The Top 15 Historical Sites in Wisconsin!

Wisconsin, which gained its statehood in 1848, has a past well worth uncovering. Did you know the state is home to ancient archeological sites dating to 1000 A.D.? Or that Wisconsin boasts a circus museum labeled an international historic site? Get to know a little more about Wisconsin’s past at these 15 intriguing historical sites. 

House on the Rock, Spring Green, WI

The House on the Rock is not specifically named a historical site in Wisconsin.  Although, there is so much history behind it. This tourist attraction in is filled with historic antiques and replicas of history. Visit their quirky collections and life sized sculptures.

Cave of the Mounds, Blue Mounds, WI

Cave of the Mounds can be looked at as being one of Wisconsin’s Wonders.  This cavern of limestone stalagmites and stalactites was founded accidentally and has become one of the best tourist attractions in Wisconsin.

Devil’s Lake State Park, Baraboo, WI

Devil’s Lake State Park is a camping, hiking, and all around attraction to both Wisconsinites and visitors. Spectacular 360 degree views fill this 9,000-acre state park. As history was recorded The Ringling Brothers had a summer home on the Devil’s Lake shore.

Madison Capital, Madison, WI

food, drinks and entertaining fill this historic town. Madison was chosen as the state capitol in 1886 and was officially founded the next spring. Wisconsin’s state capital in Madison is a charming place to say the least. Great 

Laura Ingalls Wilder Cabin

Located in Pepin Wisconsin, Laura Ingalls Wilder Cabin is a replica of the “Little House in the Big Woods.” Wilder was a famous children’s author who was born in Wisconsin. The cabin is open year-round and has picnic tables, a water pump (which you actually have to pump!), and restrooms.  

National Railroad Museum, Green Bay, WI

The National Railroad Museum is located in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Visit their exhibits, take tours, and view their ageless archive and artifact collections. The museum has preserved historical railroad objects as well old photographs of Wisconsin history.

Pabst Mansion, Milwaukee, WI

The famous brew master—Captain Frederick Pabst constructed a mansion for him and his family in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1892. Him and his wife Maria collected art and timeless treasures. The mansion is now on the list of the National List of Register of Historic Places in 1979. To this day visitors can both rent and visit.  

Ten Chimneys, Genesee Depot, WI

Ten Chimneys is located in Genesee Depot, Wisconsin. The museum has a mission to progress the arts, theater arts, and art education. The estate was created by theater Gods Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. After their death, Ten Chimneys was open to the public.

First Capitol, Belmont, WI

Prior to Madison, Belmont was the first capitol of the Wisconsin territory. In early 1836, lawmakers met in Belmont, Wisconsin, to decide on framework, laws, and legislation of the state. 

Van Hise Rock, Rock Springs, WI

The Van Hise Rock is an upright rock formation that is off Highway 136 in Rock Springs, Wisconsin, in a turnabout. This historic site excessive geological information about metamorphism. The rock itself is named after Charles Van Hise—an American geologist who was born and raised in Wisconsin.

Aztalan State Park, Jefferson, WI

Aztalan State Park holds some of Wisconsin’s most prized archeological sites. In 1000-1300 A.D., an early ancient Mississippian village is inside of Aztalan State Park was build. Those who settled in the area built large mounds and a defensive stockade around the area.

Circus World Museum, Baraboo, WI

The Circus World Museum started in the 1959 in Baraboo, Wisconsin. What was once only an acre of land and a few wagons for perform tricks on, is now an internationally-recognized historical site in Wisconsin. Today, the Circus World Museum covers over well over 50 acres with several permanent structures.

Old World Wisconsin, Eagle, WI

Travel back to the 19th century by going to Old World Wisconsin in Eagle, Wisconsin. Old World Wisconsin re-creates old farm, homes, gardens, and crafts made in the 1800s. Learn about historic food preparation tactics and view traditional clothing from that period.

Pendarvis, Mineral Point, WI

Located in Mineral Point, Pendarvis is an official historical site in Wisconsin. The 4.5-acre site is home to many 19th century built cabins. These cabins were originally built by Cornish immigrants who settle in the Iowa County area. Not only visit the cabins but visit the museum store for other great trinkets.

H.H. Bennett Studio, Wisconsin Dells, WI

Find out why Wisconsin Dells became so famous. Famous landscape photographer H.H. Bennett moved to his current studio in 1875 and it is believed that it was the oldest operating photography studio in the U.S. The studio itself houses many of this original photographs, inventions, cameras, and camera equipment.

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Find Historical Societies, Sites & Museums Near You
Find Historical Societies, Sites & Museums Near You
221 South Saint Marie Street, Wautoma, WI
364 Wakeley Rd, Nekoosa, WI
About Us:- On June 2, 1837, Robert and Mary Wakely and their two young sons--Chauncey and Robert--arrived at Point Basse on a keelboat that had bee... Read More
540 Third Street South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI
History Our building was erected in 1907 by architect Anton Billmeyer for Issac P. Witter. The grounds initially included tennis courts, a fountain... Read More
1100 Main Street, Stevens Point, WI
Our Mission: The mission of the Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum is to provide a family-based discovery place where children and adults c... Read More
900 Reserve Street, Stevens Point, WI
The Museum of Natural History is an integral resource within the College of Letters and Science of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point housin... Read More
N115 Conty Road, Wisconsin Dells, WI
A Living Museum The Riverside & Great Northern Railway is a living museum dedicated to preserving and operating the superb locomotives and pass... Read More
550 Water Street, Baraboo, WI
About Circus World Museum Circus World Museum collects, preserves and interprets archival material and artifacts relating to the history of the Am... Read More
E8948 Museum Road, North Freedom, WI
About Us:Mid-Continent Railway Historical Society–also known as Mid-Continent Railway Museum–is an outdoor, living museum and operating... Read More
406 South Pearl Street, New London, WI
Mission: The purpose of the New London Public Museum is to preserve and promote our community’s natural, native and historical culture for th... Read More
700 North 12th Street, Wausau, WI
About Us: The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, located in a beautiful residential area on the east side of Wausau, Wisconsin, offers artworks from... Read More
8183 State Highway 19, Cross Plains, WI
At 483 acres, Indian Lake is one of Dane County's largest parks. The main entrance to Indian Lake County Park is located in the town of Berry on SH... Read More
105 Park Avenue, Beaver Dam, WI
The Dodge County Historical Society, an affiliate of the Wisconsin State Historical Society, was formed in 1938, for the preservation of articles p... Read More
Catfish Court, Waunakee, WI
This 141 acre park was purchased for future park and open space needs and is located adjacent to Cherokee Marsh, the largest remaining wetland in D... Read More
3000 Poberezny Rd, Oshkosh, WI
About Us EAA is a growing and diverse organization of members with a wide range of aviation interests and backgrounds. EAA was founded in 1953 by ... Read More
204 Main Street, Warrens, WI
About Us: Discover Cranberries! is your ultimate cranberry destination. Our one-of-a-kind center is housed in the historic Union Cranberry Company... Read More
1331 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh, WI
Mission Statement Our mission is to identify, collect, document, preserve and interpret material culture, ideas, and values representing Oshkosh an... Read More
7477 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton, WI
History: The National Mustard Museum began as the "Mount Horeb Mustard Museum" when its founder and curator, Barry Levenson, started collecting mu... Read More
100 North Hamilton Street, Madison, WI
Mission:Madison Children’s Museum connects children with their families, their communities, and the world beyond through discovery learning a... Read More
30 West Mifflin Street, Madison, WI
Mission: The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is an educational activity of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs to commemorate, acknowledge, and... Read More
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