Local History

Historical mansions, museums, and more.

Ager House

Presented by the Waldemar Ager Association, the Ager House is the historic home to Norwegian-American writer Waldemar Ager, restored to its early-1900's likeness. Part of the National Register of Historic Places a Literary Landmark by the National Association of Friends of Public Libraries, the public may tour by appointment, hold events at the house, visit its unique resource library, and much more.

514 W. Madison St., Eau Claire

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Caddie Woodlawn Historical Park

The house in which Caroline Woodhouse lived has been moved to the park from a nearby farm. Her granddaughter, Carol Ryrie Brink, based the 1935 Newbery Award-winning children's book Caddie Woodlawn on her life.

9 miles S. of Menomonie on Hwy 25, Menomonie

Tours Local History Menomonie Local History

Chippewa Area History Center & Genealogical Society

The Chippewa County Area History Center & Museum The Chippewa County Area History Center and Museum building was formerly the Notre Dame Convent, built in 1883. Your tour will take you through the history of the Chippewa Valley and includes…

123 Allen St., Chippewa Falls

Local History Attractions

Chippewa Falls Museum of Industry and Technology

The museum was an idea that sprang from local citizens who wanted to record and preserve the history of important, unique and ground breaking innovations in industry and technology that were developed right here in the Chippewa Valley. It opened in…

21 E. Grand Ave., Chippewa Falls

Museums Local History Science Interests Attractions

Chippewa Moraine Interpretive Center

Exhibits and videos explain the glacial history of the region. Live and stuffed native animals are also on display. Visitors can also hold a snake, pet a turtle, dig for fossils, or snowshoe. Part of the Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area…

13394 County Hwy M, New Auburn

Science & Nature Local History Museums Zoos and Animal… Nature Centers Science Interests Attractions

Chippewa Valley Museum

Have an adventure in history for all ages throughout exhibits showcasing American Indian history, European settlement, industry, farm life, and health and recreation. Grab a treat at the vintage ice cream parlor year round, or visit the schoolhouse and the log house during warmer months.

1204 E. Half Moon Dr., Eau Claire

Local History

Colfax Railroad Museum

The depot houses the large collection of lanterns, railroad china, and the nation's largest railroad paper-weight collection. The primary purpose of these artifacts is to show what people encountered on day-to-day activities with the railroads and how the technology changed throughout time.

500 E. Railroad Ave., Colfax

Tours Local History Museums Menomonie Local History

Cook-Rutledge Mansion

The Cook-Rutledge Mansion, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is one of the finest examples of High Victorian-Italianate architecture in the Midwest. Extraordinary hand-painted ceilings and walls, ornately carved woodwork, parquet…

505 W. Grand Ave., Chippewa Falls

Tours Local History Attractions

Dells Mill and Museum

The five-story Dells Mill was built in 1864 as a grist mill. Wisconsin had been a state for just 16 years and Augusta was a town for eight years. The area was barely settled and Augusta was just a pioneer community; there were no automobiles and…

E18855 County Road V, Augusta

Local History Museums

Fall Creek Historical Society Museum

See items from Fall Creek's history including a doctor's office, a drugstore, dresses, and military uniforms. Also on the grounds are a washhouse, kitchen, and jail. Open weekends from Memorial to Labor Day, or by appointment (call ahead).

E111940 County Road J, Fall Creek

Local History Menomonie Local History

Historical Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts

The Mabel Tainter building includes a lavish 313-seat "crown jewel" Victorian theatre and a historic reading room. It is a premier example of a restored vintage American Theater. Take a self-guided tour to inspect the intricate hand-stenciling, hand-carved white pine archways, rich walnut, mahogany, and oak woodwork, gleaming brass fixtures, leaded glass windows, and a rare working Steere and turner tracker pipe organ with 1597 pipes.

205 Main St. E, Menomonie

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James Sheeley House

The James Sheeley House is a local hot-spot for supernatural explorers and ghost hunters. Built in the 1860s, is allegedly haunted by the spirits of its original owners. Currently operates as restaurant serving up-scale dining in a historical setting.

236 West River St., Chippewa Falls

Local History

Leinenkugel's Brewery Tour

Sample award-winning beers, tour vintage brewing equipment, and explore this six generation brewery with a guided tour. Safety glasses required during the week. Tours are $12+

124 E. Elm St., Chippewa Falls

Local History Attractions

Old Courthouse Museum and Jail

Wisconsin's last remaining woodframe courthouse features an iron-latticed cellblock in the jail, upstairs courtroom in near-original condition, railroad room, bridges of Durand, century-old paintings, doctor and dentist office equipment, and antique appliances & tools. Open Thurs-Sun 11am-4pm Memorial Day through Labor Day and Saturdays 1-4pm Memorial Day Weekend through mid-October.

315 W. Madison St., Durand

Tours Local History Menomonie Local History

Stanley Area Historical Society Museum

Dedicated to preserving the history of the area by the collecting of historical artifacts and written materials and by educating the public through displays and programs. Recognizes the contribution lumberjacks, farm families, and carpenters made to Stanley's settlement and growth. Open Saturday-Sunday, 1-4pm.

228 Helgerson Street, Stanley

Local History

Wilson Place Mansion

Wilson Place was built in 1859 by Capt. William Wilson, a principal in Knapp, Stout, & Co. lumber company, founder and first mayor of Menomonie, and the area's first state senator. Three generations of Wilsons remade it from a colonial house to a Queen Anne-style mansion to a Mediterranean villa. Call for admission rates and tour times.

101 Wilson Circle, Menomonie

Tours Local History Menomonie Local History

Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum

Featuring displays comprised of canoes and canoe related ephemera, plus a 2500 square foot canoe shop. This eclectic assemblage of boats is exciting in its diversity, and includes significant craft from the golden age of North American canoeing as well as work by important contemporary builders.

312 N. Front St., Spooner

Museums Local History Attractions

Wisconsin Logging Museum

Take a step back into time when you visit the Wisconsin Logging Museum. Begin your tour with an introductory movie on logging in the 1890s and then visit their barn, blacksmith shop, cook shanty, bunkhouse, and heavy equipment shed to experience a day in the life of a logger.

1110 Carson Park Drive, Eau Claire

Local History