4.5Pabst Mansion(1.085 reviews) - Christmas at the Mansion Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
Featuring 37 rooms, 12 baths and 14 fireplaces, sea captain and beer baron Captain Frederick Pabst's beautiful home was built in the Flemish Renaissance style on Milwaukee's historic Grand Avenue. During docent-led tours visitors will see the first through third floors and learn about the Pabst Mansion and family. New tours are offered including a fine arts tour, happy hour tour, family-friendly tour and mimosa tour.See more..
4.5Old World Wisconsin(240 reviews) - Great for Grandkids Wednesday: Historic Sites
Old World Wisconsin is a fun way to experience the lives of immigrants to the Midwest in the late 1800s/early 1900s. Visit one of the ten working farmsteads and chat with the farmer or farm wife. Gather eggs, help in the kitchen or wood shop at the new "Life on the Farm" experience at the Koepsell Farm. Check out the 12 heirloom gardens and heritage breeds of chickens, pigs, sheep, cows, horses and oxen. Wander from farmstead to farmstead on foot or hop a tram--at a little under 600 acres you'll want to plan on at least half a day to explore everything. You can enjoy a snack or a light meal at the Clausing Barn Cafe. Old World Wisconsin is also a special place for a one-of-a-kind wedding, meeting or reunion. Or, learn even more about 19th-century life at a special workshop, day camp or school tour.See more..
4.5H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum(237 reviews) - good intro to area Wednesday: Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums
Visitors learn about the life and times of the 19th-century pioneering photographer H.H. Bennett at this historical learning center and museum. All tours and programs for 2020 are reservation based. Please call in advance to book.See more..
4.5Villa Louis(190 reviews) - Excellent House & Tour Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
This Victorian house includes relics from the area's history, including a battle in the War of 1812.See more..
4.5Cedar Creek Settlement(178 reviews) - Historic Speciality & Gift Shops • Historic Sites
Cedar Creek was founded in 1845 by Irish and German immigrants.See more..
This was a very, very nice tour. started out with a nice video of the original family that called the place home talking about the house, then something that rarely happens at a Frank Lloyd Wright structure, you were free to explore the house on your own, to take your time and really absorb and photograph everything you want. Granted, some of the building are off-limits because it is after all the Johnson Wax retreat and a working office. One of the better tours of Wright properties I've been on. I would highly recommend this to anyone, even a non-Wright fan. I was there on a rainy day so I didn't get a chance to walk the grounds, lots of sculptures, and what looked like a nice walking trail that would have been nice to explore.See more..
4.5Hearthstone Historic House Museum(161 reviews)from $10.00 - Beautiful Historical Home Wednesday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
The Hearthstone is a large, beautifully restored Queen Anne Victorian Style home built in 1882 by Henry J. Rogers, Superintendent of the Appleton Paper and Pulp Mill. On September 30, 1882, Hearthstone was the first house in the world to be lit by an Edison central hydroelectric power station. The house retains many unique, genuine features, including the original Thomas Edison electroliers and light switches. Appleton was one of the first three cities in the world to be lit by an Edison central power station, the other two being New York and London. This was all due to Mr. Rogers, who decided to invest in Edison’s power station in order to light two paper mills and his home. Since it became a museum in 1987, Hearthstone’s focus is to preserve the house and its artifacts to re-create a historical experience based on its Thomas A. Edison heritage for the cultural enjoyment and educational benefit of the public through its many exhibits and programs.See more..
4.5Ten Chimneys(156 reviews) - Hidden gem! Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Ten Chimneys is the estate lovingly created by Broadway legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. With no ropes and nothing under glass, guests are treated to a VIP guided tour of a National Historic Landmark replete with original furnishings and overflowing with the romance of the 1930s and ’40s. “Every time I was visiting with the Lunts in Genesee Depot, I was in a sort of daze of wonder; the dining room, the table, the china, the silver, the food, the extraordinary care and beauty and taste…a sort of dream, a vision.”-Katharine HepburnSee more..
An amazing living history “museum” with beautiful views of the river and surrounding area. Expansive grounds that you should budget a few hours for. Beautifully preserved buildings that allow you to step back in time. Many events scheduled throughout the year. Call ahead if wanting to visit when the interpreters are there.See more..
This 14-building compound presents the story of the founding of New Glarus in 1845 and traces the colony's growth into a dairy farming community that continues to keep alive its ethnic heritage.See more..
4.5Oshkosh Public Museum(98 reviews) - Excellent Museum Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • History Museums • Day Trips
This is a great museum. It’s across the street from the Paine, so was super easy to get to after viewing the Nutcracker exhibit. It’s in the beautiful Sawyer Family Victorian mansion. One fun activity is spying all of the Tiffany design elements in the mansion. There’s a comprehensive exhibit of Native American artifacts, including many spearheads, axe heads, arrow tips, clay pots, and other items. There’s also a simulated dig site, a birch lodge, and a birchbark canoe. The signs give a great overview of Native American civilization over the millennia right here in Wisconsin. We stuck around to watch the Apostle clock chime the hour. What a fascinating piece of craftsmanship, I definitely recommend seeing it. Another fun thing to do is check out Grannie’s attic, a fun hodge-podge of old treasures that’s sure to bring back memories.See more..
4.0Pendarvis(88 reviews) - A magnificent and instructive historical site Wednesday: Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
Pendarvis is closed for the 2019 season. We will open again in spring of 2020. Tucked away in historic Mineral Point, Pendarvis celebrates the 20th century preservation efforts of business and life partners Robert Neal and Edgar Hellum, and the movement they started. Explore their famous restaurant and discover how they saved a significant part of Wisconsin history.See more..
I first discovered Fred Smith's sculptures over 30 years ago, and to this day I find them to be bot amusing and powerful. Using primarily concrete and beer bottles, (broken or whole), this man produced impressive sculpture of both life as he knew it and he imagined it in other places. If I'm in the area during the day, I'll generally stop and take a stroll through the park. The sculptures always bring a smile to my face.See more..
If you’re around Two Rivers, WI you should take the time to stop in and check out the Washington House. Definitely a very cool historic building. Volunteers give tours of the house and you can still get ice cream. If you want to see the whole building make sure you have about an hour. They do have very limited hours, so make sure you check and see if they are open before you go. It’s worth your time to check it out and eat some ice cream at the end. The ice cream is very good but make sure you have cash with you to buy it. “A three-story immigrant hotel built in 1850. Contains an original 1890's saloon, ballroom and a staffed replica of Ed Berners' Ice Cream Parlor, where visitors may enjoy ice cream treats and fountain service. Berners invented the ice cream sundae in 1881 in Two Rivers”See more..
Ever wonder why Eau Claire became the biggest city in the Northwoods? Who were the Lumberjacks? What were their lives like? Was Paul Bunyan a real person? WLM invites you to step back in time and find out for yourself! Explore the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp, a replica 1890 camp. Visit the Museum to see logs older than the Declaration of Independence. Strap some “butter” on your feet and skate across one of Paul Bunyan’s frying pans.See more..
4.5Milton House Museum(68 reviews) - Antebellum Hijinx! Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites
Well worth your time, even if it’s out of your way. Fascinating, educational, and — if you’re really lucky — David (pronounced Dah-‘Veed) will be your guide. Incredibly knowledgeable, interesting, and engaging. The complexity with which they operated this Underground Railroad is worthy of a Hollywood movie. And eat at the Milton Family Restaurant. You won’t be disappointed.See more..
Take a step back into the 19th century on one of our guided Lincoln-Tallman House tours, explore the fascinating new exhibits at Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center or attend one of our many events such as Tallman Arts Festival, the Lincoln Fun Dash or Janesville Historic Walking Tours. Did you know that Abraham Lincoln was once a guest in Rock County's most famous residence, the Linoln-Tallman House? Constructed between 1855 and 1857, this six-floor mansion is an excellent example of Italianate-style architecture. From the basement to the cupola, each floor offers visitors a unique glimpse of daily life in 19th century Rock County. Over seventy percent of the furniture is original, making it one of the most complete historic houses in the Midwest. From 1857 to 1915, the house was occupied by the William Morrison Tallman family. In October of 1859, Abraham Lincoln stayed at the house after a series of speeches in Beloit, forever cementing the reputation of the Lincoln-Tallman House as "where Lincoln slept". On the guided tour of the house you'll learn about Lincoln's famous visit, discover how the house was built, why the Tallman family moved to Janesville from New York, their connection to abolitionism and the Underground Railroad. When you visit the Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center, you'll find several wonderful exhibits, a gift shop and bookstore. Current exhibits include: *Pauline Pottery showcases *Pickard china gallery *Breadbasket: Seed to Spoon exhibit *Irish in Janesville exhibit *Parker Pen artifactsSee more..
4.5Wade House(63 reviews) - Hearthside dinner with 15yo boy Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites
Now in its 61st year of operation, Wade House historic site is owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Set upon 240 rolling acres near the northern reaches of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, the site celebrates the world of plank road stagecoach travel, horse-drawn transportation, and mid-19th-century settlement and town building. The new Wade House Visitor Center and Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum offers a rich array of exhibits providing orientation to the site and its themes. The wonder of Wisconsin's largest collection of carriages and wagons awaits each visitor to the site in the new, state-of-the-art 20,000 square-foot carriage museum. A visit to the site's historic area includes a guided tour of the 27-room stagecoach hotel built in 1850 and active demonstrations by costumed staff in the Dockstader Blacksmith Shop and Herrling Sawmill, which features an up-and-down saw powered by the Mullet River. Visitors are transported to and from the historic area via horse-drawn wagon, or they may enjoy a scenic boardwalk and walking trail. The Visitor Center includes a Gift Store and the Butternut Cafe, which offers lunch to museum visitors or travelers from 11 am - 2 pm daily.See more..
The mill is open on Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4pm, May-October. Beckman Mill is located at Beckman Mill County Park, 6 miles west of Beloit, Wisconsin. On the grounds of the 50-acre county park you will see an authentically restored 1868 grist mill, a new dam, mill pond,fish ladder, foot bridge, saw mill display, 1840s cooperage, visitor center, gift shop, creamery, blacksmith shop, picnic shelter, vintage garden, nature trail and more. The showpiece of the park is the Beckman Mill, the restoration of which was completed in 1997 by the Friends of Beckman Mill's volunteer work crew. It is operational with power being supplied by its original 1860s water driven Leffel turbine. In the event alternate power is needed, the mill can be operated by its vintage two-cylinder gasoline engine. The mill was built shortly after the Civil War by millwright William Howe of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. In 1882 it was acquired by August Beckmann who had previously operated mills in nearby Juda and Hanover. The mill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. We invite you to come visit us!See more..
We are a history-loving family, so this was an important stop for us. Our GPS and phone were giving us two different locations, but we found it. A little slice of history, just off the beaten track in Manitowoc. It doesn't take long, but I wouldn't miss this place.See more..
4.5Green County Courthouse(40 reviews) - Most beautiful building Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
The Historic Green County Courthouse was built in 1891, and since that time the soaring clock tower has steadily marked the passing of time on the Square in downtown Monroe. The building is open weekdays (8 am - 4:30 pm) and offers a self-guided tour, a history room, and a photo opp with gavel and robe at the judge's bench.See more..
5.0Aldo Leopold Foundation(40 reviews) - A Good Walk In The Woods Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
The Aldo Leopold Shack and Farm is a National Historic Landmark. The Aldo Leopold Foundation manages the site and permits self-guided and guided visits. Visitors check in at the Leopold Center, headquarters of the Aldo Leopold Foundation and an interpretive center with displays on Leopold's life and legacy. The Leopold Center has been rated as one of the greenest buildings in the world, with Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the US Green Building Council. Solar panels. geothermal systems, and extensive use of local materials make the building itself an interesting attraction as well.See more..
Historic Hixon House was built in 1858 by pioneer Gideon Hixon, who went on to become a wealthy lumber baron in La Crosse. He and his wife Ellen raised their five sons in this home and expanded it to the size it is today. The family had for many years retained the home in close to the same state that Ellen Hixon left it when she died in 1913. In 1965, their descendants gifted the house to LCHS complete with its original Victorian and Arts and Crafts furnishings. Our knowledgeable docents will guide you through this piece of La Crosse history.See more..
We stopped here to see the restored Two Rivers Lighthouse. Kay, the friendly volunteer, has a lot of energy and had lots of interesting tidbits to share about the lighthouse and the area's history in general. Really enjoyed our visit.See more..
This has a small museum and an associated collection of farm buildings (mostly) set in a quiet valley (coulee) that were built in the area in a style used by Norwegian settlers at end of 19th or beginning of 20th century and then moved to this site. A tour is available and worth waiting for the guide as it gave more insight into living there, how the farms and families grew and what crops they grew. There are several trails to walk the area and see the valley-forest interfaces, with typical wildflowers and wooded areas with streams running through.See more..
Home to the Wisconsin State Agricultural Museum, and recreated 1901 Farmstead and Village, Stonefield shares the story of the agricultural communities that cultivated Wisconsin’s growth. 2018 Season is May 26-Oct 19.See more..
4.5Still Bend - Bernard Schwartz House(26 reviews) - A Dream Coming True Wednesday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Still Bend/Bernard Schwartz House is Frank Lloyd Wright's Life Magazine Dream House. The home is open periodically for tours as well as open year-round as an overnight vacation rental allowing people to Experience Living in a Frank Lloyd Wright designed masterpiece. For more information about tours and renting, please go to the website.See more..
Late 19th century brownstone building housing the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Visitor Center.See more..
4.5New Richmond Heritage Center(18 reviews) - New Richmond Heritage Center Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites Fascinating re-creation of our history. Buildings and artifacts show in detail what life was lke in New Richmond from the late 1890's.See more..
4.5Charles A. Grignon Mansion(17 reviews) - Great historical site Wednesday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
In 1837, Charles A. Grignon built this Greek revival style Mansion as a wedding gift for his Pennsylvanian bride, Mary Elizabeth Meade. This stately home was known as “The Mansion in the Woods” to countless travelers. Today, a National and State Historic Site, the Grignon Mansion is a representation of the rich, layered history of the Fox River Valley. Restored to the time period of 1837-62 when Charles lived there, the Mansion is open seasonally for tours, special events, and more!See more..
4.5Folklore Village(10 reviews) - Folklore Village is more enjoyable and that is not lore Historic Sites • Educational sites
Our daughter got married at this facility and it was a perfect setting. The staff was excellent to deal with. They had suggestions on vendors to use were very accommodating and spelled out clearly what our options were. We used all of the facility including the old church (remember to turn the air on ahead of time) the bunk house and the meeting barn. Our caterer used the kitchen and felt it was of high quality. We used their local tent company for tent, tables and portable stage and that went very well. The scenery showing in the background is beautiful. The wedding theme was a circus theme and we had plenty of space to set up and used the meeting hall for the dance. A GREAT facility and staff.See more..
4.5Soo Line 950(10 reviews) - Worth a drive by for train lovers Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
This is tucked back away from Main Street. The engine itself is enclosed in fence, so can look, but not touch/get on. See more..
Today we visited this newly opened (2 weeks) in Tosa. Our waiter, Freddie, was fantastic...very friendly, accommodating and informative. Our lunch was very good off of the lunch menu. The remodel of the building is very nice. Upstairs and outside seating is very nice. I just wish they took reservations. However, they are a restaurant on the No Eait app. This is definitely a do over place for lunch and dinner.See more..
4.5The Merchant General Store(8 reviews) - Fun and unique store Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Historic Sites • Antique Shops
Take a journey back to yesteryear in our historic store dating to 1912. You'll find old time candy, classic toys, antiques, gifts, collectibles and much more.See more..
4.0Club 400(8 reviews) - Historical landmark making comeback Wednesday: 2:00 PM - 2:00 AM Historic Sites • Bars & Clubs
New Owner (Former Navy veteran) has decided to restore historical Waukesha landmark. Great customer service , reasonably priced drinks and world class wings.See more..
4.5Algoma Pierhead Lighthouse(8 reviews) - Fun family destination Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses
In a darling town. We got awesome photos and the lighthouse is lovely. We’ll go back for a whole day trip next time and enjoy walking around the town more. Can’t wait to try the nearby restaurants as well. See more..
Visited here a couple of times to learn more about the historic places in Racine, I was impressed by both the facility and the staff here. Ms. Spencer gave us a great tour of the building, imparting quite a few tidbits of local history that you might not find elsewhere. The building is in very good shape, we saw how the large dining room was setup for a mock wedding. The large "lodge" room was setup for a wedding ceremony, which was impressive given the amount of guests that it could support. The mansion was very engaging, each room had its own little story that tied into the story of the building in a very interesting way. The history of the place is amazing! We would definitely come back here for future events and definitely consider this when we decide to hold our wedding. See more..
4.5Mound Hill Park(7 reviews) - Worth a quick stop Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Historic Sites • Castles • Scenic Walking Areas
I saw the flag from I-94 to H. It is a short drive off of the freeway. The hill is very steep to drive up. There are no lined parking spaces available just a circle turn around. A few wide steps and you are at the base of the castle. It has three levels with a lot of graffiti. Spectacular views of the area below. Watch out for those last 2 feet near the top of the stairs as there is no hand rail to grab onto at the top.See more..
5.0Three Lakes Historical Museum(7 reviews) - One of the best local museums I've seen Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Historic Sites
You will be amazed at the quality of exhibits and breath of information on the area you will find at this multi building museum....they have 5 buildings, a home and more for you to stroll thru and take in the past.. I have been back many times and it is a must go for anyone that comes to visit us at the lake. The volunteers are so nice and gladly walk you around telling you all about the store school house, home, and more. They even have stockings that Mamie Eisenhower wore...pink no less. Admission is donation as all the work and staffing is volunteer...you WON'T be disappointed....you will love it.See more..
5.0Reed School(6 reviews) - A Step Back in time Wednesday: Historic Sites
Reed School is the perfect way to immerse yourself in a school experience from days gone by. The interpreters are excellent and they have deep knowledge of the era and the history of the building. I went with a number of children and they were very attentive and really interested in the whole school. Artifacts fascinated the students and lead to more discussion. You could spend hours or minutes here looking and learning. Either way, well worth the stopSee more..
4.0World's Largest Round Barn(6 reviews) - The devil can't corner you inside Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Any structural engineer would be at ease on this wooden cover for cattle livestock exhibitions. Public theater with a rural history.See more..
5.0Paul and Matilda Wegner Grotto a.k.a Glass Church(5 reviews) - Worth your time to stop Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals
This beautiful grotto is right off the main road. It is made of love by one couple. Easy parking, free, and easy walk through the artwork. Make sure to go in the church too. I loved looking at the fences also. The glass is magical when the sun shines on it. This is a now a county park. There is a port a potie across the road, and it was incredibly clean when we visited. The cemetery where they, and other family members are buried is just down the road . It is worth a visit to see the gravestones decorated in glass. A peaceful little cemetery. Worth 1/2 hour of your time.See more..
4.5Halvorson Fisheries(5 reviews) - Best smoked fish in Wisconsin Historic Sites
We love stopping here when we are in the area. They have the best smoked fish so we always get the smoked trout or salmon. They sell fresh fish as well, but you need to get there early for the best selection that's right off the boats.See more..
The North Wood County Historical Society is housed in the restored home of former Wisconsin Governor William Henry Upham. The furnishings include original and donated items; the dining room and bedroom sets were all manufactured in the Upham Manufacturing Company and range in dates from the late 1880s to early 1900s. We are open for research Monday and Thursdays 9-1; Wednesdays 10-4; Tour hours are Wednesdays and Saturdays 1:30-4pm. Or by appointment.See more..
4.5Historic Point Basse(5 reviews) - Time Travel at its best! Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
You MUST check out this hidden gem just outside of Nekoosa in Wood County WI. The first settlement in the area, the historical value of this site cannot be measured. The restored buildings on the site are open during special events throughout the year, so you can step back in time and experience what it was like for those who first settled here on the banks of the Wisconsin River. Check their website to see when events take place. From festivals, to maple syrup harvesting to murder mystery events and even a "Spirit Walk" in October, there is always something going on. You will never be disappointed!See more..
2.5The Eschweiler Buildings(5 reviews) - Used to be an eye-sore, now a stunning renovation. Historic Sites These buildings used to be an eye-sore, but the Mandel Group is bringing this area back to life. The historical administration building, which was completely falling apart, is being renovated to house two fitness gyms, a club room, billiards room, and a ball room for a new apartment community called Echelon apartments. Absolutely stunning!See more..
4.5Gundry House Museum(4 reviews) - Great mansion to visit Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings If you are into visiting mansions, this would be a great place to visit. On Sundays it is only open from 12-3 PM. We got there around 1:45 PM and were the only ones on the tour. Our tour guide was so nice and interesting & knowledgeable on the history of the home. In fact, we didn't leave until 3:25 PM.See more..
4.0Knollward(4 reviews) - Private home Historic Sites
Beautiful mansion built by Marjorie Ward of the powerful Chicago Ward family.See more..
4.5Mindoro Cut(3 reviews) - Worth the Out-of-the-way Drive Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
This came up as a place to visit on "Only in Your State" in Facebook. I bookmarked it, and when we found ourselves in the La Crosse area heading to Fountain City, we made the detour to be sure to see it. It is quite a hilly drive with roads that wind up the hill. At the very top, you drive through the Mindoro Cut. There is a small parking area just past where you can stop, read the historic signs, and take pictures. It is really quite interesting to see what was accomplished with only hand labor long ago.See more..
