The Hoard Historical Museum covers Fort Atkinson’s colorful history, starting with its namesake William Dempster Hoard, the “father of American dairying.” The museum also offers a good look at the likes of noted Sauk warrior Black Hawk and the “Black Hawk War” of 1832, the experiences of a young Abraham Lincoln as he rode into and through the area, and poet and Fort native Lorine Niedecker. Other historic artifacts, current and historic artwork, and an exhibit on area Native American mounds round out the museum’s top offerings.
The Hoard Historical Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30am-4:30pm. Admission is free, although donations are welcome ($5/person or $10/family is suggested – and a good idea.) The National Dairy Shrine Museum is adjacent; the two share a Visitor Center.
You’ll find both along U.S. 12/Highway 89 just south of downtown Fort Atkinson. It’s just east of Business Highway 26 and about half a mile south of Highway 106.
Address:
401 Whitewater Avenue
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
(920) 563-7769
Website
