Wauwatosa.com

Unbeatable Location

Perfectly positioned just west of the city center, Wauwatosa serves as the premier gateway to the greater metro area. Enjoy direct, convenient access via Interstate 41 and Interstate 94, making daily commutes seamless. We are located just 15 minutes away from downtown Milwaukee regional landmarks, including the stunning Milwaukee Art Museum and American Family Field—home of the Milwaukee Brewers.

History & Heritage

Originally settled in the 1830s as "Hart's Mills" along the Menomonee River, our community laid its foundations around an early pioneer sawmill. The city later adopted its unique name from the Potawatomi word for firefly. Landmarks like the historic 1854 Little Red Store in the heart of the Village stand preserved today, keeping our rich Midwestern heritage alive.

The Village & Midtown Districts

The Historic Village

A highly walkable, European-esque valley district lined with historic brick architecture, specialty shops, parkways, and expansive outdoor dining spots alongside the river.

Midtown Tosa

A welcoming, family-oriented commercial corridor along North Avenue known for a quirky mix of independent local hangouts, medical institutions, and neighborhood retail services.

East Tosa & Mayfair Hubs

East Tosa

A trendy, high-energy neighborhood vibrant with larger-than-life public art installations, including the famous international East Tosa Murals, and a diverse lineup of top-tier local restaurants.

Mayfair Retail Hub

A massive economic driver featuring Mayfair Mall and the open-air Mayfair Collection, anchoring premier fashion brands, upscale dining options, corporate parks, and modern luxury apartments.

Notable Attractions

Milwaukee County Zoo

Positioned right on Tosa's southern border, this world-renowned wildlife park spans 190 wooded acres and houses over 2,000 animals, serving as an educational treasure for all ages.

Kneeland-Walker House

A pristine Queen Anne Victorian mansion operating as the headquarters for the Wauwatosa Historical Society, hosting local archives and community garden galas.

Signature Annual Festivals

TosaFest & ART 64

Autumn brings TosaFest, a grand celebration of local music, food, and microbrews, while summer features ART 64—a thrilling live bracket-style painting tournament in the Village streets.

Hoyt Park & Tosa Tonight

Home to the historic outdoor community pool and The Landing Beer Garden. Don't miss the Tosa Tonight concert series hosted under the stars at the Hart Park Rotary Stage.

Highly Rated Schools

Wauwatosa East High School

Highly regarded for academic excellence, historic theater arts traditions, and a prominent position right in the urban heart of the city.

Wauwatosa West High School

Consistently honored for its advanced STEM curricula, championship athletics programs, and expansive advanced placement paths.

Specialized Public Academies

Home to progressive options like the Wauwatosa Montessori School and customized STEM academies designed for collaborative student-led discovery.

Organizations & Markets

Tosa Farmers Market

Operating Saturday mornings along the river from spring through autumn, uniting regional farms, bakers, and local craft artisans with neighborhood families.

Classic Neighborhood Dining

From award-winning morning pastries at Cranky Al's to evening patio dining at local spots like Café Hollander, Tosa boasts a legendary culinary profile.