Knox Creek History

Knox Creek Heritage Center was established in 1995 with the donation of several buildings and 2+ acres of land. Since then a Baptist Church from the town of Spirit, a log sauna, and a log house have been moved to the site.

A shelter was erected in 2008 to house donated 1920s circa tractor and a threshing machine. There are now 9 buildings on the site, including a gift shop filled with many ethnic items. All of the buildings have many exhibits that illustrate the lives of the early settlers and following generations of loggers and farmers.

One of the houses are furnished in period fashion of the 20s and 30s. The other house holds exhibits of the Co-op stores, a history of the schools in the area from the late 1890s to the present, and a logging display with many photographs of the early camps and mills and tools that were used.

A log building has been restored and displays items that would have been used by the early settlers.

The church has display cabinets of various displays, looms, toys, and photos of local veterans.

The pole shed has displays of agricultural tools and items, a blacksmith display and items that were used by the different tradesmen in the area.

Knox Creek Heritage Center is affiliated with the Wisconsin State Historical Society and is a nonprofit organization.

Our efforts are supported by memberships, donations of time, labor and money by generous donors, and by grants. Volunteers spend countless hours cleaning, setting up new displays, keeping the grounds mowed and the flower beds weeded, and any repairs that have to be done or additions built.

Of special note, as part of the Knox Creek Heritage Center, A Finnish Immigrant Settlers Monument was dedicated at the Brantwood Community Center, in 1990. That monument is located at the intersection of US Highway 8, and County Road D (North), in Brantwood.