Castlerock Arms & Armor Museum, Alma

Fans of history, especially Medieval (or earlier) times and historic warfare, will be delighted to discover the Castlerock Arms and Armor Museum. This truly hidden gem in Alma, Wisconsin is perched above the Great River Road (Highway 35) and leave you ensconced in the Renaissance, as well as times prior.

The museum holds original items that date back hundreds – even thousands – of years. These weapons of war and hunting include steel, bronze, metal, and wood pieces that serve as swords, spears, shields, arrows, guns, full suits of armor, and some of the most whimsical masks on these suits of armor you can imagine they came up with hundreds of years ago – as evidenced below.

The museum’s contents come from the personal collection of Gary Schlosstein, a Wisconsin judge. Schlosstein acquired a Civil War musket at the age of 10 and that generated a spark and passion for more historic weaponry. he also began to study European Arms and Armor, learning more from history museum curators and gradually adding to his collection. Many of the pieces were purchased from auction houses around the world, from Sothebys and Christies in London to Czerny’s in Sarzano, Italy.

Part of the mission of the Museum is to showcase how the styles and forms of arms and armor evolved over the years. The Castlerock Museum becomes a history lesson with vivid examples right in front of you. Exhibits frequently include reproductions of period art showing how the arms and armor was actually used. Their displays of early art include the Bayeux Tapestry, ancient frescoes and medieval illustrated manuscripts. The Renaissance era ushers in paintings by such artists as Rembrandt, Titian, Lucas Cranach, Hans Holbein and Albrecht Durer. Historically correct paintings by contemporary artists fill in the areas where period art does not exist.

The lower level has a whole additional collection of weaponry and even covers and suits made of chainlink. There is also a Theater Area where performances, meeting, and lectures take place. Sometimes certain events allow people to try on select items! And, a chainlink suit is heavy.

Castlerock Museum does have a variety of events throughout the year, including their annual Fire In The Shire, which usually takes place in early June. Get their latest event updates here.

Cruise ship on the Mississippi River viewed from the Castlerock Museum in Alma, Wisconsin — *Cruise ships ply the Mississippi River at Alma, and you can see them on occasion from the windows of the Castlerock Museum in Alma, Wisconsin.*

The Castlerock Museum building has two floors: one at street level and the other considered the basement, but it still hovers high above the town. After all, the whole building is on a hill with a delightful view of the Mississippi River. Designed to look like a castle, it was completed in 2008. You’ll find it on Second Street, one block east of Highway 35/The Great River Road. Just head up the curve at the sign and you’ll find it directly across from the Buffalo County Courthouse.

Castlerock Museum Hours & Admission:

Castlerock Museum is open from 1pm to 4pm on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year, as well as 1pm – 4pm on Sundays June through August. They are also open by appointment and during special events that take place outside of their normal hours.

Admission is $6, students with valid ID get in for $4. Children 4 and under are admitted free, as are military personnel on active duty. Group Tours can also be arranged.