Downtown Milwaukee Coffee Itinerary: Third Ward and Riverwalk

If you’re spending a day exploring Milwaukee’s Riverwalk or the Historic Third Ward, there’s no better place to anchor your adventure than the Stone Creek Factory Cafe. This pocket of the city is filled with art, history, waterfront views, and some of the best coffee in downtown Milwaukee. Whether you’re planning a slow morning or a full itinerary, this guide highlights a few favorite stops, plus where to find the most welcoming coffeehouse downtown.

Start at the Stone Creek Factory Cafe

Begin your day at the Stone Creek Factory Cafe on 5th and St. Paul, our flagship cafe, HQ, and the heart of our roasting operations. Housed inside a beautifully restored cream city brick building from 1888, the Factory Cafe brings together our roastery, Learning Lab, Bakery, offices, and cafe all under one roof, making it one of the most unique coffee places in downtown Milwaukee.

Grab a warm drink and settle by the wood-burning fireplace before heading toward the Riverwalk. With beans roasted just steps away, it’s the perfect starting point for your downtown adventure.

What to order: A seasonal single-origin pour over, seasonal or signature latte, or a baked fresh pastry before setting off.

Riverwalk Stop 1: Milwaukee Public Market

Just a short walk from the Factory Cafe, the Milwaukee Public Market is a must-visit stop. Browse local vendors, grab a snack, or pick up something to enjoy later. The market is lively at all hours and pairs perfectly with a leisurely day exploring coffee in downtown Milwaukee.

Riverwalk Stop 2: Riverwalk Public Art (Gertie the Duck & More)

Continue along the Riverwalk, and you’ll come across several public art installations, including the beloved Gertie the Duck sculpture, a nod to Milwaukee’s history and storytelling tradition. It was installed on the Wisconsin Avenue Bridge in September 1997 by American artist Gwendolyn Gillen. This stretch is full of creativity and color, making it an ideal spot to sip your Stone Creek coffee while enjoying the city’s artistic energy.

Riverwalk Stop 3: The Historic Railroad Swing Bridge

After your visit with Gertie, walk north until you reach the iconic Trestle Park and Railroad Swing Bridge along the Milwaukee River. Trestle Park occupies the site of a former railway crossing of the Milwaukee River. With a now inactive railway swing bridge in midstream, this industrial landmark connects the Third Ward to the rest of downtown and offers one of the best vantage points for photos. The blend of river views and warehouse architecture gives you a classic Milwaukee moment as you stroll toward your next stop.

All Good Things Come to an End

If you do it right, you’ll be hungry and thirsty all over again after your Riverwalk journey. So why not end where you started? Stop back into the Factory Cafe to scroll through your photos, relax by the fire, and unwind with a refill and a crustless quiche.