The Northern Wisconsin Center is an important Chippewa Falls institution with deep roots in the history of care for people with developmental disabilities. Established in 1897, it began as Wisconsin’s first facility of its kind and later expanded its mission from institutional care to community-based support.
- What it’s about:
The center opened as the “Wisconsin Home for the Feebleminded” on June 17, 1897, on 600 acres of land offered by the city of Chippewa Falls. Over time, it was renamed the “Northern Wisconsin Colony and Training School” in 1923 and later the “Northern Wisconsin Center for the Developmentally Disabled” in 1976. - What changed over time:
In its early years, the center provided care and training for children and adults, with instruction in self-care, farming, housekeeping, arts and crafts, and academics. By the 1970s, the focus had shifted toward outreach and community care for people with developmental disabilities. - Why it matters:
The center reflects a broader shift in how society treated and supported people with developmental disabilities, moving from custodial care toward more humane education and community involvement. Its history makes it a significant part of both Chippewa Falls and Wisconsin social history.