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.
