Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Day
Saturday, May 23, 2026
The Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum (WCHM) in Spooner is once again making plans to celebrate Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Day in 2026 on Saturday May 23 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. This free event marks the opening of the seventeenth season for the museum, and will include open house in the museum exhibit hall, ongoing activities in the canoe workshop, live music and food and beverage outdoors in the beer garden, a silent auction and canoe raffle, and of course the Canoe & Wooden Boat Show.
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2026 Canoe & Wooden Boat Show
The Canoe & Wooden Boat Show remains the centerpiece of the celebration. More than 15 exhibitors are expected to display wooden boats of many styles and eras—from classic heritage craft to contemporary designs—along with vintage paddling equipment and watercraft-related artifacts. Among the early confirmed exhibitors are Paul Klonowski of Mundelein (IL), presenting two Loonworks canoes built by Tom MacKenzie, and Thomas Knuteson of Waukesha (WI), displaying a 1948 Lake Snipe paired with a 1948 4.5 hp Martin outboard motor. Featured Guest Exhibitor: Michael Grace New this year, the boat show introduces a featured “celebrity exhibitor” program. The inaugural spotlight falls on Michael Grace of Gray, Georgia—a writer, photographer, historian, collector, and restorer of antique wooden canoes and related ephemera. Grace will present a newly restored Racine Indian Paddler lap strake canoe, complementing the museum’s current Wisconsin Canoe Builders exhibit. He will also discuss the specialized tools, techniques, and restoration materials he has researched and tested extensively—an area expected to draw strong interest from canoe enthusiasts and restorers alike. The booth space is free, and reserving a space is easy. You can use our online registration form. |
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Food & Music In The Beer Garden
While the Canoe & Wooden Boat Show goes on through the day, the outdoor beer garden will once again feature food, beverage, and live music on the “back porch” stage. In 2026 we’ll enjoy the music of two groups, along with fun food and beverages. Our two groups that will be performing are Little Way and Blu Kanu. Little Way is a husband-and-wife- country duo rooted in the Northwoods of Wisconsin with their sounds built on simplicity. Blu Kanu performs crowd favorites rom the 70s through present times. Interested in being a volunteer during the event? Email Executive Director Alexis Foster at [email protected] for more information. |
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Silent Auction
Another highlight of the day will be an auction featuring recently donated watercraft. Items include: A 1910 Old Town Charles River canoe (serial #12844), in excellent condition and water-ready; A second full-size canoe of unknown origin, ready for use; and an Old Town restoration project canoe. Additional details and photos will be posted on the museum website prior to the event. Contact Alexis Foster at [email protected] or call the museum at 715-635-5002. |
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Annual Canoe Raffle
A major fund raising activity for the WCHM is the annual canoe raffle. The winning ticket holder will once again have their choice of either a 16 ft Prospector Tandem canoe or 15' MacKenzie-Yost MyPal Tandem canoe. Tickets will be available at the boat show for $20 or six for $100. Although the final drawing will not be until October 17, 2026, there will be several drawings for intermediate prizes during the boat show. You do not need to be present Oct. 17 to win the raffle canoes. |
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Where to Find Us:
The Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum is a 501c3 volunteer led non-profit organization based in Spooner, Wisconsin (312 N Front St). Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Day is a free event in Spooner produced by the WCHM each year on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend from 10 am to 4 pm. For more information call 715-635-5002 or write to [email protected]. For nearby motel lodging we recommend Best Western Riverplace Motel at 715-635-9770. For camping, travel, or other lodging information contact the Washburn County Tourism Association at 800-367-3306.
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