Indigenous culture is woven into the fabric of our state: Wisconsin is home to 11 federally recognized tribes, each with its own distinct traditions and cultural heritage. From natural attractions to museums, businesses and events, Indigenous culture permeates the Wisconsin tourism landscape, and opportunities to engage with it abound.
Want to learn more about Native American culture in Wisconsin but don’t know where to start? Check out this guide to learning about Native American culture across the state.
Wisconsin is home to one of the largest groups of Native American tribes east of the Mississippi River. The 11 federally recognized tribes in Wisconsin are:
- Bad River Band of Chippewa on Lake Superior
- Ho-Chunk Nation
- Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
- Lac du Flambeau Lake Superior Chippewa Range
- Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin
- Oneida Nation
- Forest County Potawatomi
- Lake Superior Chippewa Red Cliff Range
- Chippewa of the Holy Cross
- Sokaogon Chippewa (Lake Mole)
- Stockbridge-Munsee
Learn more about Native American Tribes in Wisconsin: Native American Tribes in Wisconsin
Wisconsin tribes are committed to preserving their unique history and traditions, and have established extensive museums and cultural centers to house their wealth of knowledge. Engaging exhibits, scarce artifacts, immersive displays, and full-size replicas invite you to learn about each tribe’s unique culture.
Visit the Oneida Nation Museum in DePere, where you can view original Iroquois art, participate in interactive exhibits, take a personal museum tour of the history of the Oneida Nation and enjoy wheelchair-accessible facilities. Menominee Indian Cultural Museum in Keshena and the George W. Brown Jr. Ojibwe Museum and Cultural Center in Lac du Flambeau also house critical and significant historical exhibits and artifacts. Both facilities are wheelchair accessible and have informed guides available to guests.
Outside
The reserves of 11 sovereign nations encompass more than 332,000 acres and feature some of Wisconsin’s most handsome and unique landscapes: pristine lakes, rivers and streams, statuesque forests and old wild rice fields – each home to a wealth of wildlife.
There are thousands of old effigy mounds in state parks and even cities. It’s a great way to learn about the first inhabitants of the state.
Wisconsin is also home to the first tribal national park in the U.S., Frog Bay Tribal National Park on the lands of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Visit to walk along the sandy shores of Lake Superior and see the Apostle Islands.
Also in the Red Cliff Reserve is Red Cliff Bay, which in winter transforms into spectacular frozen ice caves. Take a tour and learn about the historical significance of this natural wonder.
Casinos and golf courses
Stay and play in many different ways! In addition to sharing traditions, many Wisconsin tribes offer invigorating casinos and bingo throughout the state. You will find top-notch facilities combined with handsome restaurants, lounges, hotels and several great golf courses.
Read more about casinos in Wisconsin:
For a list of other casinos in Wisconsin, check out our casino and gaming directory.
Many tribes invite the public to an annual powwow, where tribal members come together to honor and celebrate their culture through music, dance, and time-honored costumes and regalia. Powwows are typically held during the summer months and feature time-honored Native American foods as well as handmade arts and crafts.
Read more about these events and where to find them: Attend the Wisconsin Powwow
Tribal lands feature so many different attractions and businesses, from orchards to fishing, restaurants and more. While casinos make up a vast portion of Native American business in Wisconsin, there is much more to discover: Native artists, craftsmen and compact business owners sell their wares to the public both on and off tribal lands throughout the state.
Here you’ll find everything from time-honored beadwork and wood carvings to coffee shops and even the country’s first Native American-owned distillery.
Browse Native American businesses and attractions in Wisconsin.
