of St. Paul and Water Street
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What to expect
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Milwaukee Public Market
15 min
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.
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116 E Pleasant St
10 min
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.
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Broadway Theatre Center
10 min
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.
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Tied House Milwaukee
10 min
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
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207 E Buffalo St
10 min
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?
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Italian Community Center, Inc.
10 min
Legends
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The Marshall Building
10 min
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.
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Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
10 min
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.
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The Wicked Hop
10 min
The oldest building in The Third Ward contains one of its darkest ghost stories....
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Historical Marker 327: Sinking of the Lady Elgin
10 min
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.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Times are local to the experience (America/Chicago).
Additional Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
FAQs about The Original Milwaukee Ghost Walk - Third Ward
Can I cancel The Original Milwaukee Ghost Walk - Third Ward for free?
No. All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
How long does it take?
It takes about 1 hour 30 min–2 hours.
Where does it start?
Meet at the corner of St. Paul and Water Street
What's included?
- Tour Guide
Which places does it visit?
It visits Milwaukee Public Market, Broadway Theatre Center, Tied House Milwaukee, Italian Community Center, Inc., The Marshall Building, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, The Wicked Hop, Historical Marker 327: Sinking of the Lady Elgin.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
What fitness level is needed?
It is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
Operated by American Ghost Walks - Wisconsin
