Welcome to...
The Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum
an institution devoted to the the acquisition, preservation, and dissemination of materials and information relating to the history and heritage of canoe building, canoes, and canoeing.
Our Exhibit Hall...
features displays comprised of canoes
and canoe related ephemera from the collection of Jill Weber Dean
and Jeff Dean, as well as others. This eclectic assemblage of boats
is exciting in its diversity, and includes significant craft from
the golden age of North American canoeing as well as work by
important contemporary builders. The building traditions of the
eastern seaboard, the mid-west, and Canada are all represented,
providing the museum visitor a fascinating opportunity to
experience the evolution of canoe design and manufacture in proper
historical context.
Our Canoe Shop...
is a 2,500 square foot, state of the art facility designed to celebrate the rich legacy of canoe craft while inspiring and educating a new generation of builders. Participants in canoe shop programs experience traditional and contemporary construction and restoration techniques through formal (and sometimes informal) instruction by skilled mentors. For more information visit our Canoe Shop.
Current News & Upcoming Events...
Our normal exhibit hall hours are
listed to the right, but we also have special events, classes,
shows, and other activities. For more information see the list
of news items on our Home
Page or check out the details on our Upcoming Events page..
Our Building...
which houses the exhibit hall and shop was originally part of the Baker Grain Elevator, built circa 1912, and once a part of Spooner's railroad infrastructure. The exposed steel truss work reflects the architectural vernacular of the era while providing a visually stunning display space for the collections.
You can find information about how to find us or otherwise get in touch on our Contact Page.
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Exhibit Hall Hours
Our exhibit hall is now closed for the winter season, but you can still arrange a visit by appointment. Contact us at the email or phone number below to make arrangements. The WCHM exhibit hall will be open for the 2019 summer season starting Sat May 25 with our grand opening celebration Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Day. After that our regular summer exhibit hall hours will be:
May 26 -
Sept 2, 2019
Wednesday Thru Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
& Sundays 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
September
7-29, 2019
Saturdays 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
& Sundays 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
We are also happy
to open by appointment for groups or individuals, call Jed at
715-635-2479 or email info@wisconsincanoeheritagemuseum.org
to arrange a visit. We hope to see you soon.
Exhibit Hall Admission Policy
The WCHM wants to be accessible to people from all walks of life, so we have a suggested admission donation policy of $4 for adults, $2 for teens, and kids free. We will gladly accept additional donations from visitors, or none at all. Admissions dfonations are, however, an important part of our annual budget and are very much appreciated, as are gift store purchases.
