South Wood County Historical Museum

South Wood County Historical Museum Preserving local history in South Wood County, including Grand Rapids, Nekoosa, Port Edwards, Rudolph

What a transformation! 🌿✨Today was a wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together.A heartfelt th...
06/05/2026

What a transformation! 🌿✨

Today was a wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together.

A heartfelt thank you to the Wood County Master Gardener Association, our dedicated museum volunteers and staff, members of our Board of Directors, and the team from Rapid Quality Lawn & Landscaping for their hard work landscaping around our new accessible ramp entrance. Your time, energy, and expertise have helped create a welcoming and beautiful entrance for all who visit the South Wood County Historical Museum.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the Legacy Foundation for making this project possible through its support of our Bridging the Past, Building for the Future: Adapting a Historical Museum for all. This project is helping us improve accessibility, preserve our historic site, and better serve our community for generations to come.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this effort. Together, we are building a stronger, more accessible future while preserving the stories of our past.

Happy National Cheese Day and welcome to National Dairy Month! 🧀🥛Wisconsin's dairy heritage has shaped communities acros...
06/04/2026

Happy National Cheese Day and welcome to National Dairy Month! 🧀🥛

Wisconsin's dairy heritage has shaped communities across the state, and Central Wisconsin is no exception. This historic photograph shows Fischer's Dairy at 420 4th Avenue South in Wisconsin Rapids, a reminder of the local dairies, farmers, delivery drivers, and dairy workers who helped nourish generations of families throughout our region.

Long before milk arrived at the grocery store in plastic jugs, local dairies like Fischer's played an important role in daily life, delivering fresh milk and dairy products directly to homes and businesses. Their work helped build the strong agricultural traditions that continue to define Wisconsin today.

As we celebrate National Cheese Day and National Dairy Month, we're grateful for the people and industries that helped shape South Wood County's history—one glass of milk (and one slice of cheese!) at a time.

Do you remember Fischer's Dairy or other local dairies from your childhood? Share your memories in the comments!

🌿 You're Invited! 🌿The South Wood County Historical Museum is pleased to host the June meeting of the Wood County Master...
06/03/2026

🌿 You're Invited! 🌿

The South Wood County Historical Museum is pleased to host the June meeting of the Wood County Master Gardener Association, and the public is welcome to attend!

Join us as we unveil the newly redesigned landscape surrounding our new ramp entrance. Learn about the planning, plant selections, and vision behind this beautiful and accessible addition to the museum grounds.

Whether you're an experienced gardener, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for inspiration for your own landscape, this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow community members and celebrate this exciting project.

See the event poster below for meeting details. We hope to see you there!

📣 Exhibit UpdateDue to unforeseen circumstances, our scheduled traveling exhibit, "Of Thee I Sing", will no longer be on...
06/03/2026

📣 Exhibit Update

Due to unforeseen circumstances, our scheduled traveling exhibit, "Of Thee I Sing", will no longer be on display at the South Wood County Historical Museum from July 2–August 23.

We apologize for any disappointment this change may cause and appreciate your understanding. We look forward to sharing this engaging new exhibit with our visitors.

Join us this summer to discover the diverse stories that helped build America.

🗓 On display July 2–August 23, 2026
Tuesday–Thursday and Sunday | 1:00–4:00 p.m.

🎉 School's almost out for summer!Many local students have their last day of school this Thursday—and with a half-day on ...
06/02/2026

🎉 School's almost out for summer!

Many local students have their last day of school this Thursday—and with a half-day on the schedule, it's the perfect opportunity to make a trip to the South Wood County Historical Museum!

🏛️ We are open Tuesday through Thursday from 1:00–4:00 p.m. Explore our exhibits, discover local stories, and step back in time with the whole family.

🗳️ Then join us on Sunday for More Than a Vote: The Continuing Work of the League of Women Voters, a special presentation by the Wisconsin Rapids Area League of Women Voters. Learn about the history of voting rights and the people who worked to expand civic participation in America.

📍 South Wood County Historical Museum
⏰ Exhibits Open: Tuesday–Thursday | 1:00–4:00 p.m.
📅 More Than a Vote Presentation: Sunday | 2:00 p.m.

Start summer break with a little history—we'd love to see you at the museum!

🏫📚 What was kindergarten like 100 years ago?Today, we had the pleasure of welcoming the Howe Elementary Kindergarten cla...
05/29/2026

🏫📚 What was kindergarten like 100 years ago?

Today, we had the pleasure of welcoming the Howe Elementary Kindergarten class to the South Wood County Historical Museum! The students stepped back in time as they visited our historic schoolroom and learned what a typical school day might have been like for children their age a century ago.

From old-fashioned desks and chalkboards to learning about how students traveled to school and followed classroom rules, our young visitors did a wonderful job comparing life then and now. Their curiosity, thoughtful questions, and enthusiasm made for a fun and memorable visit!

Thank you to the students, teachers, and chaperones from Howe Elementary for spending part of your day with us. We hope you enjoyed being history detectives and discovering how much—and how little—school life has changed over the years.

We look forward to seeing you again! 😊

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.Did you know? Legion Park ...
05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.

Did you know? Legion Park in Wisconsin Rapids was dedicated on Memorial Day in 1922 to honor local soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. A memorial grove of trees was planted in their memory, and hundreds gathered for ceremonies led by Mayor O.R. Roenius before parading to Forest Hill Cemetery to honor Louis Young, the last local member of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.).

The park also once featured a government-donated cannon and was home to the first swimming pool in Grand Rapids, filled with water diverted from the Wisconsin River.

Over a century later, Legion Park still stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by members of our community and the importance of preserving their stories for future generations.

🇺🇸 The South Wood County Historical Museum is OPEN today during Memorial Day Weekend! 🇺🇸As we honor and remember those w...
05/24/2026

🇺🇸 The South Wood County Historical Museum is OPEN today during Memorial Day Weekend! 🇺🇸

As we honor and remember those who served, we invite you to stop by the museum and explore the stories that shaped our community and country.

Current exhibits include:
✨ We Stand on Their Shoulders — our traveling exhibit highlighting the history and impact of women’s civic engagement
🌿 Thinking Big is What We Do - Outdoor display
📜 Local history exhibits and artifacts from South Wood County’s past

The museum is open today from 1–4 PM. Admission is free, and donations are always appreciated.

Take some time this holiday weekend to connect with local history. ❤️🤍💙

☁️ Rainy day plans? We’ve got you covered.With the weather looking a little iffy in the coming days, it’s the perfect ti...
05/17/2026

☁️ Rainy day plans? We’ve got you covered.

With the weather looking a little iffy in the coming days, it’s the perfect time to stop by the South Wood County Historical Museum and explore something new.

Now on display:
✨ We Stand on Their Shoulders: Wisconsin Women and Voting
📻 WFHR exhibit
🏫 The One Room School House
🪵 Local lumber industry history
🎨 Exhibits featuring Wisconsin Rapids native and Disney animator Grim Natwick

There’s something for everyone to discover while spending a cozy afternoon surrounded by local history.

🕐 Open Tuesday–Thursday & Sunday | 1–4 PM

Happy Mother’s Day from the South Wood County Historical Museum 💐Today, we celebrate the mothers, grandmothers, caregive...
05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day from the South Wood County Historical Museum 💐

Today, we celebrate the mothers, grandmothers, caregivers, and women whose stories helped shape our communities and our history.

As you spend time with family this Mother’s Day, we invite you to visit the museum and explore our traveling exhibit, We Stand on Their Shoulders: Wisconsin Women and Voting — honoring the women who fought for the right to vote and helped pave the way for future generations.

The museum is OPEN today from 1–4 PM.

Bring Mom and spend an afternoon discovering local history together.

SWCHC Photo Collection:
1987.06.03: Black and white photo of Jennie Maulton, (Mrs. George Maulton), Ruth & Maud

Address

540 Third Street South
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
54495

Opening Hours

Tuesday 1pm - 4pm
Wednesday 1pm - 4pm
Thursday 1pm - 4pm
Sunday 1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+17154231580

Website

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