HOME | Eagle River Historical Society

Your one Stop Shop for Local History
The Eagle River Historical Society serves as Vilas County's foremost repository for the area's history, preserving the local culture and heritage of the Northwoods for past, present, and future generations.

Whether you are a local, new to town, or having been coming up for decades, allow us to inform you of our area's history and show you how to be a tourist in your home town.
Take a Tour of Historic Downtown Eagle River!
Learn how this small Northern Wisconsin community transformed into a Wisconsin staple of tourism and culture through it’s pass times and local industry! Explore how Eagle River has evolved & changed, the exciting characters that shaped the community, and our 140+ years of progress!

Tours start at 10:00am on Thursdays and Fridays at the Eagle River Historical Society’s Depot Museum on 116 S. Railroad Street, in Eagle River.

Tours are about an 1hr and 15 Mins long. Audio Aids, Sun Umbrellas, and Picture Flip Books will be provided by the Historical Society.

BOOK A WALKING TOUR TODAY!
C.+N.W. Depot Museum
In the heart of downtown Eagle River, the 101 year old former Chicago and Northwestern Depot is our most visited museum. Showcasing the early industrial history of the area, the depot museum focuses on the early growth of Eagle River and the small businesses that historically occupied down town. ADMISSION IS FREE!

Physical Address:
116 S. Railroad St. Eagle River, Wisc. 54521
Winter Hours | Labor Day to Memorial Day
By Appointment
Summer Hours | Memorial Day to Labor Day
Thursdays & Fridays 11:00am to 3:00pm

LEARN MOREABOUT THE C.+N.W. MUSEUM HERE
Our Main Museum Campus
Our main museum focuses on the more broad-stroke history of Eagle River and Vilas Co., focusing on notable eras of our history, lifestyles of the past, and the home of our extensive archives, libraries, and collections. ADMISSION IS FREE!

Physical Address:
1181 Hwy. 45 S. Eagle River, Wisc. 54521
Winter Hours | Labor Day to Memorial Day
By Appointment
Summer Hours | Memorial Day to Labor Day
Thursdays & Fridays 11:00am to 3:00pm

LEARN MOREABOUT THE MAIN MUSEUM HERE
Support the New Heritage Center!
The Eagle River Historical Society is "Choosing Growth" with our current Capital Campaign! We are current fundraising and planning for the construction of a New Heritage Center which will seek to serve the community by offering more space to accommodate existing and expanded programming.

The new Heritage Center will also offer services that allow for the public to interact with the area's history, heritage, and culture through means of museum exhibition space and new research capabilities.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HERITAGE CENTER HERE

59

Years of Experience

Serving the community for over 59 years, we've earned the reputation of preserving your most valued memories & stories.

203

Members

Join a growing community of history minded enthusiasts all dedicated to maintaining our heritage, culture, and history.

26

Docents

We have lots of projects that meet lots of interests. So if there is something that interests you, join our team today to help out!

2

Museums

We operate two of the largest history museums in the area, which stand to serve the public and generations to come.

Looking for ways to get involved?

Be sure to attend our Annual Gala!

Want to Experience History? Come to our Special Events!

SEASONAL EVENTS

Join us in Celebrating those who came before us!

Support our Mission to save our Heritage! Volunteer Today!

Explore our growing Collection!

Want to do Research but don't know where to start?