River Cultures

MKE River

The River Cultures: A Rustic Cruise

2008 tour dates: May 24, June 14, July 26, August 23,
September 27 and October 25.

Please call (414) 271-9417 for reservations

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED by phone or email.

* Price includes lunch and all tips

A cultural anthropologist and a local expert on maritime history are your guides
Take a boat ride along the Milwaukee River to understand the importance of these waterways on Milwaukee’s leading cultural groups. Stop at the Menomonee River.
Learn about the rivers’ roles in the formation and later development of Milwaukee
Hear about the Wisconsin Indian populations, their relationship to the rivers, and their roles in the history of Milwaukee
Learn the tragedies of the early Irish population in the Third Ward.
Hear about the later arriving Italians
See original documentary on today’s Urban Indians in Milwaukee, while enjoying Italian fine dining
Learn about the role the Germans played in the development of these rivers

Option for later add-on walking tour (30 minutes)

Learn about the new urban Creative Class and how they influence the Third Ward today
See the historic architecture of the Ward

Tour meets in front of the Riverfront Pizzeria at 509 E. Erie Street. (Turn east off of Water Street onto Erie. Erie Street is one block north of the Milwaukee River.) There is little walking during the first segment of the tour. The full walking distance for the add-on segment is approximately four blocks at a leisurely pace. Wear walking shoes. Contact us to book special group times & rates. Participants must be mobile enough to board a boat. This is a rustic tour, so dress casually.

$40 for each tour; $35 for seniors over 61, students, and children under 16. Prices include boat ride, tour anthropologist and other guides, food, and any tips. Pay by check or cash at time of tour. To avoid penalty charges, make sure any needed cancellations are made 24 hours before the tour is scheduled. Tours may be cancelled because of inclement weather. If weather conditions appear to be a problem, call (414) 271-9417 an hour before the tour is about to begin for any recorded updates. For tour schedule see 2008 calendar of events