Milwaukee River

river, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Last updated

July 22, 2026

Quick Summary

The Milwaukee River is a river in southeastern Wisconsin that flows into Lake Michigan at Milwaukee. It is one of three rivers, along with the Menomonee and Kinnickinnic rivers, that converge in Milwaukee Bay. The Milwaukee River played a role in the early settlement of the area, with its banks being the site of rivalry between early settlers who founded distinct communities that eventually merged to form the city of Milwaukee. Historically, the river was important for transportation and industry, though its significance as a shipping point declined with the rise of railroads.1

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Milwaukee
History
…River and east of the Milwaukee River; Byron Kilbourn founded Kilbourntown north of the Menomonee and west of the Milwaukee; and George Walker founded Walker’s Point, which did not begin to develop until 1850, south of the Menomonee. Juneau and Kilbourn constantly clashed on the building of streets and bridges,…
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…River and east of the Milwaukee River; Byron Kilbourn founded Kilbourntown north of the Menomonee and west of the Milwaukee; and George Walker founded Walker’s Point, which did not begin to develop until 1850, south of the Menomonee. Juneau and Kilbourn constantly clashed on the building of streets and bridges,…
Read More