Welcome to Milwaukee's Riverwalk

2017 Winner of the Urban Land Institute's Global Award for Excellence!

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.