Milwaukee’s South Shore Cruise Dock: Groundbreaking Marks New Era for Waterfront Development

On September 4th, officials gathered at Port Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to celebrate the groundbreaking of the long-awaited South Shore Cruise Dock. This $17 million project is set to offer a deepwater berth at 2320 South Lincoln Memorial Drive, with completion expected in June, just before the 2026 cruise season begins.

The dock will accommodate Seawaymax-class vessels, which are the largest ships that can navigate the St. Lawrence Seaway locks. This development will enhance the existing cruise operations at Milwaukee’s Pier Wisconsin, establishing a more convenient embarkation point compared to the City Heavy Lift Dock at Jones Island, where Viking Cruises has frequently docked.

Port Milwaukee’s Director, Jackie Q. Carter, highlighted the growth in cruise traffic, noting that 22 cruise calls in 2024 brought 13,500 passengers through the city. These calls were primarily turnarounds where passengers disembarked and new guests boarded. The 2025 cruise schedule shows significant growth, with 55 visits anticipated, including transit calls allowing passengers to explore Milwaukee before continuing their journeys.

According to Visit Milwaukee’s President and CEO, Peggy Williams-Smith, cruise traffic brought an estimated $2.5 million to the local economy this year, with projections suggesting this could rise to $3.5 million next season. This economic impact encompasses spending in hotels, restaurants, and attractions, as well as income for local workers. A study indicated that between 2022 and 2024, cruise ship passengers contributed $7.2 million to the local economy.

Funding for the new dock has been secured through various sources, including a $3.5 million Wisconsin Capital Tourism Grant, a $500,000 Harbor Assistance Grant from the state’s Department of Transportation, and $5 million from the City of Milwaukee, supplemented by the Port’s reserves.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, officials including Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld expressed their enthusiasm for the project. Mayor Johnson remarked that this initiative will enhance Milwaukee’s appeal as a destination and expand Wisconsin’s reputation in the tourism sector, ultimately benefiting the region.

Planning for this facility began several years ago, initially targeting completion for 2023, but with the recent groundbreaking, the project moves forward with a clear timeline.

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