Free museums in Wisconsin

The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA), previously known as the Madison Art Center, is an independent, non-profit institution situated in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. This museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of contemporary art pieces.

The National Mustard Museum is a unique attraction located in the heart of downtown Middleton, Wisconsin, near U.S. 14. The museum is home to a large display of prepared mustards, showcasing the diversity and versatility of this condiment. Visitors can explore the various types of mustards from different regions and learn about their preparation methods.

The Kenosha Public Museum, located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, is a place where visitors can explore a variety of exhibits. These include displays of fine art, decorative art, and natural science specimens. The museum offers a diverse range of collections, providing a comprehensive insight into different aspects of art and science.

Henry Vilas Zoo, located in Madison, Wisconsin, spans across 28 acres and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This accreditation ensures that the zoo meets the highest standards of animal care and welfare, making it a reliable and safe destination for visitors interested in wildlife.

The Chazen Museum of Art is a renowned art museum situated at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. It is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering a diverse range of art exhibits and collections. The museum is easily accessible and provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and appreciate art in a vibrant academic setting.

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The Patrick and Beatrice Haggerty Museum of Art, colloquially known as "the Haggerty", is situated at the intersection of 13th and Clybourn Streets. It is conveniently located on the campus of Marquette University in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors who are exploring the city.

The Mitchell Gallery of Flight is an aviation museum that is conveniently located inside the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This unique location makes it an easily accessible destination for tourists who are interested in aviation history.

The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is situated in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin, on Capitol Square. This location is easily accessible and offers a rich historical context, making it an ideal destination for those interested in learning about the experiences of Wisconsin's veterans.

The First Capitol Historic Site is a museum located just outside Belmont, Wisconsin. It is a historic site that offers free admission to all visitors. This museum is a significant part of Wisconsin's history, as it houses two of the buildings first used by legislators in the Wisconsin Territory.

The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum is situated in the city of Wausau, Wisconsin. This location is easily accessible and offers a variety of other attractions for tourists to explore during their visit.

The Rahr–West Art Museum is a unique art museum situated in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. It is housed in the historic Joseph Vilas Jr. House, a remarkable example of Queen Anne style architecture. This architectural style is significant in the United States, making the museum not only a place of art but also a piece of history.

The Pepin County Courthouse and Jail, located in Durand, Wisconsin, is a site of historical significance. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, marking it as a place of national importance. The courthouse and jail provide a glimpse into the past, offering visitors a chance to explore a piece of Wisconsin's history.

The Malone Area Heritage Museum, located in Malone, Wisconsin, United States, is a historical institution that provides a comprehensive account of the history of immigrants who settled in the Holyland region of Wisconsin. The museum offers a unique opportunity to delve into the past and understand the experiences and contributions of these immigrants to the region's development.

Copper Culture State Park, located in Oconto, northeastern Wisconsin, spans across 42 acres of land. The park is a diverse mix of natural areas, farmlands, archaeological sites, and a Native American museum. This variety of attractions offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the region's history and natural beauty.

The Peshtigo Fire Museum is a significant site that preserves the history of the devastating Peshtigo Fire. This catastrophic event occurred on October 8, 1871, and resulted in the destruction of the city of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, and its surrounding areas. The fire claimed the lives of over 2,000 people, making it one of the deadliest fires in American history.

The John Michael Kohler Arts Center, located in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, is an independent, not-for-profit contemporary art museum and performing arts complex. It is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting artist-built environments and contemporary art.

Lincoln Park Zoo is home to just under 200 animals, including species such as the black bear, bald eagle, cougar, and lynx. This variety of animals provides a unique opportunity for visitors to observe and learn about different species in one location.

Ledge View Nature Center is a sizable 105-acre park and interpretive center situated just two miles south of Chilton, Wisconsin. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors and tourists who are in or around the area. The nature center is part of the Calumet County Parks system, which is operated by Calumet County.

The Amberg Historical Museum Complex, located in Amberg, Wisconsin, is a significant historical site that comprises the Amberg Museum and other buildings of historical importance that have been relocated to the site. This complex offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of the region through its various exhibits and collections.

The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is a unique blend of a visitor center and a natural history museum. It is conveniently located west of Ashland, Wisconsin, near the intersection of Highway G and U.S. Highway 2. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists traveling in the region.

The Pioneer Park Historical Complex, also known as the Rhinelander Logging Museum and Rhinelander Schoolhouse Museum, is an open-air museum located in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. This unique museum is a combination of historical structures that provide a glimpse into the past of this region.

The Benjamin Church House, also known as the Kilbourntown House, is a significant historical site in Milwaukee. This Greek Revival home was built in 1843–1844 by pioneer carpenter Benjamin Church in Kilbourntown, a settlement that later merged with other settlements to form Milwaukee. The house is considered to be Milwaukee's earliest surviving home, making it a valuable piece of the city's history.

The Wisconsin State Firefighters Memorial is a significant site located near Wisconsin Rapids. It is a non-profit memorial and park dedicated to honoring the firefighters from the state of Wisconsin who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by these brave individuals.

The Antigo Public Library and Deleglise Cabin are part of a historic site in Antigo, Wisconsin. The library building, which is a Carnegie library, was constructed in 1904. This site offers a glimpse into the architectural style of the early 20th century and the history of public libraries in the United States.

The Reed School Historic Site is a unique one-room school museum that is owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society. This site provides a glimpse into the past, showcasing the educational system of the early 20th century in Wisconsin. It's a great place for tourists who are interested in history and education.

The Rusk County Historical Society Museum is located in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, United States. It is a significant destination for those interested in the history of Rusk County and the State of Wisconsin.

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The Historic Indian Agency House, situated in Portage, Wisconsin, is a significant historical site that was recognized and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. This recognition underscores the importance of the house in the history of the United States, making it a site of interest for tourists who appreciate history and culture.

The park houses a small zoo that is home to several North American species and at least three exotic animals. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to observe and learn about a variety of animals in a close and personal setting.

The Dinosaur Discovery Museum in Kenosha, Wisconsin, is a unique institution that focuses on the exploration and explanation of the relationship between modern birds and ancient carnivorous biped dinosaurs, known as theropods. These theropods include species such as Carnotaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex, and Archaeopteryx. This relationship is well documented in the fossil record, providing a fascinating insight into the evolution of these creatures.

The Wisconsin Historical Museum is situated in a prime location on the Capitol Square in Madison, Wisconsin. This central location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city. The museum is a great place to learn about the history of Wisconsin and the United States.

The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant urban wildlife refuge, spanning over 600 acres. It holds the title of being the largest park in the Green Bay, Wisconsin Park system. This vast sanctuary provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and appreciate the diverse wildlife and natural beauty within an urban setting.

The Racine Heritage Museum, located at 701 S. Main St. in downtown Racine, Wisconsin, is a historical museum building that was formerly a Carnegie library. This location is easily accessible and offers a rich historical experience for visitors.

Located in the historic Hilgen & Schroeder Mill Store on the corner of Portland and Columbia Road, the Cedarburg History Museum creates unique spaces for permanent installments, rotating exhibits, and interactive technology, changing exhibits using the Christiansen Collection, Chudnow Collection, Ce

The Gibraltar District School No. 2, located on the Door Peninsula in the town of Gibraltar, Door County, Wisconsin, United States, is a historic one-room school. This school, built in the 1860s, served children in the village of Ephraim for approximately eighty years before it was converted into a museum. Today, it is operated as the Pioneer Schoolhouse Museum by the Ephraim Historical Foundation and has been designated a historic site due to its significant role in the area's history.

Temple Beth Israel is a historic site located in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. This location is significant as it is home to one of the oldest synagogues in the state. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the rich history and culture of the Jewish community in this region.

The Logan Museum of Anthropology was established in 1894 by Frank Granger Logan, a trustee and patron of the arts at Beloit. The museum houses approximately 300,000 archaeological and ethnological artifacts from various parts of the world. This vast collection provides a comprehensive overview of human history and culture.

The Dr. Newman C. Rowley House, built in 1868, is a significant historical site in Middleton, Wisconsin. It was recognized for its historical importance and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Today, it serves as a museum for the Middleton Area Historic Society, providing visitors with a glimpse into the town's past.

The National Dairy Shrine's museum is situated in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. It shares a visitor center with the Hoard Historical Museum, which was once the house of William D. Hoard. This unique setup allows visitors to explore both the history of the dairy industry and the local history of Fort Atkinson in one location.

The Polk County Museum, formerly known as the Polk County Courthouse, is a historic site located in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin. It was recognized for its historical significance and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This museum is a testament to the rich history of the region and offers a unique glimpse into the past.

The Wisconsin Concrete Park is a unique sculpture park situated along Wisconsin Highway 13 in the town of Phillips, Wisconsin. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique experience for visitors who are interested in folk art and sculpture. The park is home to over 200 sculptures, all made from concrete and decorated with glass bottles and other found objects.

The Fifield Town Hall, located in Fifield, Wisconsin, is a historic civic building constructed in 1894. It holds a significant place in the history of the region, having been added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This recognition underscores its historical importance and architectural value.

The UW–Madison Geology Museum, located in Weeks Hall on the southwest part of the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus, is a dedicated space for the exploration and understanding of geology and paleontology. The museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the fascinating world of earth science, with a focus on the geological and paleontological aspects.

The Gardens of the Fox Cities is a botanical garden and arboretum that spans 35 acres. It is situated in the Appleton Memorial Park in Appleton, Wisconsin. This expansive garden is a perfect place for nature lovers to explore and enjoy the diverse flora and fauna.

The Lynden Sculpture Garden, previously known as the Bradley Sculpture Garden, is a vast outdoor sculpture park that spans 40 acres. It is situated at 2145 West Brown Deer Road in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This expansive garden is home to a collection of over 50 monumental sculptures, making it a unique destination for art and nature lovers alike.

The L.R. Ingersoll Physics Museum is situated on the second floor of Chamberlin Hall, which is part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors who are already exploring the university campus or those who are specifically interested in physics and hands-on exhibits.

Irvine Park, situated in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, is a city park with a rich history. It was established in 1906 by William Irvine, making it a significant part of the city's heritage. The park offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it an interesting destination for tourists.

The Menominee Park Zoo, located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is a small 8-acre zoo that is free to visit. It is situated within Menominee Park and is operated by the Oshkosh Zoological Society. This makes it an accessible and affordable option for families and individuals interested in wildlife.

The Alexander House, located in Port Edwards, Wisconsin, serves as both an art gallery and a local history museum. This unique establishment offers visitors a chance to explore a variety of exhibits, ranging from local history to the lumbering and papermaking industries that have shaped the region.

The Wright Museum of Art, located in Beloit, Wisconsin, is a small art museum that is maintained and operated by Beloit College. This museum offers a unique blend of academic and artistic experiences, making it a unique destination for art enthusiasts and scholars alike.