Living-history park

Heritage Hill State Historical Park

About 1.0 mi straight-line from the museum

Add a nearby living-history park with current admission, four Wisconsin time periods, rotating historic-building access, and a realistic terrain plan.

The place

About Heritage Hill State Historical Park

Heritage Hill State Historical Park is an independently operated nonprofit living-history museum on Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources land. More than 20 historic and reconstructed structures interpret northeastern Wisconsin through a 1762 fur-trade setting, 1836 Fort Howard, an 1871 small town, and 1905 ethnic farm communities.

From May 1 through Oct 31, the park is open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sunday noon–4 p.m., and closed Monday. Individual buildings, interpreters, trades, and demonstrations rotate, so the general gate schedule does not guarantee every interior or program.

Admission is per person rather than a standard state-park vehicle sticker: $14 adult, $7 youth age 6–12, free age 5 and under, and $12 for seniors 65+, veterans, and tribal visitors. Active-duty military and Conservation Patron pass holders have current free-admission terms; verify eligibility at the gate.

Many buildings and pathways have accessible routes, but the hill, historic thresholds, weather, and slippery surfaces still matter. Limited wheelchairs and a seasonal Thursday ADA tram are available; contact the park about the exact building route and remaining tram dates.

What stands out

Move through four time periods

The park organizes its buildings and interpretation from the 1762 fur trade through Fort Howard, a railroad-era small town, and ethnic farm communities.

Look for working-history interpretation

Rotating staff and volunteers can demonstrate trades, domestic work, military life, and farming, but the exact schedule changes by day.

Read the buildings as evidence

More than 20 preserved, relocated, and reconstructed structures show changes in materials, work, settlement, and community organization.

Use access support deliberately

Ask about limited wheelchairs, accessible building approaches, the seasonal tram, and the best route for hills or weather-sensitive mobility.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a National Railroad Museum trip

Heritage Hill is only about one mile straight-line from the National Railroad Museum and extends the history day beyond technology into the people, trades, farms, military post, and town life that railroads later connected. It is substantial enough for a separate half-day and requires its own ticket, schedule, and transportation.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • May–Oct hoursTuesday–Saturday 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sunday noon–4 p.m., closed Monday
  • Nov–Apr hoursEducation Center and grounds Tuesday–Friday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; historic buildings generally closed except announced programs
  • Admission$14 adult, $7 youth 6–12, free age 5 and under, $12 senior 65+/veteran/tribal, and current free terms for active military and Conservation Patron pass holders
  • InterpretationBuildings, interpreters, trades, and demonstrations rotate; call for the exact day's schedule
  • Historic periods1762 fur trade, 1836 Fort Howard, 1871 small town, and 1905 ethnic farm communities
  • AccessibilityAccessible routes serve many buildings and paths, but hills, historic thresholds, weather, and surface conditions remain material
  • ADA tramSeasonal Thursday 1 p.m. tram, approximately 60 minutes and $20, runs June 11–Sept 3, 2026; advance space and remaining dates require confirmation
  • AnimalsLeashed dogs may use the grounds and Education Center but are not permitted inside historic buildings; service-animal rules still apply
  • TimeAllow two to four hours with comfortable shoes, water, and weather protection

Add a free wildlife visit

Add Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary

Use the sanctuary for nature exhibits, rehabilitation, Wisconsin animals, and nearly five miles of trails after checking building and trail hours.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Is Heritage Hill part of the railroad museum?

No. It is a separate nonprofit living-history park about one mile straight-line away, with its own admission, hours, parking, and programs.

What are the current admission prices?

Current general prices are $14 adult, $7 youth age 6–12, free age 5 and under, and $12 for seniors 65+, veterans, and tribal visitors. Other pass or military terms require eligibility.

Will every historic building be open?

Do not assume so. Buildings, interpreters, and demonstrations rotate. Contact the park for the exact day's schedule if a particular area matters.

Is the park wheelchair-accessible?

Many buildings and routes are accessible, with limited wheelchairs and a seasonal tram, but hills, historic thresholds, and weather can still constrain the visit. Confirm the best route in advance.

How much time should I allow?

Two hours supports a focused route; three to four hours is better for multiple periods, demonstrations, and slower movement between buildings.

Can I bring a dog?

Leashed dogs may use grounds and the Education Center but not historic-building interiors. Check current policy and distinguish trained service animals from pets.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-15. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.