The 10 Best Historical Societies in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has almost 400 different local historical societies spread out across the entire state. All with one mission: To preserve, collect, and research historical information. Here are some of the coolest Wisconsin historical societies to check out.

Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, WI

The Wisconsin Historical Society is located in none other than Wisconsin’s capitol city, Madison. The building itself is not only stately but holds tons of historical information about the entire state of Wisconsin.

North Wood County Historical Society, Marshfield, WI

The beautiful Upham House located in Marshfield, Wisconsin, is home to the North Wood County Historical Society. The Victorian Mansion is the perfect place to house all the areas historical items. Not only does it house the historical society, but it is home to a bunch of seasonal events for the town, like a public garden in the summer, a Christmas event, and their annual Ice Cream Social.

Dells Country Historical Society, Wisconsin Dells, WI

The Bowman house located in the City of Wisconsin Dells was chosen in 1981 to house the Dells County Historical Society. Visitors can learn about the history surround the Dells are a take a look into the items they have preserved throughout the ages.

Sister Bay Historical Society, Sister Bay, WI

While visiting one of Wisconsin’s tourist towns, investigate the history behind it. Being located off Lake Michigan gives the area an unexpected twist on the types of people, animals, and activities that the residents came into contact with. From the water, the buildings, the people, and the work—you won’t be disappointed at the Sister Bay Historical Society. 

Milwaukee County Historical Society, Milwaukee, WI

The Milwaukee County Historical Society is home to an absolutely stunning building. They host interactive events and tours for the public to participate in. Visitors will find manuscripts, records, photographs, original family information, and of course the beautiful artifacts recovered and on display at the MCHS.

Chippewa County Historical Society, Chippewa Falls, WI

The Chippewa County Historical Society is in the Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Of the 17 rooms within the church, all are dedicated to displaying the surrounding areas historic artifacts. With four floors, there is tons of room for researching and investigating the long line of history.

La Crosse County Historical Society, La Crosse, WI

The La Crosse County Historical Society divide into two beautiful buildings in the area: The Hixon House and the La Crosse Area Heritage Center. Both hold historic artifacts, papers, and art. 

Brown County Historical Society, Green Bay, WI

Originally named as the Green Bay Historical Society the now, Brown County Historical Society has been preserving the area’s history since 1899. They have been actively protecting historical buildings in the county, conducting research on the surrounding areas, and stirring up historical interest for the community members.

Tomah Area Historical Society, Tomah, WI

The Tomah Area Historical Society building holds some of the most interesting historical exhibits. Check out the Frank King-Gasoline Alley, History of Chief Tomah, and finally Tomah and the Civil War. All detailed thoroughly to a historian’s perfection. Check out their sister museum the Little Red School House for additional history on the town.

Portage County Historical Society, Stevens Point, WI

At the Portage County Historical Society, dive deeper into the history of the entire county. That being said, learn about the Engford Family Circus Show that used to entertain the area, check out their Military archives, and of course the Central Wisconsin Railroad history.

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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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