The Neighborhood and Beyond
UWM is located in an attractive residential area just five blocks from Lake Michigan. It's an easy walk to neighborhood shopping areas, or a quick bus ride to Milwaukee's downtown or the lakefront festival grounds. Many faculty, staff, and students call the UWM neighborhood home.
Nearby shopping and entertainment districts highlights include:
Oakland Avenue
The western border of campus offers ethnic restaurants, grocery stores and shops, with places to explore both south (towards downtown) and north (into Shorewood).
North Avenue
Now anchored by the Whole Foods Market at the corner of Prospect Avenue and North Avenue, this street also is known for its entertainment venues. Check out the Oriental Landmark III Theatres, where the splendor of yesteryear’s movie palaces was preserved.
Downer Avenue
Find restaurants, a coffeehouse and a bookstore right across the street from campus; then venture further south to the Downer Theater (featuring limited release films) and boutiques, a grocery store and places to eat.
Brady Street
Once the "alternative lifestyle" capital of Milwaukee, the shops, night spots and restaurants now range from funky and fun to upscale and sophisticated.
Downtown NeighborhoodsEast Town
Overlooking Lake Michigan on its east edge, landmarks here include Cathedral Square Park, the glitzy nightclubs of Milwaukee Street and the distinctive Hotel Metro and Pfister Hotel.
Old World 3rd Street
One of the places to head for ethnic specialties is this street, which includes Mader’s German Restaurant and Usinger’s Famous Sausage. Both have been in business more than 100 years and served U.S. presidents. Follow the street to Wisconsin Avenue for the Shops of Grand Avenue for enclosed shopping linked by skywalks.
Historic Third Ward
The one-time warehouses in this upscale area house boutiques, galleries, restaurants and loft-style condominiums. Women’s Wear Daily profiled “The Ward” as a trendy hot spot for apparel. Follow Chicago Street to the main gate of the lakefront Summerfest grounds, otherwise known as Maier Festival Park.