Welcome to The Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum, an institution devoted to the acquisition, preservation, and dissemination of materials and information relating to the history and heritage of canoe building, canoes, and canoeing in North America.
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Please join us Saturday, May 23, 2026 for our annual Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Day! WCHM invites you to join us for the season opening of the museum with food, drinks, and music from two fun music groups: Little Way and Blu Kanu.
WCHM is also hosting it's annual Canoe & Wooden Boat Show. We already have over 12 exhibitors registered with space for more. If you are interested in registering a space for the Boat Show, click the button below or email Alexis Foster at [email protected]. |
Our Exhibit Hall...features displays comprised of canoes and canoe related ephemera from the collection of Jill Weber Dean and Jeff Dean, as well as others. This eclectic assemblage of boats is exciting in its diversity, and includes significant craft from the golden age of North American canoeing as well as work by important contemporary builders. The building traditions of the eastern seaboard, the mid-west, and Canada are all represented, providing the museum visitor a fascinating opportunity to experience the evolution of canoe design and manufacture in proper historical context. Visit our Exhibit Hall page for information on visitation hours or appointments.
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Our Canoe Shop...is a 2,500 square foot, state of the art facility designed to celebrate the rich legacy of canoe craft while inspiring and educating a new generation of builders. Become a member and you can access our shop and all it has to offer for your personal projects. Frequent canoe shop programs also allow the novice to experience traditional and contemporary construction and restoration techniques through formal instruction. Visit our Canoe Shop page for more information on how you can use our shop.
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Our Canoe & Wooden Boat Show...is a great time to visit the museum. Held annually on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, it is also our opening day of the summer season. in addition to the boat show, you can enjoy the museum open house, exhibit hall tours, canoe construction demonstrations in the shop, live music on the back porch, and food and beverage in the beer garden. Find out how to become an exhibitor and everything else being planned for this year's Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Day on our Boat Show page.
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Current News & Upcoming Events...For the most up to date information on what is happening at the Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum visit our Current News page. We also have special events, classes, shows, and other activities that you can learn about on our Upcoming Events page. You can also join our email news list at WCHM Enews.
You can help preserve our rich canoeing heritage. Become a Member and receive our quarterly newsletter. The WCHM is a 501c3 non-profit corporation, and donations to our Perpetuity Endowment Fund or our general operating fund are fully tax deductible. You can learn about how the WCHM operates on our Governance page. |
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Our Building in Spooner, Wisconsin...which houses the exhibit hall and shop, was originally part of the Baker Grain Elevator, built circa 1912, and once a part of Spooner's railroad infrastructure. The exposed steel truss work reflects the architectural vernacular of the era while providing a visually stunning display space for the collections. You can find information about how to find us or otherwise get in touch on our Contact Us page.
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Exhibit Hall Hours:
The WCHM Exhibit Hall is currently closed for the season. We will re-open again for our traditional spring seasonal
opening event "Canoe Heritage Day" on May 24, 2025. After that our regular exhibit hall hours will be:
May 24 - Sept 28, 2025
Wednesday thru Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sundays & Holidays 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
To visit by appointment at any other time please contact us at 651-500-9384 or [email protected].
opening event "Canoe Heritage Day" on May 24, 2025. After that our regular exhibit hall hours will be:
May 24 - Sept 28, 2025
Wednesday thru Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sundays & Holidays 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
To visit by appointment at any other time please contact us at 651-500-9384 or [email protected].
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