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History Buff Itinerary
Designated a Preserve America Community
(one of only 15 in the State) as well as a Main Street Community
speaks volumes about Whitewater's commitment to preserving
our heritage.
Begin by requesting a copy of Touring
Historical Whitewater from the Whitewater Tourism
Council. This free guide lists 77 locations throughout Whitewater
of historical significance and contains photos as well as
a detailed map. Whitewater's Images of America
is also available at the Tourism Council
for purchase and contains additional photos and history of
the area.
Whitewater's Historic
Train Depot was designed
in 1890. In 1852 it was the first rail line to cross Wisconsin.
The depot's scenic location on Cravath Lake makes this a must
see and is open weekly as a museum. Call ahead as hours vary
seasonally. Free admission.
In less than an hour you can tour
one of the largest collections of effigy mounds
in the country. Studies suggest that these mounds were a gathering
place for several Midwestern Native American Tribes. Geometric
and animal shapes range from 60 to 300 feet and were built
between 800 A.D. and 1200 A.D. Look for sign off Indian Mounds
Parkway. Free admission.
Pack a lunch and head just a couple
minutes outside of town to Whitewater's Artesian Well.
Hand dug in 1895 it has continued to flow ever since. On the
way back, consider a stop at the Fuzzy Pig
to pa rouse an interesting selection of gift items and antiques
in a unique setting.
Interested in Civil War
Memorabilia? Part museum, part shop, Lodgewood
Manufacturing in downtown Whitewater carries a wide
range of items including period clothing, weaponry, documents
and medals. Well informed staff can answer all your questions.
Call ahead as hours of operation can vary.
Situated in the bluffs of the Kettle
Moraine overlooking Whitewater Lake, Heart Prairie
Lutheran Church proudly stands surrounded by a pioneer
cemetery. Built around 1857 by Norwegian pioneers,
Norwegian was spoken exclusively in the church until 1902.
The grounds can be viewed from the outside daily or you can
take in a service during the months of June-August. Services
are held Saturday at 5pm and Sunday at 8am. Special
oil lamp services are also held at 8:30pm the last
Sunday of the summer months. Views of the lake can be seen
from the pews. Parking is limited so arrive early.
Minutes from Whitewater you will
find Old World Wisconsin and Hoard
Museum. Old World is truly history come alive where
a world has been re-created in which farmers, tradesmen and
shopkeepers lead their lives the same way these settlers did.
Bring the whole family to see, hear and smell the same things
that filled the senses of those hardy souls who chose to build
new lives in a faraway place called Wisconsin. Plan to spend
the day. A local history museum with a big story to tell,
the Hoard Museum is like no other. Here you’ll meet
the Sauk warrior Black Hawk and hear the story of the 1832
Black Hawk War. Find out what kind of soldier young Abraham
Lincoln was and learn how “Fort Atkinson” came
to be. Visit website for hours of operation.
Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne are
widely considered the greatest acting team in the history
of American theatre. The Lunts’ passion for excellence
and commitment to the art of live theatre was legendary, even
at the beginning of their careers. Summer after summer, the
Lunts came to Ten Chimneys to retreat, relax,
and rejuvenate.Ten Chimneys is a landmark unique among our
national treasures. Ten Chimneys’ diverse collections
and enchanting décor are comprised of the original
pieces hand-picked by the Lunts in the 1920s, ’30s,
and ’40s. And the magic is undiminished. Located only
24 miles from Whitewater, Ten Chimneys is a must see for the
true history buff.
Soak up local History 24/7 by staying
in one of Whitewater's Historic Bed and Breakfasts.
Hamilton House and Victoria -on-Main both
provide superior lodging and a history all their own. Helpful
innkeepers are quick to answer any questions you may have
and may offer up a few surprises.
Activity Checklist
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