For children and adults alike, learning the history behind their family's cultural roots nurtures curiosity and creates a stronger sense of cultural identity. This makes understanding the history fun, while often leading to the discovery of places you may not have planned to visit!
Here are five of the African American historical and cultural sites in Wisconsin that families can consider visiting on their next vacation. Most are close to major vacation destinations and make easy day trips. Also, don't forget to explore the nearby restaurants, shops, and related events!
Paramount Plaza and Walking Tour – Grafton
A short drive north of Milwaukee, Paramount Squarewith its distinctive Walk of Fame sidewalk resembling a piano keyboard, recognizes the important role played by the Paramount Records recording studio and record pressing plant in the history of blues music and the achievements of the musicians primarily African-Americans who recorded for the label.
Quite close to the Chicago blues scene, Paramount Records was the ideal place for artists to come and launch their careers. You'll find tributes to legendary blues artists like Ma Rainey, Louis Armstrong, Blind Lemon Jefferson and Charley Patton, often credited as “the father of Delta Blues.”
Wisconsin Black Historical Society Museum – Milwaukee
THE Wisconsin Black Historical Society Museum has a mission to document and preserve the historical heritage of African ancestry in Wisconsin. Their current exhibits include a larger-than-life panorama of African American history that offers a glimpse into modern life for African Americans in Milwaukee. Serving as a resource center for all people interested in Wisconsin's rich African-American heritage, the museum's purpose is to encourage and promote family-friendly community and cultural activities.
Milton House – Milton
THE Milton House The National Historic Landmark operated as a stop on the Underground Railroad (UGRR) from its construction in 1844 until the Civil War. This is still the only UGRR certified site in Wisconsin where visitors have the rare opportunity to walk the very trails of freedom while touring this unique structure. The 1-hour guided tour explores the 1844 Milton House Hexagon Stagecoach Inn, a 45-foot-long tunnel connecting the 1837 Goodrich Pioneer Cabin, and much more.
Old World Wisconsin – Eagle
Old World Wisconsin is an outdoor museum featuring 60 historic structures ranging from ethnic farms – including Pleasant Ridge Community, one of Wisconsin's first African American rural settlements – to the 1880s village with its traditional small-town institutions. It is the world's largest museum dedicated to the history of rural life and features interactions with live animals, period demonstrations and many hands-on activities.
Cheyenne Valley Heritage Byway Tour – Hillsboro
The Cheyenne Valley was the largest African American rural settlement in Wisconsin in the 19th century. Nearly 150 African American settlers made their way to Cheyenne Valley, with the help of the Quaker religious order, where they successfully farmed alongside their Native American and immigrant neighbors to create a multiracial community. A car tour The map highlights round barns, old schoolhouses, old town hall, cemeteries and settler farms.
Want to learn more about Wisconsin history? Check out our Top 25 historic sitesor browse our complete directory of History and heritage attractions!
