Wisconsin Is Home to 44 National Historic Landmarks… These 9 Are the Best Ones to Visit

There are more than 40 National Historic Landmarks in the great state of Wisconsin. Known for its cheese and beer production industries, many of the historic landmarks in Wisconsin showcase the exploration and settlement of the state. It joined the United States as the 30th state in 1848 but settlers were in the area as far back as the 1600s and Indigenous tribes called the area home for hundreds of years prior.

Over those many years, there were historic events and notable locations that left their mark on Wisconsin. These were recognized and commemorated with special plaques and recognition as National Historic Landmarks. Some are notable buildings in architecture while others are important to the development of the state. Many are open for visitors or tours, even concerts! They are all worth visiting to learn more about America’s Dairyland and culture in the United States.

1. Aztalan

This historic site is part of Aztalan State Park, a historic village dating back to around A.D. 1000 and 1300. On this site, ancient settlers built large mounds with flat tops as well as a stockade around the structures. It is an important archaeological site for scholars to look for and study evidence of these early settlements. Two of the mounds as well as the stockade have been rebuilt so that visitors can see what it might have looked like when the people who built the pyramids lived there.

You will need to pay for vehicle admission to the park. Seeing the mounds is free once you are in the park, however. The entire park is around 172 acres and has plenty of places for recreation as well as history. Hunting, trapping, and fishing are allowed, although you’ll need to purchase a permit through the state of Wisconsin. For the history buffs, there are additional collections and exhibits about the site in a nearby museum in Lake Mills and at the Milwaukee Public Museum.

2. Pabst Theater

This 1895 theater is one of the most popular in downtown Milwaukee, hosting everything from modern bands to plays and festivals. Captain Frederick Pabst, the same person behind the Pabst beer company, funded and built the theater. When it opened in November 1895, it was notable for its opulent design as well as for having electricity throughout the theater, a novel concept at the time. Patrons also enjoyed air conditioning while attending a show.

Today, you can visit the theater to take in a show while also getting to see the well-maintained interior. It is part of the Pabst Theater Group, which includes three other venues that also host world-class entertainment in large ballrooms and intimate backrooms. They are located in the downtown entertainment district in Milwaukee.

3. Wisconsin State Capitol

The first state capitol was built in Madison in 1837 out of materials right from the Badger State. The stone for the building was from Maple Bluff and the wood was from the surrounding woods. However, a fire in 1904 and increasing needs made a new capitol building necessary. The current building was finished in 1917, however, it wasn’t dedicated until nearly 50 years later in 1965. It was designated a historic landmark in 2001 and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017. Even if you can’t visit in person, there is a virtual tour that you can take online.

4. Astor Fur Wearhouse

The Astor Fur Wearhouse is in Prairie du Chien. It dates back to 1828 when it was a literal warehouse and part of the influential fur trade in Wisconsin. It is one of the only buildings of its kind left and is part of the Villa Louis Museum, another historic landmark. One of the most successful families in the fur trade, the Dousmans, built the mansion in the 1870s. You can tour the museum as well as the warehouse to learn more about what life was like at that time. There are plenty of artifacts as well as exhibits focused on education.

5. Ringling Brothers Circus Winter Headquarters

While their circus may have traveled around the United States and internationally performing, the Ringling Brothers Circus had a winter headquarters in Wisconsin. They set out on their first tour in 1884 from Baraboo, traveling by railroad. They eventually had more than 225 people employed as part of the circus and traveled each summer. But they returned to Baraboo each winter until 1908 when Ringling and Barnum joined together. Their Baraboo headquarters is now part of the Circus World Museum, which includes artifacts and exhibits from the heydey of the traveling circus.

6. North Hall, University of Wisconsin

Built in 1851, this building was the first on the University of Wisconsin campus. When it opened, it was dorm housing for male students at the university. One of the many interesting facts about the building is related to its construction. It is built out of sandstone from Madison, where the university is located. The political science department uses the building now.

7. Taliesin

Famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed, built, and used Taliesin as a studio. He used it as a studio and school, relying on his signature combination of design, nature, and culture to create an oasis. It was completed in 1911 in the Prairie School style, which Frank Lloyd Wright was famous for and which was used in many buildings, particularly in the Midwest. Wright used Taliesin as his primary residence for the rest of his life, traveling to Taliesin West, another building he designed in Arizona, during the winter. Today, you can take tours of the house and grounds as well as get tickets for special events or camps.

8. Administration Building and Research Tower, S.C. Johnson Company

Another Frank Lloyd Wright building, the Administration Building and Research Tower was the global headquarters of the S.C. Johnson Company. The Administration Building was completed in 1939 and the Research Tower in 1950. Unlike Taliesin, which used the Prairie School style, these buildings were highly influenced by the Art Moderne style. It was built out of curved bricks to create streamlined lines. Columns on the inside and in the great workroom inside are some of its most recognizable features.

9. Brisbois House

This historic home on St. Feriole Island in the town of Prairie du Chien was built in 1840. It was built by the son of fur trader Michael Brisbois. An influential resident, Brisbois was one of the earliest settlers in the area. Brisbois used local stone to build the two-story structure. Wisconsin designated the Brisbois House a national historic landmark for its historic significance and for being one of the best-preserved examples of architecture in the region at the time.

Summary of Must-See National Historic Landmarks in Wisconsin