For both children and adults, learning about the history behind a family’s cultural roots sparks curiosity and creates a stronger sense of cultural identity. This makes learning about history fun, and at the same time often leads to discovering places you may not have planned to visit!
Here are five African-American historical and cultural sites in Wisconsin that families may consider visiting on their next vacation. Most are close to major holiday destinations and are straightforward day trips. Don’t forget to visit nearby restaurants, shops and related events!
Paramount Plaza and Walking Tour – Grafton
Visit a tiny drive north of Milwaukee Most Important Square. With its distinctive walk of Fame resembling a piano keyboard, the location highlights the critical role that the Paramount Records recording studio and record press has played in the history of blues music and the achievements of the primarily African-American musicians who recorded for the label.
Close to the Chicago blues scene, Paramount Records was the perfect place for artists to come and launch their careers. You’ll find tributes to legendary blues artists such as Ma Rainey, Louis Armstrong, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and Charley Patton, who is often credited as the “Father of Delta Blues.”
Wisconsin Black Historical Society Museum – Milwaukee
The Museum of the Black Historical Society of Wisconsin has the mission of documenting and preserving the historical heritage of African descent in Wisconsin. Their current exhibits encompass a larger than life panorama of African American history that provides insight into contemporary African American life in Milwaukee. Serving as a resource center for all those interested in Wisconsin’s wealthy African-American heritage, the museum aims to encourage and promote family community and cultural activities.
Milton’s house – Milton
The Milton House Museum is a National Historic Landmark that operated as a stop on the Underground Railroad (UGRR) from its construction in 1844 until the Civil War. It is still the only certified UGRR facility in Wisconsin, where visitors have the occasional opportunity to walk the paths of freedom while visiting this unique structure. The one-hour guided tour includes the 1844 Milton House Hexagon Stagecoach Inn, a 45-foot tunnel connecting to the 1837 Goodrich Pioneer Cabin, and much more.
Old World Wisconsin – Eagle
Old World Wisconsin is an outdoor museum featuring 60 historic sites, ranging from ethnic homesteads – including the Pleasant Ridge Community, one of the first African-American rural settlements in Wisconsin – to an 1880s village with conventional small-town institutions. It is the world’s largest museum dedicated to the history of rural life, featuring interaction with live animals, historical displays and many hands-on activities.
Cheyenne Valley Heritage Trail Hike – Hillsboro
The Cheyenne Valley was the largest African-American settlement in Wisconsin in the 19th century. Nearly 150 African-American settlers arrived in the Cheyenne Valley with the aid of the Quaker Order, where they successfully farmed alongside Native American and immigrant neighbors, creating a multiracial community. The road trip map shows round barns, former schools, the aged town hall, cemeteries and settlement farms.
Want to learn more about Wisconsin history? Check out our top 25 historic sites or browse our entire catalog of history and heritage attractions!
