We begin our tour on the northwest side of the Wisconsin Avenue Bridge over the Milwaukee River.

Take the stairs down to the RiverWalk and begin heading north. You'll immediately see a map of the RiverWalk. (You will see well-designed maps and guide posts throughout the RiverWalk. Feel free to stop and acquaint yourself with the RiverWalk's layout.) You're also sure to notice some bronze ducks near the staircase. These were inspired by Milwaukee's famed "Gertie the Duck".


During World War II, a bridge operator noticed that a duck had nested on the bridge and was caring for her eggs. The Milwaukee Journal began running daily stories about "Gertie the Duck", the hatching of the eggs and the subsequent ducklings. With the never ending war news of devastation and death, the story of life and hope caught on and received national and international attention. In 1945, it is believed that more than 2 million visitors came to see Milwaukee's famous ducks! These ducks are now immortalized on and around the Milwaukee Avenue Bridge.


Continue walking north, crossing Wells Street and then Kilbourn Avenue. On the north side of Kilbourn Avenue you'll find Pere Marquette Park, our next stop.