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The Milwaukee Riverwalk is one of the city’s most beautiful and walkable urban paths, connecting Downtown, the Historic Third Ward, and the Beerline neighborhoods. Whether you’re exploring with kids, meeting a friend for a stroll, or showing out-of-town guests around, the Riverwalk offers art, history, river views, and fun stops along the way.
From iconic sculptures like the Bronze Fonz and Gertie the Duck, to bridges that lift for boats, colorful public art, and easy access to theaters and parks, it’s an easy way to experience Milwaukee on foot.
💡 Planning more local adventures? Check out our guide to the 100 Best Things To Do in Milwaukee.
Where the Milwaukee Riverwalk Begins & Ends
The Riverwalk stretches for miles along both sides of the Milwaukee River, running through:
- Historic Third Ward
- Downtown Milwaukee
- Beerline B neighborhood (north of Downtown)
There are dozens of access points, bridges, and stairways, so you can hop on or off almost anywhere.
Best Things To See Along the Milwaukee Riverwalk
Here are the most family-friendly highlights to look for as you explore.
Dream with the Fishes for Aurora – Cork Marcheschi (1998)
West bank of the river between Wells Street & Wisconsin Avenue
This large-scale light sculpture comes alive at night, with colorful LED “fish” and buoy-like forms that appear to swim across the side of a downtown building. Originally lit with neon and converted to LED in 2015, the artwork turns on about 30 minutes before sunset and stays lit until 2:00 a.m., with a fun mini lightshow at the top of every hour.
Gertie the Duck – Gwendolyn Gillen (1997)
North side of the Wisconsin Avenue Bridge
A Milwaukee icon. In 1945, a mallard duck nesting under the nearby bridge captured the hearts of Milwaukee — and eventually the entire nation. “Gertie,” as she became known, laid nine eggs, drew daily crowds, and inspired newspaper updates that spread nationally. Today, Gertie and her ducklings are immortalized in bronze on the bridge where her story began.
Gertie Gets Her Ducks in a Row – Benjamin Rothschild (2007)
East riverbank, flowerbed on Mason Street Landing
This playful pop art sculpture shows Gertie guiding her ducklings as they row a boat together. In 2024, the piece underwent a major restoration, including a new hull, sandblasting, and fresh paint in its original colors. Student artists Ava Selle and Sylvia Moser from Homestead High School added the whimsical illustrations that make the sculpture feel especially fun for kids.
Bronze Fonz – Gerald P. Sawyer (2008)
Just off Wells Street, the Bronze Fonz is one of Milwaukee’s most recognizable selfies spots. The five-foot-six bronze tribute celebrates Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli from Happy Days, the sitcom set in 1950s Milwaukee.
Cow and Ballerina – Schomer Lichtner (2003)
Pere Marquette Park, near the Milwaukee County Historical Society
Bright, quirky, and full of charm, this painted steel sculpture blends two of Lichtner’s favorite themes — cows and ballet — into one unforgettable piece. The artist created it at age 98, and each side shows a different personality.
Parent tip: Since you’re already nearby, stop into the Milwaukee County Historical Society. Kids enjoy peeking inside the grand old bank building, and it’s an easy add-on to your Riverwalk stroll.
Historic Milwaukee Bridges
If you’re lucky, you may get to watch one of the bridges rise for a passing boat. Kids love stopping to watch the action as the river traffic moves through.
Milwaukee Theater District
As you stroll near the Downtown stretch of the Riverwalk, you’ll pass several major theaters, including:
- Marcus Center for the Performing Arts (home to First Stage, Milwaukee Ballet, MSO)
- Milwaukee Repertory Theater
- Pabst Theater
- Riverside Theater
Even if you’re not attending a show, the buildings are beautiful and worth a look.
Best Time to Explore the Riverwalk
You can enjoy the Riverwalk year-round, but here are a few especially lovely times:
- Summer evenings: warm weather, river activity, and live music
- Fall afternoons: beautiful views of changing leaves along the river
Family-Friendly Things to Do Along the Riverwalk
- Take photos with the Bronze Fonz
- Look for ducks and boats
- Explore public art
- Stop for a snack in the Third Ward or Downtown
- Watch a bridge lift
- Visit nearby Pere Marquette Park
- Ride the Hop to a kid-friendly museum stop (MAM, Discovery World, or Betty Brinn are all walkable). You can pick it up at City Hall, just a block from the Riverwalk.
Pro Tip: Summer Wednesdays = River Rhythms
If you visit on a Wednesday evening in the summer, you can end your walk with a picnic and a free live music concertat River Rhythms in Pere Marquette Park. It’s one of Milwaukee’s best warm-weather traditions.
Is the Milwaukee Riverwalk Safe?
The Riverwalk is generally well-traveled during the day and early evenings, especially near Downtown and the Third Ward.
Nearby Restaurants & Coffee Shops
The Riverwalk connects to several family-friendly spots, depending on which section you explore. A few reliable options:
SafeHouse
If your kids love spy missions, secret doors, and playful surprises, SafeHouse is a fun themed stop just steps from the Riverwalk. It’s interactive, quirky, and memorable for families.
See more details in our full guide to Milwaukee’s SafeHouse.
San Giorgio Pizzeria
Just a short walk from the Riverwalk, San Giorgio Pizzeria is known for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas baked in a glowing wood-fired oven. It’s cozy, casual, and great for families who want something delicious and reliable. Kids love watching the pizzas being made.
More Kid-Friendly Restaurants Nearby
If you’re looking for more options along the river or just beyond, explore our full list of Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Milwaukee. It’s packed with local favorites that welcome families.
Map & Access Points
You can enter and exit the Riverwalk from dozens of points using stairways, public parks, and cross-streets. If you’re exploring with kids, starting near Wells Street, Pere Marquette Park, or the Third Ward Riverwalk offers the easiest routes.
Final Tips for Visiting with Kids
- Bring snacks or stop at one of the nearby cafés
- Wear comfortable shoes—there’s more walking than you think
- Plan your visit around bridge lifts or boat times if your kids enjoy watching
- Bring a stroller if you’re walking a longer stretch
- Keep an eye on little ones near the river’s edge
Explore More Milwaukee Adventures
💡 Looking for even more no-cost adventures?
Check out our full guide to Free Things To Do in Milwaukee for parks, museums, walks, and family-friendly spots around the city.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
