12 Best Museums In Wisconsin

The best way to understand a state's heritage and history is through a museum. Wonderfully preserved and with staff who have a grasp, passion, and understanding of history, museums tell stories and show us things that take us back to those times. Beyond that, discovering something new about the landscapes and animals that inhabit them inspires us to preserve these areas and creatures.

There is a lot to appreciate about museums and historical sites. In this article, we focus on the state of Wisconsin and hope the exhibits and surrounding areas can educate and inspire you. Below is just a small sampling of some of the greatest museums in Wisconsin.

Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien

Located in Prairie du Chien, this villa-turned-museum puts you into the shoes of Wisconsin's most historic families: the Dousmans. The site itself offers a wide period of history as it covers the advent of the first fur traders, the War of 1812, and all the way up to the Victorian era. This villa offers rare access to earlier pieces of Wisconsin's history, as Prairie du Chien is the second oldest city in the state.

After you finish touring the grounds of this historic site, Eagles Landing Winery isn't too far away. Enjoy some delicious stone-fired pizzas if it's Friday or Saturday, or any of their other fantastic options. Just don't forget about the wine.

Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee

Located in Milwaukee, this public museum has three floors of diverse exhibits, unique artifacts, and immersive learning opportunities. At the time of publishing, the Milwaukee Public Museum is migrating some of its items to a new museum that will open in 2027, but even at this time, the museum has plenty to offer, and the current museum is expected to stay open through most of 2026.

The Milwaukee Public Museum is the most-visited museum in Wisconsin and one of the most-visited natural history museums in the country. It offers a diverse wealth of information and knowledge that has inspired many people. If you're not overloaded with information by the end of it and still want more, the current museum is located near the MATC Downtown Bookstore, where you can enjoy a vast array of books.

University of Wisconsin Geology Museum, Madison

The Geology Museum, located in Madison, offers an opportunity to explore Wisconsin's deep history. It houses a wide variety of bones, meteorites, minerals, rocks, and fossils from creatures and environments that existed during a time when Wisconsin was riddled with volcanoes. If you ever felt the urge to walk where jellyfish or other sea creatures used to swim or to picture yourself in the Ice Age, this museum is the place to go.

Once you get your fill of historic bones, the nearby Henry Vilas Zoo offers a nice change of pace. Later, drop by Mickies Dairy Bar for a refreshing drink.

Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Madison

While the Geology Museum in Madison is tucked away, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art stands out in the open as an attachment to the Overture Center for the Arts. It's an entirely independent organization that displays and preserves a large mixture of contemporary art. Wander through the large space at your leisure or attend one of the museum's many cultural events. Some of these events include movie showings, gallery nights, and craft sales, and they have an annual Art Fair on the Square.

This museum is in Downtown Madison, so you're not far away from many of Madison's stores. One particularly unique one is the Lakeview Lounge, which offers ceiling-to-floor windows and a wonderful view of the lake. Sit back, relax, and take in a delicious seasonal dining experience.

Superior Public Museums, Superior

There are three locations, but each shares one piece of history. These museums consist of the Fairlawn Mansion, the Old Firehouse and Police Museum, and lastly, the SS Meteor—the last above-water Whaleback ship in the world.

Each site offers tours, events, and private rentals, but the true historical experience is visiting all three during your stay. The trickiest one will be the SS Meteor, as weather and temperatures can make tours on the ship hazardous, and the exhibit can close. The best way to be sure about each exhibit is to call ahead or reserve a tour online.

Even with that advanced planning, the experience is a delight. Fairlawn Mansion was a private residence from 1891 to 1920 and was converted into a Children's Home for 42 years afterwards. Meanwhile, the Old Firehouse and Police Museum is what you would expect, beautifully preserved Fire and Police department equipment, and home of the State of Wisconsin Police and Fire Hall of Fame. Lastly, the SS Meteor is the nice cherry on top, with you experiencing both inside and outside the last Whaleback ship around.

After all that walking, a great place to wind down and relax is at the Barker's Waterfront Grille. Right by the water, as the name suggests, you get to experience the view alongside a twist to classic American cuisine made from the freshest of ingredients.

Circus World, Baraboo

A mixture of excitement, entertainment, and historical relevance, Circus World on the surface doesn't seem like a historic site until you see it for yourself. The 64 acres that comprise Circus World show off the incredible history of the American circus scene for everyone, young and old, to explore. Visit what is believed to be the world's last remaining circus bell wagon, in addition to other historic circus wagons. From May through August, there are numerous events all day, from trapeze performances to the classic Big Top shows.

Beyond the performances and circus feel, this historic site also encourages you to check out the various exhibits. Their stamp-collecting program offers discounts or even a free year of membership.

After you've had your fill of entertainment, drop by the Little Village Cafe to wind down. They even have vegan and vegetarian options for you to snack on.

EAA Aviation Museum, Oshkosh

A collection of over 200 historic airplanes and world-class galleries and displays, the EAA Aviation Museum is perfect for those with a love for aviation's past and seeing many of America's iconic airplanes up close and personal. The EAA Aviation Museum clearly has a lot packed into it, including a tribute to the Wright Brothers, a replica of SpaceShipOne, classic air racers, and airplanes at the peak of aviation innovation.

Once you have had your fill of airplanes, swing by West End Pizza for a bite to eat. Their pizzas are made with flexible ingredients, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters can enjoy them.

Pendarvis, Mineral Point

This historical site at Mineral Point, called Pendarvis, drips with history, as each building at Pendarvis has a story to tell. Each of the stories is unique, in addition to the cluster of stone and log structures throughout the area. But the beauty of this place doesn't stop there, as this site not only talks about the history of those living in these buildings but also of the couple, Bob Neal and Edgar Hellum, who salvaged and breathed new life into and preserved these buildings too.

Once you're done visiting Pendarvis, you're not far away from Red Rooster Cafe, a family-owned cafe right in the downtown area. Just be sure to visit in the morning, as the cafe closes in the afternoon.

The History Museum at the Castle, Appleton

In Appleton, there is a museum that was once a Masonic Temple. Now called the History Museum at the Castle, the area has preserved the history of the Fox Cities that formed east central Wisconsin in the 1870s. The history of the Fox Valley is a rich one, and that essence is captured in the various exhibits and collections the History Museum at the Castle offers. The exhibits meld national and local events.

From unique social events to group tours and walking tours, the History Museum at the Castle provides a deep sense of community as it retells the story of Appleton. Even the staff members foster community partnerships and build social cohesion. This museum has reached a point where it is very much part of the community.

And if that isn't enough, one other place to get a good community feel is Josef's Gyros. A small restaurant that offers gyros; however, you'd best bring an appetite as the gyros are massive.

Door County Maritime Museum, Sturgeon Bay

The Door County Maritime Museum and Lighthouse Preservation Society, Inc., operates the Door County Maritime Museum, one of three museums along the county's coast. The other two are Cana Island Lighthouse and the Death's Door Maritime Museum, which are farther north.

Each museum offers a unique experience to visitors. The Door County Maritime Museum offers interactive tours in two exhibits—the restored John Purves tugboat and the Jim Kress Maritime Lighthouse Tower. These experiences let you step into the shoes of the anglers, captains, craftsmen, inventors, and lighthouse keepers of the time and experience what it was all like.

Once you're done, the Bluefront Cafe is a wonderful spot to stop by. It offers freshly prepared soups and homemade desserts made from organic and locally grown products.

Geneva Lake Museum, Lake Geneva

While local donations and contributions support many museums, there is something charming about a community being the donor rather than just a handful of individuals. Such is the case with the Geneva Lake Museum, where the community donated all of the items that form this museum's collection. The museum puts them to fantastic use, inspiring people through an inviting aura while also providing thought-provoking experiences in a variety of ways.

To round out your experience, visit the Next Door Pub & Pizzeria for a variety of flavors that only Lake Geneva can provide. It's a regular destination for many residents, and the pizza there is a local favorite.

Malone Area Heritage Museum, Malone

As the name suggests, the Malone Area Heritage Museum attempts to preserve the local area. In particular, it provides opportunities to learn about a wide array of history. It covers the Sheboygan to Fond du Lac Railroad, the surrounding Holyland, and its immigrants who contributed to the region's development.

The exhibits include a beautifully preserved collection of maps, photos, heirlooms, genealogy, and artifacts from the period. They even have the 1916 St. Cloud Opera House Curtain. Guided tours are offered and can take you through the Malone Depot, the last remaining depot dating back to 1852 to 1952.

Just a few miles down the road, there is also a great bar, Tommy J's Bar. Be sure to check it out for some delicious burgers.

Where History Comes Alive

Wisconsin's top museums offer unforgettable experiences in the range and depth of their history. Here, you will find exhibits covering everything from prehistoric times to the future of aviation and the history of circuses and art. Combined with some excellent food after all that touring, Wisconsin is a great place to soak up some history. There is really something for everyone.