Your Guide to Pioneer Park
This summer, step into the past at Pioneer Park Historical Complex. The complex, located on the banks of the Pelican River south of downtown Rhinelander, offers interesting educational exhibits that will give you a glimpse at the life of early Northwoods settlers. And you might even spot a Hodag or two!
Pioneer Park Historical Complex is open Tuesdays through Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day, then Fridays and Saturdays only through the end of September. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
Pioneer Park also includes a baseball diamond, tennis courts and an ice rink in the winter.
Here’s a closer look at the things you shouldn’t miss at Pioneer Park.
Logging Museum
This building, constructed in 1954, is a replica of a historic logging camp, including a bunkhouse and cooking shack. Examine the implements loggers used to take down the massive trees of the Northwoods and see how the industry impacted Rhinelander and the surrounding area.
Antique sawmill
See an antique sawmill and learn about the different types of trees that populate Rhinelander’s forests.
Civilian Conservation Corps barracks
The Civilian Conservation Corps was a federal program in the 1930s and 1940s that was responsible for the conservation and development of natural resources on federal, state, and local lands. Learn about this group’s impact in Rhinelander and throughout Wisconsin.
Schoolhouse
Explore this one-room schoolhouse and see what life was like for students at the turn of the century.
Fire Museum
This museum has three restored fire engines on display, including a horse-drawn model.
Soo Line Depot
Climb into a restored train car from the Soo Line, which traveled through Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Marvel at the 1,000-square-foot model railroad display.
Antique Outboard Motor and Boating Museum
Learn about Rhinelander’s boating history at this museum.
Hodags
There are Hodags on the loose at Pioneer Park! Check out the Hodag Finder to discover where they are.
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