City Breaks Ground on New Cruise Ship Dock

Milwaukee is taking significant steps to enhance its cruise tourism appeal with the groundbreaking of a new dock aimed at attracting more visitors. The South Shore Cruise Dock, which will accommodate larger vessels, is part of the city’s strategy to maintain its competitive edge among Great Lakes ports. City officials, including Mayor Cavalier Johnson, emphasized the economic benefits this project will bring to the local community.

Investment in Infrastructure for Future Growth

During the groundbreaking ceremony held at 2320 S. Lincoln Memorial Dr., Port Milwaukee Director Jackie Q. Carter highlighted the importance of investing in infrastructure to secure Milwaukee’s status as a premier cruise destination. “We see Duluth making investments, we see other Great Lakes ports making investments, and we want to make sure that we retain that premier cruise dock status,” Carter stated. The new dock is expected to welcome Seawaymax vessels, including two ships operated by Viking Cruises, and is projected to begin operations in 2026.

This new facility will be Milwaukee’s third designated cruise dock, featuring a 363-foot-long platform equipped with permanent utilities. The project aims to replace the current docking location, which is situated next to the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District’s Jones Island treatment plant, a less-than-ideal welcome for incoming visitors. Mayor Johnson expressed optimism about the dock’s potential to attract thousands of tourists from across the globe, stating, “That activity means jobs and opportunities for residents who call Milwaukee home.”

Despite the project’s costs rising from an initial estimate of $7.3 million to $17 million, state officials have committed $4 million through grants to support the initiative. Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld noted that the project is expected to create over 200 local jobs and generate more than $250,000 in annual port revenue. Funding will also come from the sale of land at the Komatsu South Harbor Campus and additional city resources included in the 2025 budget.

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Community Support and Economic Impact

City officials and community leaders are rallying behind the project, emphasizing its potential to stimulate the local economy. Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic acknowledged the project’s high costs but urged critics to consider the long-term benefits, including job creation and economic stimulation. “The return on the investment, as you heard, will be jobs,” she said, reinforcing the idea that the dock will help put Milwaukee on the map as a desirable destination.

Peggy Williams-Smith, CEO of Visit Milwaukee, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of the new dock in attracting tourists. “With this dock, we are opening our city’s doors even wider to travelers from around the country and around the world,” she remarked. The anticipated influx of visitors is expected to boost local businesses and enhance the hospitality sector.

While overall port traffic has decreased by 24% compared to 2024, Port Milwaukee is optimistic about reaching its estimated 11,000 visitors in 2025, with expectations for a significant increase in 2026 when the new dock opens. The groundbreaking marks a pivotal moment for Milwaukee as it positions itself for future growth in the cruise industry.