CLIMB ABOARD! About an hour's drive from Eau Claire, the Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum awaits. (Submitted image)

In 1634, when Jean Nicolet stepped ashore near Green Bay, he was considered the first of many French explorers, traders, and missionaries to explore our state. Some, like Brule, Radisson, Marquette, Perrot, and Cadotte, left their names on Wisconsin's towns, rivers, and institutions. Like Nicolet, they all traversed the Great Lakes and explored the region in birchbark canoes.

The canoe was a main mode of transport here in the North Woods for almost three centuries, and its mark on history has continued to this day. It was only fitting that — when a generous donor approached a group of Spooner-area canoe enthusiasts with a gift of 25 vintage canoes — they banded together to restore a decrepit granary to house the historic, new-to-them boats.

In 2010, 376 years after Nicolet's arrival in the midwest, the Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum opened in Spooner — the heart of Wisconsin's best canoe country.

"The museum's members and volunteers are some of the most dedicated people I've ever met." –Alexis Linder, museum director

Today, the museum traces the history of canoes — including its unique shape, materials, and construction methods — as well as the transformation from beast of burden to recreational craft.

Beyond its historical exhibits, the Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum showcases contemporary craftsmanship, displaying boats built by notable modern artisans alongside its diverse collection of historic vessels. To that end, the museum's newest exhibit — slated to open on May 24, which also happens to be Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Day — will celebrate iconic Wisconsin canoe builders.

The Wisconsin Heritage Museum will officially reopen for the season on May 24, hosting the 16th Annual Canoe & Wooden Boat Show as its main event. Over 20 exhibitors are expected to display boats of all shapes, sizes, and designs.  (Photo by Jamie Dunn)

The space also features a 2,500-square-foot canoe workshop, where the museum offers hands-on demonstrations and maker workshops related to canoeing. Museum members can rent the space to work on personal projects alongside local experts as well, which have previously included paddle building, canvassing, restoration, and even snowshoe building, according to the museum's website.

Newly-appointed Museum Director, Alexis Linder, said what sets this museum apart is the commitment of local volunteers. "The museum’s members and volunteers are some of the most dedicated people I've ever met," Linder exalts.

More than just a museum, the Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum fosters a canoe-loving community, where all are welcome to paddle on in and join the fun.

The Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum is located at 312 N Front St., Spooner, Wisconsin • Learn more about the museum at wisconsincanoeheritagemuseum.org • Keep up with the museum and learn about future events on its Facebook page (@WisCanoeMuseum) • Reach out with inquiries at (715) 635-5002 or info@wisconsincanoeheritagemuseum.org