The Original Milwaukee Ghost Walk - Third Ward

90 minutes – 120 minutes
Commentary: Guide · en
Milwaukee, USA

About this activity

Explore Milwaukee's Third Ward on a ghost walk through its haunted past, from mafia lore to paranormal encounters at iconic locations.

Highlights

  • Explore sites with ghost stories including MIAD, Commission Row, and more.
  • Learn the supernatural tales of Milwaukee mafia history and haunted encounters
  • Visit iconic buildings with connections to Milwaukee's paranormal past.

Full description

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Milwaukee Third Ward Ghost Walk, a thrilling 2-hour guided tour exploring Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward. Unearth the district's rich history, haunted sites, and spine-chilling ghost stories that make this area so fascinating.Your journey begins at the corner of St. Paul Ave. & Water Street, right in front of the Milwaukee Public Market. Led by an expert guide, you will wander through the charming, yet eerie streets of the Third Ward. Listen to haunting tales and paranormal experiences at prominent landmarks such as the Milwaukee Public Market, the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD), the Marshall Building, and Commission Row.Dive into the notorious history of "The Bloody Third," once infamous for Milwaukee's mafia activities and the feared Irish gangsters known as the Third Ward Cowboys. Discover stories of tragic events and the restless spirits said to roam these historic streets.Key highlights of the tour include haunted locations like the Skylight Opera Theatre, where the ghost of Clair Richardson, founder of the Skylight Music Theatre, is believed to linger. Feel the eerie atmosphere at the Italian Community Center and other sites steeped in Third Ward ghost lore.Throughout this ghost walk, your guide will share documented paranormal activities, intriguing Fortean folklore, and insights from recent investigations, adding depth to the area’s haunted reputation. Whether you're a history buff or a ghost enthusiast, the Milwaukee Third Ward Ghost Walk promises a unique and spine-tingling experience.

Included / Excluded

  • Spooky guide in English
  • Guided walking tour of Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward

Meeting point

Start Location

Milwaukee Public Market, North Water Street, Milwaukee, WI, USA

Important information

Know before you go

  • This tour runs in light rain and cold temperatures, please dress appropriately for the weather.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible

Reviews

Google
Miranda Kathrein
Jul 2026
5.0

My brother and I went on The Resurrection Mary 4-Hour Bus Tour experience with American Ghost Walks in May 2025. Tony was our tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and we both had a lot of fun!!! I've always been fascinated with anything Resurrection Mary so this tour was right up my alley. We got to use ghost equipment at a few places and got to stop at a cool Irish bar near the old Willowbrook Ballroom (as well as stop at Chet's Melody Lounge). The highlight was visiting Resurrection cemetery and seeing the front gates up close where Resurrection Mary bent the bars back. My mom is buried in that cemetery and my brother and I will be buried with her when our time comes. My mom and I picked that cemetery specifically because of Resurrection Mary. My mom used to dance at the old Willowbrook ballroom and loved the idea of being near there as well as going to Chet's Melody Lounge (bar) across the street. Thank you for a very fun experience!!! I would highly recommend this tour and our guide Tony. :)

Google
Roger Smith
Jul 2026
5.0

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about all things ghost and definitely knows his city. He was very friendly and we enjoyed our time.

Google
Nikki Carpenter
Jul 2026
5.0

It was so much fun and educational I’m not from Chicago so this told me about a lot of the history of Chicago. If I ever come back to Chicago will definitely do another.