Exploring the Past: Historic Tours in Chippewa County
Chippewa Falls and other towns in the county were incorporated in the 1860s at the earliest, but Chippewa County has been a bustling logging area for years before that! This long history has given us so many remnants of the past, such as historic buildings, homes, bridges, and other architectural wonders. Thanks to the amazing efforts of our community, so much of our history has been preserved and shared through informative tours put together by local organizations. There is much to explore and learn about our little area, so be sure to visit and take part in these fantastic excursions!
Cook-Rutledge Mansion Tour
This 1887 High Victorian Italianate mansion was home to Edward Rutledge, a famous lumberman who worked at the large sawmill in Chippewa Falls, and later home to Dayton Cook. The Cook-Rutledge Mansion is stunning, both inside and out, and gives a glimpse into the life of a Chippewa Falls resident during this time period. This informative tour will teach you about the life of Edward Rutledge and his home, as well as showcase the extravagant 19th-century architecture. Tours are available year-round, so be sure to call ahead and schedule your tour today!
See more of the Cook-Rutledge Mansion
Historical Downtown Walking Tour
Take a self-guided tour through downtown Chippewa Falls, where a number of historic buildings remain. Explore old buildings and see the new, local businesses that fill up those spaces today! Fans of history and architecture will love seeing a number of gorgeous buildings, including the 1910 Post Office, the neoclassical design of what is now the Heyde Center for the Arts, the Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge from 1916, and many more. There will occasionally be guided tours during the summer months, but otherwise stop at the Chippewa Falls Visitor’s Center at 1 North Bridge Street or the Chippewa Falls Main Street Office to grab your walking tour brochure!
Learn more about the walking tour
Chippewa Area History Center
The Chippewa Area History Center is dedicated to immersing you in our storied past. Filled with three floors of relics showcasing early farming, timber, and military service, there is much to explore and learn at this fantastic museum. The history center hosts the ultimate collection of our land’s history, dating back to the Native American nations that once lived here. If you or your family have roots in Chippewa County, visit the Chippewa County Genealogical Society inside the museum to research and trace your lineage. Open from Wednesday through Sunday, be sure to stop by and learn more!
Leinenkugel’s Brewery Tour
Founded in 1867, the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company is Chippewa Falls’ historic pride and joy! This brewery represents over 150 years of our iconic history, making it the perfect stop to get a tour. Explore behind-the-scenes to get a glimpse of the brewing process, learn the rich history of the Leinenkugel’s brand, and get a tasty pint of beer all in this one experience. See the tour schedule or request your own on the official Leinenkugel website, and be sure to visit the Leinie Lodge for a few drinks to round out the day!
Chippewa Falls Museum of Industry and Technology
The Chippewa Falls Museum of Industry and Technology is another fantastic museum to learn about our history. Here, you’ll discover technology and engineering companies integral to our history, like Cray Supercomputers (now part of Hewlett-Packard Enterprise), Mason Companies, Darley, and more. Walk through many exhibits containing artifacts that represent our storied past, and also check out the rare toy soldier collection, featuring lead toy soldiers from World War I. This museum has it all, making it a great next stop on your historical tour.
Explore our technological past
Explore All Historical Markers
Chippewa County is filled with over 50 historical sites, all representing an important point in our history. While there is no dedicated tour, spending a couple of days visiting each marker could make for a fun and informative trip! With historical markers scattered everywhere, there is no better way to explore Chippewa County than this educational scavenger hunt. See our collection of historic sites and explore your way!
