Entering Milwaukee, the North Shore Line passed near the airport. The growth of businesses around the airport has eliminated some traces of the right of way. But the right of way is visible north of Layton Avenue in this view, looking north. 6th Street parallels much of the route through Milwaukee's south side, and is visible to the left.
North of Howard Avenue in Milwaukee, the North Shore Line used an embankment which is still visible east of 6th Street. The right of way cannot be walked and is cut away at former locations of bridges. Location here is 6th Street and Oklahoma Avenue.
North of Oklahoma Avenue, the North Shore Line crossed over the Chicago & North Western (now Union Pacific) freight belt line. The bridge foundations remain visible from 6th Street. 6th Street crosses under the ex-C&NW line and was being repaved at the time. A Union Pacific freight train is also seen.
North of the Kinnickinnic River, the North Shore Line passed a storage yard and shops location near Harrison Street. Little evidence remains of the shops. North of there, street running was used via 5th Street. No evidence exists at this location along 5th Street near Lincoln Avenue, but irregularities in the pavement suggest the former existence of rails. Until 1951, the North Shore Line also operated local streetcar service over this segment, independently of main transit provider The Milwaukee Electric Railway and Light Co.
Continuing north, North Shore Line trains swung west from 5th Street to 6th Street near Scott Street. In this contemporary view looking north along 6th Street at National Street, the only evidence of any public transportation is the Milwaukee County Transit System bus. Local streetcar service had been provided by the North Shore Line over this segment until 1951. But the Milwaukee County Transit System's private predecessor Transport Co. introduced the bus service in 1947, contributing to the end of the local streetcar service.
Entering downtown Milwaukee, 6th Street would pass over the Menomonee River and the Milwaukee Road (now CP Rail) tracks on a viaduct. In 1997, the North Shore Line rails were still visible on the viaduct. In 2001 and 2002, the viaduct was replaced. View is looking northwest.
Anyone looking for the North Shore Line's Milwaukee terminal at 6th Street and Michigan Street will be disappointed to find this modern insurance company building at that location.
This segment is perhaps best explored by starting in downtown Milwaukee, and working south. The North Shore Line started at 6th Street and Michigan Street, northwest of the Amtrak station. And the 6th Street viaduct passes over the west end of the Amtrak station. The route can be followed on foot, or the #80 bus route on 6th Street can be used. Transfers allow unlimited stopovers and round trips on the buses within the time limit.