The Milwaukee Riverwalk is a continuous pedestrian and cycling path following both banks of the Milwaukee River through the heart of downtown. Developed from the late 1980s onward, it now runs for more than 3 miles through the city and is the best way to get a feel for Milwaukee on foot. The path passes through the Third Ward — Milwaukee's most design-conscious neighbourhood, with galleries, restaurants and converted warehouses — and along the bars and restaurants of Water Street before heading north into the residential Riverwest district.
Public art installations appear every few hundred metres along the walk; the collection includes work by nationally recognised sculptors and is better than most cities of Milwaukee's size would suggest. Kayak and pedal boat rentals are available at several points along the river during summer.
The walk from the Third Ward to the Historic District takes about 30 minutes at a leisurely pace. In summer the riverfront terraces fill up and the whole stretch becomes Milwaukee's main outdoor living room.