The Gaylord Nelson Highway
U.S. Highway 63 holds the designation of being named “Gaylord Nelson Highway”, in special recognition of one of Clear Lake’s own and...
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Clear Lake Historical Museum
Welcome To Clear Lake Historical Museum
Hailed as one of the finer museums in Wisconsin.
Upcoming Events
Multiple DatesThu, May 23Clear LakeMay 23, 2024, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMClear Lake, 560 5th St, Clear Lake, WI 54005, USA
Thu, May 23Clear LakeMay 23, 2024, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PMClear Lake, 99 2nd Ave, Clear Lake, WI 54005, USA
Honoring the Past
Looking to the Future
Clear Lake Historical Museum News
History Repeats Itself
After more than 40 years, the Clear Lake Historical Museum, guardian of our heritage, finds itself in restoration mode. After devastating damage during winter 2021-2022, the time to focus on the future is now.
An ice dam on the museum's roof was suspected of causing massive damage to the building's interior which served as the original school, built in 1912. Volunteers spent countless hours working with contractors and insurance shortfalls in attempt to pinpoint the culprit, stop the deterioration, and repair the damage. However, in a fortunate turn of events, it was determined that it was actually a boiler steam pipe which had failed and caused the mayhem. Repairs were finally able to be made without fear of more damage.
Plans for the Future
Volunteers set out to salvage and restore as many relics as possible from what is arguably one of the largest collections of priceless artifacts in this area. They soon recognized this disaster was in fact an opportunity to update and repurpose the many exhibits offered by the museum. They decided to reimagine the space and bring the exhibits into the 21st century.
Innovative new ideas being discussed may include a digital walking tour: a streamable or downloadable audio-video tour of the museum, narrated by a local expert tour guide. Traveling exhibits: from branching out to neighboring Clear Lake Area Community Center walls, to exhibits that will rotate through the Clear Lake School District and the Village of Clear Lake offices.
Fun and interesting events are being planned, including a Paint & Sip night featuring local artists and winemakers. Additionally, a Night at the Museum, where historical figures come to life in period-appropriate dress and speech, and a one-of-a-kind dramatic experience which will make patrons feel as if they have been transported back in time..
That's just the beginning! The Museum's Board of Directors and team of volunteers has chosen to take an optimistic and fresh approach, and will be unveiling their next generation of exhibits in Summer 2023.
It
2024 Clear Lake Bandstand Concerts
Our beautiful Clear Lake Bandstand was built more than 100 years ago, by a fellow named Bill Sadler. Situated on the triangular shaped corner of First Avenue (County Road A) and Second Avenue, just East of 5th Street in Clear Lake, Wisconsin, the bandstand is a unique building with a rich history.
Summer Music Series
Last year for the 100th birthday, a group of local enthusiasts, in tandem with the Clear Lake Historical Museum, planned to bring music back to the bandstand after years of quiet.
Stay tuned for the full lineup of local artists!
Mark Your Calendars!
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Thursday, May 23, 6:30 pm
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Thursday, June 13, 6:30 pm
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Thursday, July 11, 6:30 pm
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Thursday, July 25, 6:30 pm
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Thursday, August 11, 6:30 pm
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Thursday, August 22, 6:30 pm
(Times are approximate, acts subject to change.)
About Bill Sadler
Mr. Sadler was one of the premier builders of the day, and heavily sought out by many local businesses and homeowners. He built dozens of homes, businesses and churches in Clear Lake. Among many other things, he built two dams on the Apple River, south of Amery; the original First Lutheran Church on 5th Street in town (now the Sanctuary Resort); the former bank (now Kivlin Eye Clinic); and even reconstructed the old gym at the old high school (now the Clear Lake Area Community Center), separating it into two levels. The upper became a cafeteria and kitchen, and the lower became what is now Sunshine Fitness.
Not long after the construction of Black Brook Dam, in 1923, Sadler & Peirson Construction built the cobblestone bandstand that still stands in Clear Lake.
The lot which is home to the bandstand was purchased from Mrs. Olmsted by the Advancement Club in 1923 with the intent that a bandstand be built. The Advancement Club was a group of local businesses. Not much has changed since 1923 -- only the removal of some pine trees and the painting of the brick columns along with the cement toppers of walls and steps,
The bandstand has been used for concerts, ice cream socials and other events, such as weddings and talent shows.
Museum Blog
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