Greenbush, WI. – Wade House, one of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s 12 historic sites and museums, will reopen for in-person experiences on August 20, 2021. The site will be open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until closing day of the season on Sunday, October 31, 2021. General admission costs $13 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $5 for children ages 5-12. Children younger than 5 receive free admission.

“We are excited for visitors to once again engage with Wade House and the fascinating history of this Wisconsin landmark,” said Alli Karrels, Wade House historic site director. “Wade House symbolizes the incredible progress made since stagecoach travel was prevalent in Wisconsin, and allows visitors to see with their own eyes how much daily life has changed since the 1850s.”

Guests to Wade House begin their experience at the Visitor’s Center and the Wesley J. Jung Carriage Museum which houses a unique carriage collection unlike any other in the state. Twice daily, at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., guests will have an opportunity to help feed the farm animals. Visitors can tour the historic Wade House Hotel, which was built as a halfway point for stagecoach travelers journeying between Sheboygan and Fond du Lac, and may even get the chance to help prepare a batch of fresh cookies in the 1850s wood-fired oven. At the Herrling Sawmill, guests get the chance to make a fire starter from sawdust to take home and experience the sights, smells, and sounds of a lucrative industry in Wisconsin in the mid-1800s. 

On select Saturdays throughout August, September, and October, Wade House will host a series of a blacksmithing workshops led by skilled tradesmen in the 1850s blacksmith shop. The workshops offer a unique opportunity to engage with history and create unforgettable memories with friends and family, with focus areas including Introduction to Blacksmithing, Knife Making, and Household Ironwork. Pre-registration is required and participants receive a boxed lunch on the day of the event.

Wade House will also host Tavern Night from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, October 8, 2021. In the same bar that served drinks to guests 170 years ago, event-goers will sip on refreshing beverages while enjoying live music from the band. Tickets are $15 and include entry, 2 drink tickets, and appetizers. This event is for ages 21+. Learn more about Wade House at wadehouse.wisconsinhistory.org.

For the most up to date information about all 12 of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s sites and museums, visit wisconsinhistory.org/sites.

About Wade House
Located in Greenbush, Wisconsin, Wade House is a historic stagecoach inn that was operated in the 1850s to serve traffic along the plank road connecting Fond du Lac and Sheboygan. The site tells the story of frontier entrepreneur Sylvanus Wade and his family during the Civil War years. In addition to the inn, the historic site includes the Herrling sawmill, one of the few working, water-powered sawmills of its kind in the nation. Wade House is also home to the Wesley Jung Carriage Museum, which houses the state's largest collection of antique carriages and working wagons. For more information, call 920-526-3271 or visit wadehouse.org.