On September 4, 2025, officials gathered at Port Milwaukee in Wisconsin to celebrate the groundbreaking of the South Shore Cruise Dock, a significant development near the Lake Express Ferry terminal. This $17 million project aims to establish a deepwater berth at 2320 South Lincoln Memorial Drive, with completion slated for June 2026, coinciding with the new cruise season.
The dock will cater to Seawaymax-class vessels, the largest ships permitted to navigate the St. Lawrence Seaway locks. It will enhance Milwaukee’s existing cruise berth at Pier Wisconsin, which has been serving as an embarkation point, as ships had temporarily docked at the City Heavy Lift Dock at Jones Island.
Port Milwaukee Director Jackie Q. Carter noted that in the 2024 cruise season, the port had 22 cruise calls that welcomed approximately 13,500 passengers. All those calls were turnarounds, with passengers disembarking and new guests boarding. The incoming 2025 schedule already includes 55 visits, which incorporate transit calls, allowing tourists to explore Milwaukee before continuing their journeys.
Peggy Williams-Smith, President and CEO of Visit Milwaukee, stated that this year’s cruise traffic has generated an estimated $2.5 million in economic benefits, with projections rising to $3.5 million next year. These benefits stem from passenger spending in local hotels, restaurants, attractions, and small businesses, contributing around $7.2 million to the local economy from 2022 to 2024.
Financing for the dock comes from various sources, including a $3.5 million Wisconsin Capital Tourism Grant, a $500,000 Harbor Assistance Grant from the state’s transportation department, and $5 million from the City of Milwaukee along with additional funds from the Port.
At the groundbreaking event, Carter and Williams-Smith were joined by Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld, and Alderman Marina Dimitrijevic. The mayor emphasized the project’s role in reinforcing Milwaukee’s status as a notable destination and enhancing Wisconsin’s tourism appeal, marking a step forward for the port, city, and state.
Planning for the new dock initiative began several years ago, originally aiming for a 2023 completion, but now it’s positioned for a firm conclusion in 2026.
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