Celebrating Native American Culture in Wisconsin
Native American cultures are a vibrant part of Wisconsin’s rich history and present-day cultural story. The state is home to 11 federally recognized tribes, most all of whom provide both educational and cultural experiences for travelers. So, experience an important part of Wisconsin’s story and add meaningful adventure to you next vacation.
Native American Museums & More
Located in DePere, the Oneida Nation Museum contains the largest exhibit in the world of Oneida clothing, medicine, toys, music and more. Take a tour, wander through the gorgeous Three Sisters Garden and nature trails with your group and visit the museum gift shop to browse original art by Indigenous artists, as well as music, books and more.
Then, get a taste of Native American culture with a visit to Cedar & Sage Grill House in Green Bay. From Oneida white-corn bread to bison brat chowder and freshwater walleye, the delicious dishes here made from local produce offer a tasty way to experience Indigenous tradition.
In nearby Bowler, visit an archive of Mohican artifacts at the Arvid E. Miller Library & Museum. Exhibits include rare books, microfilm of the Green Bay Indian Agency, and maps dating from the early 1600s. Listen to tribal elders tell stories of their lives through videos at the museum for a meaningful glimpse into the Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians.
In other areas of Wisconsin, you can stop in at the Menominee Indian Tribe Cultural & Logging Museum in Keshena—two museums in one that will take your group through the long history of the Menominee Tribe as well as the largest logging museum in the U.S.
The Ojibwe Museum and Cultural Center in Lac du Flambeau also provides a tour through exhibits displaying ancient dugout canoes, traditional Ojibwe clothing and videos showing wild rice harvests and other cultural traditions.
Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park in Danbury was once the site of fur trading posts and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located on 80 acres, the trading posts were re-discovered by archeologists in 1969 - they had been undisturbed for over 200 years! Learn about the fur trade with a re-enactment between traders and the Ojibwe tribe and explore a museum, outdoor wigwams and more. Tours are available of the park, and the buildings and grounds are wheelchair accessible.
Camping & Other Attractions
Located three miles north of Bayfield, the Red Cliff Reservation is home to the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and miles of beautiful landscapes to enjoy. The Buffalo Bay Campground and Marina offers easy access to Legendary Waters Resort & Casino, a public boat launch, beach, and of course, a beautiful view to enjoy with friends and family.
From there, it’s only 5 miles north to Frog Bay Tribal National Park, the first tribal national park in the United States with almost 4,000 feet of undeveloped Lake Superior shoreline. Also close by is Copper Crow Distillery, the first Native American-owned distillery in the United States and a great place to sip craft beverages with your crew.
Powwows
Drums pound, feet stomp and bright colors swirl at a traditional Native American powwow. Many celebrations are open to the public and are a great way to get a firsthand look into a tribe’s customs including bright regalia, music, food, artwork and more. Here are a few that take place regularly:
Bear River Pow-Wow – in Lac du Flambeau
Honor the Earth Pow-Wow – in Hayward
Menomonie Nation Contest Pow-wow – in Keshena
Ho-Chunk Nation Pow-Wow – Memorial Day and Labor Day
Discover more Native American businesses and attractions to visit while traveling in Wisconsin and make your next trip unforgettable.
