About Us

Clear Lake Historical Museum allows you to step into the past and imagine the future through an outstanding collection. We are constantly keeping our offerings fresh through our special events, such as Night at the Museum, as well as traveling and temporary exhibitions.

The Museum doors have been open to guests since the late 1970s. We are always changing and evolving in an effort to consistently offer new experiences to you and your family.

The ‘Guardian of Our Heritage’ is hailed as one of the finer history museums in Wisconsin. It features a huge collection of memorabilia from the careers of two of its favorite sons: Former U.S. Senator – and Founder of “Earth Day” – Gaylord Nelson, and Burleigh Grimes – member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, among many other things.

Pictured below: Pineville's Lacy Logging Mill, winter of 1889. In its heyday, around 1880-1890, Pineville was a thriving logging town situated approximately 3 miles northeast of Clear Lake. There was a general store, hotel and post office. Mr. Lacy from Hudson put in a sawmill at Pineville that had a capacity of 7 million feet of pine logs brought to the mill on wooden tramways. All that remains of Pineville today is a historic marker. Source: Polk County Again.

Our Museum’s Mission

We have a very important mission here at Clear Lake Historical Museum: to educate and enlighten the minds of our visitors and to encourage curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. We believe in educating the community and passing on the joy we carry for our work. However, our work is never complete—there is always something new to learn! If you would like to join us in planning for the future, please attend a board meeting. See upcoming events in Clear Lake, Wisconsin, for dates and times.

A museum can be a fascinating glimpse into the past. It is a place where history comes alive and visitors can learn about the events, people, and cultures that shaped the world we live in today. Museums house a wide variety of artifacts, including objects, documents, artwork, and more, that provide a tangible connection to the past.

By visiting our museum, visitors can gain a better understanding of the past and the context in which historical events occurred. They can learn about the daily lives of people in different time periods, explore the innovations and inventions that have shaped our world, and gain insight into the struggles and triumphs of individuals and societies.

Clear Lake Museum has educational opportunities, with exhibits that are designed to be interactive and engaging. Visitors can learn through hands-on experiences, such as perusing period clothing, strolling through a home or store set in the past, or participating in reenactments. Our Museums offers educational programs for children and adults, such as lectures, workshops, and tours, that can deepen visitors' understanding and appreciation of the past.

Overall, museums offer a valuable glimpse into the past, providing a rich and immersive experience that can inspire, educate, and entertain. Whether you are a history buff, a student, or simply curious about the world around you, a museum can be a fascinating and rewarding destination.

A Glimpse Into Our History

Since our inception in 1979, we have upheld our side of a very serious promise: to offer an unbeatable historical experience for each and every one of our visitors in the greater Clear Lake, Wisconsin, area. From the start, our goal has been to research, track and preserve the world around us. Each year, we are evolving and changing, which we use as an opportunity to improve our Museum.

Where the History Lives

What makes our museum so special? Museums preserve and exhibit important cultural, artistic, historical or scientific artifacts. While these exhibits provide informative and visual explorations, there are many benefits to visiting these institutions. Simply put, museums help to teach, inspire and connect communities.

-Aerospace Utah

There are several reasons why you should visit your local historic museum:

Learn about local history: A historic museum is a great place to learn about the history of your local area. Visitors can discover how the area was settled, the stories of significant people who lived there, and how the local community has changed over time.
See unique artifacts: Historic museums often house rare and unique artifacts that cannot be seen anywhere else, and ours is no exception. Visitors can see firsthand how people lived in the past, view important documents and photographs, and examine historic objects.
Gain perspective: By visiting a historic museum, visitors can gain perspective on their own lives and the world around them. Learning about the struggles and triumphs of past generations can help us appreciate the progress we have made and inspire us to continue making positive changes. For example, seeing the massive impact that two of Clear Lake's favorite sons made on the world gives us hope for our own future.
Educational experience: Museums are often designed to be educational, with exhibits that are interactive and engaging. Visiting a historic museum can be a fun and informative experience for people of all ages.
Support local culture: By visiting your local historic museum, you can help support and preserve your community's cultural heritage. Museums rely on visitors and community support to continue operating and preserving the history and artifacts of your local area.

Overall, visiting your local historic museum can be a fascinating and rewarding experience. Whether you are a history buff, looking for an educational outing with your family, or simply curious about the past, a historic museum can offer something for everyone.

Board of Directors

Tim Wyss, president

Ray Cress, vice president

Nancy Engel, treasurer

Lori DeBoer, secretary