Throughout history, Madeline Island has been home to many cultures. The largest of the Apostle Islands, the Ojibwe (Chippewa) and other tribes made their home here for hundreds of years before European contact. The island was also one of the earliest areas of European exploration and settlement in the interior of North America, serving as a post for the fur trade, commercial fishing, and missionary activities. French, British, and American outposts were established on the island, each bringing unique cultural influences.

The Madeline Island Museum celebrates all of these cultures. Bella and Leo Casper opened the Madeline Island Museum in 1958, and their original collection of artifacts documenting the island’s history can still be seen today. Modern expansions were added in 1991 and 1996, adding additional exhibit and gallery space. Come explore the storied past of Madeline Island and one of the richest collections of Wisconsin history.

American Fur Company Building

The oldest building still standing on Madeline Island, this 1835 structure belonged to the American Fur Company. Collections in this building explore the intersection of cultures on Madeline Island. They reflect the mixing of the French, British, American and Indigenous cultures and reveal how profoundly they influenced each other to create one unique island culture. These influences are still felt today.

Old Jail

Once serving as La Pointe’s jail, this building now houses collections that explore daily living for generations of island residents in the form of the tools they used to make a living. Behind the iron-barred windows of the Old Jail room, you’ll see up close the vast collection of tools and equipment used in logging and lumbering, boat building, commercial fishing, carpentry, and barrel-making.

Pioneer Barn

Built in the 1890s, this barn was originally used by a family of Swedish immigrants. Today, collections in the barn depict the life of the 19th and early 20th century European settlers. Catholic and Protestant missionary history is represented with a unique collection of artifacts and religious books translated into Ojibwe. These days, Madeline Island is a popular tourist destination, and collections here show how this industry began. You’ll also see objects describing the lifestyles of the well-to-do who spent long, lazy summers at cottages on the island.

Old Sailor’s Home

Built as a shelter and haven for stranded sailors, the Old Sailor’s Home was built by homesteader Olaf Anderson in memory of his brother who perished at sea. Today, the log structure is richly filled with hand-made furniture, kitchen tools and equipment, and textiles and items representing late 19th and early 20th century immigrant life on Madeline Island.

The Grounds

See and touch the museum’s larger artifacts including equipment from the Basswood Island brownstone quarry, a boat winch, net-drying rack, and a maple-sugaring kettle. The stockade area is reminiscent of fortified structures built by the French in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Virtual and In-person Programs!

Get ready to give your young learners the best field trip memory of the year. WHS is excited to bring back our popular sensory-rich, wonder-filled, on-site Field Trips at our historic sites and museums. We are also continuing our live, interactive online programs to bring creativity, critical thinking, and empowered storytelling into your classroom!

Explore Programs