All industrial & heritage museums to visit in Wisconsin

Explore the impact of industry on society at 21 industrial heritage museums in Wisconsin. These museums showcase the history of manufacturing, technology, and labor.

Are you curious about the history of industry and innovation? These are the top industrial heritage museums in Wisconsin:

  1. Oshkosh Public Museum1

    Oshkosh Public Museum

     Oshkosh, WI
    The Oshkosh Public Museum is a significant historical site located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, United States. It is housed in the Edgar and Mary Jewell Sawyer House, which is part of the Algoma Boulevard Historic District. This district is recognized for its historical significance and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  2. Grohmann Museum2

    Grohmann Museum

     Milwaukee, WI
    The Grohmann Museum, situated at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, is a unique institution dedicated to showcasing the evolution of human work. The museum's collection spans over 400 years of history, documenting the transition from manpower and horsepower to water, steam, and electric power. It provides a fascinating insight into the changing nature of work and the impact of industrialization on society.
  3. Discovery World3

    Discovery World

     Milwaukee, WI
    Discovery World is a renowned science and technology museum located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The museum was founded by Robert Powrie Harland, Sr. and was initially known as the Science, Economics and Technology Center. It offers a wide range of exhibits and interactive experiences that cater to all ages, making it a great destination for families and individuals alike.
  4. Harley-Davidson Museum4

    Harley-Davidson Museum

     Milwaukee, WI
    The Harley-Davidson Museum, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a tribute to the rich history of Harley-Davidson motorcycles that spans over a century. The museum showcases the evolution of this iconic American brand and its impact on the motorcycling world. It is a destination for motorcycle enthusiasts and history buffs alike, offering a deep dive into the heritage of Harley-Davidson.
  5. AriensCo Museum5

    AriensCo Museum

     Brillion, WI
    Over the years, AriensCo has ventured into numerous product development projects. One of its most enduring and successful products is the Ariens Sno-Thro. This product has stood the test of time and continues to be a popular choice among consumers for its reliability and performance.
  6. SS Meteor6

    SS Meteor

     Superior, WI
    The SS Meteor, currently a museum ship in its hometown, is a unique piece of maritime history. It is the only surviving ship of the whaleback design, a concept created by Scottish captain Alexander McDougall for navigation on the Great Lakes. This design allowed for the transport of maximum cargo with minimum draft. The ship was built in 1896 in Superior, a port city in northwest Wisconsin, on Lake Superior, and sailed until 1969 with several modifications.
  7. Wade House Historic Site7

    Wade House Historic Site

     Greenbush, WI
    The Wade House Historical Site, also known as the Old Wade House, is a significant historical location in Greenbush, Wisconsin. Spanning 240 acres, this open-air museum is managed by the Wisconsin Historical Society. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of the area in an immersive, outdoor setting.
  8. Atlas Science Center Center8

    Atlas Science Center Center

     Appleton, WI
    The Atlas Science Center, previously known as the Paper Discovery Center, is a unique museum and workshop center located in Appleton, Wisconsin, United States. The center is primarily focused on papermaking, a significant local industry in the area. Visitors to the center can expect to learn about the process of papermaking through various exhibits and workshops.
  9. Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum9

    Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum

     Two Rivers, WI
    The Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum, founded in 1999, is situated in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, United States. The museum is a significant destination for those interested in the history and art of letterpress printing, offering a unique insight into the craft of wood type production and printing.
  10. East Troy Railroad Museum10

    East Troy Railroad Museum

     East Troy, WI
    The East Troy Electric Railroad is a heritage railroad that is owned and operated by the East Troy Railroad Museum. It runs on a 7-mile stretch of track from East Troy to Mukwonago, Wisconsin. This line has a rich history dating back to 1907, when it was part of The Milwaukee Electric Railway and Light Company line from East Troy to Milwaukee.
  11. Little Chute Windmill11

    Little Chute Windmill

     Little Chute, WI
    The Little Chute Windmill and Van Asten Visitor Center is a unique attraction in Little Chute, Wisconsin. This functioning Dutch smock mill and interpretive center serves as a tribute to the Dutch heritage of the village and the larger Fox River Valley area. Visitors can experience the authentic wooden windmill in operation, providing a glimpse into the traditional Dutch way of life.
  12. Mid-Continent Railway Museum12

    Mid-Continent Railway Museum

     Freedom, WI
    The Mid-Continent Railway Museum is a unique attraction located in North Freedom, Wisconsin. This museum is dedicated to the preservation and display of railroad history, offering visitors a chance to explore a variety of exhibits and displays related to the railway industry.
  13. Camp Five Museum13

    Camp Five Museum

     Laona, WI
    The Camp Five Museum, located in Laona, Wisconsin, is a living history museum that provides insights into the forest industry and transportation history of Wisconsin. This museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about the state's rich history in these sectors, making it an interesting destination for those interested in history and industry.
  14. National Railroad Museum14

    National Railroad Museum

     Green Bay, WI
    The National Railroad Museum, located in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, is a testament to the dedication of community volunteers who founded it in 1956. As one of the oldest and largest institutions in the U.S. dedicated to preserving and interpreting the nation's railroad history, it offers a unique insight into the evolution of railroading over the years.
  15. Riverside & Great Northern Railway15

    Riverside & Great Northern Railway

     Wisconsin Dells, WI
    The R&GN in Wisconsin Dells traces its roots to 1953 when the Sandley Light Railway Equipment Works constructed a 15-inch “minimum gauge” railway to demonstrate trains the company manufactured for parks and zoos throughout the United States. Although trains are no longer made here, our “world famous
  16. Sheboygan County Historical Museum16

    Sheboygan County Historical Museum

     Sheboygan, WI
    The Sheboygan County Historical Museum is situated within the scenic Taylor Park in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, on the city's west side. This location offers visitors the opportunity to combine a visit to the museum with a leisurely stroll in the park, making it an ideal destination for those interested in both history and nature.
  17. ABA National Brewery Museum - Potosi Brewing Company17

    ABA National Brewery Museum - Potosi Brewing Company

     Potosi, WI
    The Potosi Brewery, situated in Potosi, Wisconsin, United States, is a historic site that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This recognition underscores the brewery's historical significance and its contribution to the local and national brewing industry.
  18. 18

    Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum

     Spooner, WI
    The Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum is situated in the city of Spooner, Wisconsin, in the United States. This museum is a unique destination for those interested in the history and cultural heritage of North American canoeing. It's a great place to learn about the evolution of canoeing, from its golden age to the work of contemporary builders.
  19. Fox Lake Historical Society19

    Fox Lake Historical Society

     Fox Lake, WI
    The Fox Lake Railroad Depot, situated in Fox Lake, Wisconsin, is a historical site that dates back to 1884. It was constructed by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, also known as the Milwaukee Road. A notable architectural feature, the porte-cochère, was added to the depot in 1919.
  20. 20

    Western Union Junction Railroad Museum

     Sturtevant, WI
    The Western Union Junction Railroad Museum is a unique destination located in Sturtevant, Wisconsin. It is managed and operated by the Western Union Junction Railroad Museum, Inc. This museum offers a deep dive into the history and evolution of railroads, providing a unique perspective on the industry's impact on the region and the country as a whole.
  21. 21

    The Alexander House Museum

     Port Edwards, WI
    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.