Stonefield Announces June 1 Opening Date & Upcoming Events

Wisconsin’s Agricultural Attraction to Host Grant County Dairy Breakfast, Bat Conservation Night, Harvest Moon Festival and More 

Cassville, Wis. – Stonefield, the former home site of Wisconsin’s first governor and now a historical attraction celebrating Wisconsin’s agricultural heritage, will open on June 1 just in time for National Dairy Month.

This year, the Wisconsin Historical Society site will host the Grant County Dairy breakfast on Sunday, June 11 from 7 to 11:30 a.m. Each June, an annual free admission event held at different farms around the state, the dairy breakfast encourages guests to explore farm life. 

“We’re delighted to be hosting this celebratory event on the 175^th anniversary of Wisconsin’s statehood,” said Susan Caya-Slusser, director, Stonefield. “It’s a great opportunity for visitors to explore our historic site and learn about our state’s rich agricultural heritage.”

Open through October 1, Stonefield is a 20-acre complex featuring a 1900s village with 30 replicated buildings, a 1901 progressive farmstead, the former site of Governor Nelson Dewey’s home site and the state’s agricultural museum. Here, visitors can discover how Wisconsin became America’s Dairyland while viewing the state’s largest collection of farm instruments—from hand-held tools for wild rice harvesting to large farming machines including the oldest North American tractor.

Stonefield’s season runs from June 1 – October 1, Thursday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $13.50 for adults and teens, $11.50 for seniors, $8 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children under five.

Visit stonefieldhistoricsite.org for more information. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free admission and a 10% discount on ticketed events. 

Click here to view the Stonefield photo gallery.

Upcoming Events:

Grant County Dairy Breakfast – June 11, 7 to 11:30 a.m.

For more than 50 years, these annual rotating breakfasts welcome visitors to a local farm for a scenic meal and a tour. This year Stonefield will host the annual event inviting guests to discover Wisconsin’s agricultural museum and historic site. Admission is free. Breakfast is $8 and free for children eight and under.

Historic Demonstrations – July 1, July 22, Aug. 5, Aug. 19, Sept. 30

Discover the crafts and handiwork needed to survive Wisconsin’s early days while also learning some important agricultural skills. Talented experts will share knowledge of their craft on select dates.

• Hat Making – July 1, July 22, Aug. 19: Hats were a prevalent part of 19^th-century society. Join hat maker Simone Mauser in the millinery as she shares the history and techniques of her craft.
• Woodworking – July 1, July 22, Aug. 19: Woodworking was an essential craft in the olden days. Join Greg Mausser in the carpentry shop as he produces products by hand.
• Spinning Wool – July 22, Aug. 19: The hum of the spinning wheel could be heard nightly in early settler’s homes. Learn the technique of this essential skill from Kris Ellis.
• Wheelwright – July 22, Sept. 30: Discover the craft of building and repairing wooden wheels with Warren Sveum.
• Composting – Aug. 5: Learn the importance of converting organic material into nutrient-rich soil with Sue Krause.
• Beekeeping – Aug. 5: Tammi Droessler will talk about the importance of beekeeping and share some tips for aspiring beekeepers.

Bat Conservation Night – July 13, 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Close to 2,000 bats reside at Stonefield. Learn about the importance of these misunderstood creatures and go on a bat count with Conservation Biologist Heather Kaarakka of the Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation.

Harvest Moon Festival – Sept. 16, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Experience the magic of autumn while exploring the historic grounds. Listen to live music, visit local vendors, grab a Wisconsin brew or glass of wine at the saloon, sample the fare from local food trucks, and try your hand at axe throwing. Bands include Gypsy from noon to 2:30 p.m., Adam Bartels Band from 3 to 5:30 p.m. and Yard Dogs from 6 to 9 p.m.

About Stonefield

Stonefield is one of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s twelve historic sites and museums. Comprised of a re-created 1900-vintage rural farming village and the State Agricultural Museum, Stonefield traces the history of Wisconsin agriculture from its inception to the 20th century. Stonefield is named after the estate farmed by Wisconsin's first governor Nelson Dewey and the site also includes Dewey's home site.

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About the Wisconsin Historical Society

The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the nation's largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.