The Original Milwaukee Ghost Walk - Third Ward
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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.
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.
What‘s Included
Tour Guide
Options
The Original Milwaukee Ghost Walk - Third Ward
Reviews
11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Spooky Stroll Through the Third Ward
Susie S,,Jun 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was an intriguing combination of local history, stories of untimely ends, and a spooky introduction to Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward. The walking pace was leisurely, and our guide Carrie was very knowledgeable.
Fun last minute activity!
Jessica S,,Aug 23, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00My husband and I were looking for something to do and booked a tour last minute and we are so glad we did! Tea was a great guide and we learned a lot about the haunted history of Milwaukee!
Yea, our guide was great....
Denise C,,Jul 30, 2023
- Review from Viator
4.00Yea, our guide was great. He knew lots of historical moments, not just ghost stories. My friend from Cleveland loved it.
Pretty fun.
BigDaddy1616,,Oct 2, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Pretty cool stories about the haunted history. Not a bad way to spend a night for the price. The guide was fun!
Save your money
Betty N,,Sep 18, 2022
- Review from Viator
1.00I can only review half of the tour as we left halfway through. Our tour guide was a nice lady but not a good story teller. Part of going on a ghost tour is to be spooked a little. She giggled and laughed at her own jokes the entire time. I was really looking forward to this tour. My recommendation is to a little research on google and do your own tour. It’s a cool idea but really poorly executed. Save your money.
Awful tour
Felicia A,,Aug 20, 2022
- Review from Viator
1.00This was the worst tour I’ve been on. The tour guide was NOT a good story teller , and the stories were super boring. Stayed for most of the tour because we felt bad and didn’t want to be rude.
The guide was very...
Carol M,,Aug 7, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00The guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Loved hearing the sordid history of the area and walking around the downtown.
Fun tour
Joseph B,,Sep 20, 2021
- Review from Viator
4.00Not an actual ghost tour but great history of the third ward and various tragic events that happened.
Interesting Look at the Bloody Third Ward
Darin C,,Aug 14, 2021
- Review from Viator
4.00The tour focused on the "Bloody Third Ward". Originally an Irish area, a number of fires decimated many of the original structures before becoming what it is today. The guide provided several anecdotal stories about experiences, supplemented with copies of newspaper articles as sources.
Greaaat!
Richard D,,Jun 19, 2021
- Review from Viator
5.00Having spent my entire life in Milwaukee it was very interesting to learn about all these creepy places. Really enjoyed meeting our guide.
Related Experiences
Operated by American Ghost Walks - Wisconsin