Milton House Museum — Attraction in Milton

Another stop on my father son road trip in 2022. I wanted to stop here and educate my son on the history of this place. Unfortunately, they were closed when we arrived. Online, it said they should be open but we decided to take advantage of the exterior opportunities. Took some pics, read some signage and to our surprise, an employee showed up! He allowed us in the building and let us look around in the shop. He informed me that someone wouldn't be here to do a tour until noon. We had gotten there just before 9am. We had a schedule to keep and couldn't wait around. There was plenty to look at it and read about in the foyer. Including a miniature to scale model of the Milton House. You could see through the tiny windows into the rooms, see all the furniture and such. So, it was like we got a free tour! My son even bought himself some old fashion stick candy from the shop. It was a very cool place with very rich history. I was glad my son and I got to visit. The young man that greeted us was very friendly and helpful. He even gave my son a discount on the candy he bought. Overall, it was a great experience even though we didn't get the full tour....

I found out about the Milton House as I was doing the town of Milton and Storrs Lake sections of the Ice Age Trail several years ago. I marked it as a place to return! We had been on a road trip, so coming thru the area we had the time to call ahead to make a tour appointment. Our tour guide gave us much information about Joseph Goodrich, who founded the town, established the Milton House as a frontier hotel, and was secretly operating the Underground Railroad under his hotel. The unusual shape of the house was fascinating to tour and we learned Goodrich created his own “concrete” formula for the walls. Walking thru the “improved” tunnel was the highlight for me. The actual tunnel was all dirt and much shorter than the one visitors walk thru. The tour was loaded with history you never heard such as the Fugitive Law, the secrecy pact among abolitionists, and so much more. Andrew Pratt’s story was very amazing! This is a very worthwhile stop for learning history with your...

Fantastic museum highlighting a stop for freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad and the unique history of Milton, WI.

There's an underground tunnel connecting the main lodge and a wooden cabin on the property. This was used by enslaved people seeking freedom in the northern States and Canada. Visitors are guided through the former lodge/establishment used in a prominent trade industry. The history of the establishment of Milton is interesting in itself.

Then museum patrons are given a brief history of slavery in the United States. After, you go to the basement where you're shown a hidden door which was the original entrance to the tunnel.

The tunnel was redone so visitors can walk the path. It's a visceral experience.

This museum is a gem of Wisconsin. I've driven past this building for decades. My grandparents are from the town over. My Wisconsin public school education didn't mention this historic site. Let's...