"Wisconsin-Happy Festival State", by Eve Phillips. My husband and I love to travel in the state of Wisconsin where we live and get great pictures on the way. My name is Laurie Kutil and photography has become a great passion of mine since 2010. One thing I have learned in researching each town before visiting it is that, "Every town has it's story". When I do uncover those stories by connecting with local residents, our experience becomes so much richer. In turn, sharing the stories with you brings me joy :)
There is much to see in Rhinelander and this museum is a must-see if you only have one day.
The Pioneer Park Museum Complex is America’s oldest Logging Museum and was once an actual logging camp. It is only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, closed Mondays except for open and end of the season. During September, open Fridays and Saturdays.
This is a self-guided tour, and upon arrival you are greeted by a docent and given a sheet describing each building and exhibit in order so you don’t miss anything. Page 1 and following exhibits.
The Civilian Conservation Corps provided jobs during the Depression in the 1930’s. It also helped build the infrastructure of the National and State Parks throughout our country.
The Fire Barn had a beautiful mural painted on two sides.
Three trucks on the inside.
There was a teepee outside of the Fire Barn too. Here we are for scale.
Now we head to the Blacksmith Shop, very interesting! when you walk in they have a cross section of Wisconsin trees at the Nicolet National Forest on display.
In the main building are many treasures to be seen, some of them animated. We first see a logging camp setup for their dining room.
As you can see up ahead, this is the door leading to the “captured” Hodag. Also a Hodag “roar” and a mini-sawmill model with moving figures inside. Also Hodag art.
I just heard the roar from the Hodag on the left. A docent at the museum will press a button to play the roar.
The Model Sawmill is amazing, its 75 years old! It used to run on steam, now its electric. Here is some information about the builder. Lets see it in action!
This concludes Part 1 of the museum, the half on the right side of the complex.
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Part 2 – The Railroad Museum
On the left side are all the railroad cars, the Rhinelander Depot and other artifacts of interest. Click on pages to expand.
First off is the Steam Hauler, which used to pull logs on a sleigh with ease. It helped cut down the cost of logging and wear and tear on horses!
The Rhinelander Railroad Association has been involved here, and a fine job they have done! They also have a model railroad in the basement level of the depot. I hear the train now! This is simulated, the train is really stationary and does not give rides.
If you want to ride a real steam train, you need to go to Laona to ride their Lumberjack Steam Train. Its about 45 minutes west of Rhinelander.
The #5 Engine is still in the process of being restored. The caboose has been completely restored by the Northwoods Woodworking Club.
We enjoyed getting the grand tour of the displays by a volunteer from RRA. He first showed us the model railroad, filling the entire room. How impressive!
There were many good displays on the top floor too, even a train stained glass window.
And the grand finalé, we recieved a tour of the car currently off limits to visitors, the “Thunder Lake Company Car”, or President’s Car. Our guide showed us the work still had to be done here, and the need for donations. $10,000 is the goal and there is still a LONG way to go. While you are there you can either put money in the donation box or send a check here. Interior of car and restoration photos exclusive here.
Thanks very much for showing us so much, you take pride in your work and it shows. Now to wrap up our tour. here are a few more exhibits. It was an enjoyable 2 1/2 hours of exploring and we learned a lot!
Near the entry take a picture with the hodag and/or a carving of Tom Skubal, a former CCC participant.
Stevens Point is the Portage County Seat, with a population of 26, 717 with a rich history in the logging industry in the 19th century. We stopped at Pfiffner Pioneer Park and found out why it’s called the “Gateway to the Pineries”. there is a marker there about that, as well as a marker dedicated to George Stevens, whom the city was named after.
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There are other signs at this park describing the interesting history of Stevens Point. They even made pearls buttons!
The Riverfront Arts Center is in this park also. You can see the Pineries and Stevens marker in this view.
The view across the Wisconsin River shows the water tower and New Page Paper Mill company.
My husband lived here for one year while he went to college at the University of Wisconsin in 1980. Former Gov. Lee Dreyfus was inaugurated here on 1-1-79. He relates his experiences here when we last visited in 2001. It’s on that rock in front of the building.
Stevens Point is also home to a rather rare and unusual water feature, The Boy With a Leaking Boot. Here it is in operation.
Many of the early settlers in Stevens Point were Polish, and to honor that heritage, they have a statue of Casmir Pulaski.
Stevens Point also pays homage to its railroad history, still very active. This is the depot with a train present.
Across the street is the Southside Railroad Complex, complete with steam engine and Soo caboose.
Funds are still being raised for continued renovations of the cars. Go to SOO2713.org to learn more. There will be an open house here on Sept. 19.
For those wishing to arrive in Stevens Point, the Municipal Airport is there to serve your needs.
Downtown is beautiful, having preserved many historic buildings still in use with many businesses. The Mathias Mitchell Public Square has been a gathering place for the community for over a century.
In the square is also a fountain, complete with a performance schedule.
Other features downtown, the former Opera House, “The Fox on Main” is currently vacant. Donations are being collected to refurbish this historic building.
At the back of the Portage County Public Library parking lot is a marker, it was the site of the first public building in town.
All this exploring can make you hungry, and we had lunch at two top places. On July 6 we went to the Hilltop Pub and Grill on 4091 Main Street. What a beautiful building too! The food was also delicious, I had the beef brisket sandwich and Al had the Chicken Flippers from the appetizer menu. Yum!
On July 8 we went to Al’s Diner, tucked away in a residential neighborhood on 3324 Jefferson St. We felt welcome from the moment we walked in, and left as friends with the owner Gail Guzman. Also one of the local ladies were there and we chatted with her as well. We will be back next year on our return visit!
The menu, also the place mat!
We saw one final marker before our visit concluded, the Jordan Dam and Power Plant and marker at Jordan County Park. It is a little hard to find, is was hidden by a large bush in a circle turn-around area. It is on the right side of highway 66 as you leave town.
It was a great visit to Stevens Point , we are so glad we had a chance to look around!