Photo: St. Mary Challenger - Built in 1906 this Great Lakes bulk carrier was one of the oldest self-propelled cargo vessels in North America until it was decommissioned in 2013. The Challenger was then converted into an articulated barge by removing the existing stern and steam propulsion plant. This vessel is still hauling cement across the Great Lakes.

The City of Milwaukee is developing a Transit Oriented Development Plan for Walker's Point. Share your input at an upcoming community workshop. More info below.

Local businesses are offering Harbor District specials to help fundraise for the new park. Learn about how you can support the park while supporting local businesses. 

Harbor Fest is back this year. Save the date! Saturday, September 8th. Scroll down to learn more.  

Walker's Point Transit Study

Wednesday, May 23 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Escuela Vieau, 823 S 4th Street

The City of Milwaukee’s Department of City Development, in partnership with Harbor District, Inc. and Walker’s Point Association, is currently carrying out the Moving Milwaukee Forward through Transit Oriented Development study to plan for potential development that may occur in the Walker’s Point neighborhood if the Milwaukee Streetcar is extended beyond downtown and into the neighborhood in the future. The purpose of the study is to ensure that current residents and business owners benefit from a potential streetcar expansion and have input on issues such as housing and shopping options, employment locations, and walkability. Additional information about the study is available at http://www.movingmkeforward.com/.

New Park Business Fundraiser

Harbor District, Inc. is building the first waterfront public park on Milwaukee's Inner Harbor at the east end of Greenfield Avenue. Thanks to the support of Rockwell Automation, the Brico Fund, and a number of other funders we have raised over $1,000,000 to create a space that will allow Milwaukee to connect with its waterways. Now we are reaching out to the local business community to help us reach our goal. 

Several local businesses will be offering specials with proceeds going towards the new park. This is a great excuse to explore a new spot or visit an old haunt all while knowing that the purchase of your beer, cocktail, or sandwich is going towards a park that will be enjoyed by thousands for years to come. Check out the list of offerings below. 

O'Lydia's Bar and Grill (338 S. 1st St.)                                                                                        May 21 - May 27 . $1 from every reuben or reuben roll

Transfer Pizzeria (101 W. Mitchell St.)                                                                                       June 1 - June 30 . $2 from every Razzo pizza and Harbor District Cooler

Barnacle Buds (1955 S. Hilbert St.)                                                                                             June 3 - June 9 . $1 from every Harbor Hurricane

Screaming Tuna (106 W. Seeboth St.)                                                                                        June 10 - June 16 . $2 from each East Fashioned 3.0

Tribeca Gallery Cafe & Books (1318 S. 1st St.)                                                                          June 17 - June 23 . $1 from each lunch

Milwaukee Kayak Company Tour (must register online)                                                       June 7,   5-8:30pm . 50% of tour proceeds

Sprecher Tap Room (706 S. 5th St.)                                                                                            June 21 - June 24 . $1 from every Walker's Point Light

​Urban Harvest Brewing Company (1024 S. 5th St.)                                                               June 24 - June 30 . $1 from every select beer

Harbor Fest is back!

Save the date for Saturday, September 8th from 11am - 4pm. Milwaukee's newest street festival is back for its second round of celebrating all things boats and fish. This family friendly festival sets itself apart with a number of scheduled activities, tours, and workshops. Take a paddling lesson, go for a bike tour, pet a sturgeon fish, and build a boat are just a few of the fun activities you and your family can take part in. Harbor Fest is partnering with Milwaukee Riverkeeper for their annual boat parade. Watch as dozens of decorated boats show off their artistic displays. 

We are currently accepting applications for vendors. Please fill out and send the vendor form for a chance to be included in the day's festivities. 

Upcoming Events

We had so much fun at our last Jane's Walk learning about the Kaszube fishing folk and the port that we are hosting another walk.

South Water Street and a Treat

Monday, May 21 | 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. | Free | Purple Door Ice Cream, 205 s. 2nd Street Grab a cone or a scoop (optional!) and join us as we walk a 1.5 mile loop around the Harbor District. The tour goes east on Pittsburgh to South Water Street showcasing several waterfront businesses along the KK River Trail. As we loop back to 1st Street via National Avenue, take a chance to think about how you would reimagine the streetscape and pedestrian environment for the upcoming redesign of the area. Tour ends back at Purple Door Ice Cream. Register in advance here.

Milwaukee: A City Built on Water

Thursday, June 7 | 5 to 6:30 p.m. | Free | Washington Park   
This documentary, featuring historian John Gurda, explores how the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan spurred Milwaukee's growth. Viewers will be taken on a chronological journey of Milwaukee’s hydrological systems: from settlers using rivers and Lake Michigan to transport grain, lumber, leather and beer to how the lower Milwaukee River was eventually reduced to an open sewer by 1900, with Lake Michigan suffering similar indignities. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with local experts. Register in advance here.