Local History

Historical mansions, museums, and more.

Ager House

514 W. Madison St., Eau Claire

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.

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Chippewa Area History Center

2 Bridgewater Ave., Chippewa Fall, Chippewa Falls

The new Chippewa County Area History Center opened in early 2023. Learn about the history of the area’s people, including Native Americans, fur traders, and early immigrants; the role the river played in the region, the history of the local logging industry, farming, military service, and products made in Chippewa Falls.

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Chippewa Falls Museum of Industry and Technology

21 E. Grand Ave., Chippewa Falls

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 May 1998 and now has a variety of exhibits that include the Seymour Cray Supercomputer Collection, Leinenkugel's, Mason Companies Inc., and other area historic exhibits.

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Chippewa Valley Museum

1204 E. Half Moon Dr., Eau Claire

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.

Local History

Colfax Railroad Museum

500 E. Railroad Ave., Colfax

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.

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Cook-Rutledge Mansion

505 W. Grand Ave., Chippewa Falls

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 floors, handcrafted silver doorknobs and hinge plates, and crystal chandeliers enhance the beauty of the interior. The grand staircase of carved golden oak provides an elegant setting for the cathedral stained glass window on the landing- Adults $5, 18 and under $1.

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Dells Mill and Museum

E18855 County Road V, Augusta

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…

Local History Museums

Historical Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts

205 Main St. E, Menomonie

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.

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James Sheeley House

236 West River St., Chippewa Falls

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.

Local History

Leinenkugel's Brewery Tour

124 E. Elm St., Chippewa Falls

Brewing since 1867, Leinenkugel's is one of America's oldest craft breweries, boasting a portfolio of several distinctive, flavorful beers inspired by its natural Northwoods surroundings. The brand has put Chippewa Falls on the map for its adventurous array of full-flavored brews in small, high-quality batches. Sample award-winning beers, tour vintage brewing equipment, and explore this six generation brewery with a guided tour.

Local History Attractions

Old Courthouse Museum and Jail

315 W. Madison St., Durand

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.

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Stanley Area Historical Society Museum

228 Helgerson Street, Stanley

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.

Local History

Wilson Place Mansion

101 Wilson Circle, Menomonie

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.

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Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum

312 N. Front St., Spooner

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.

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Wisconsin Logging Museum

1110 Carson Park Drive, Eau Claire

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.

Local History

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