The Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum is home to a variety of antique and historic canoes. The continuously changing displays bring canoe enthusiasts from all over the world to enjoy the displays each year. This eclectic assemblage of boats is exciting in its diversity and includes significant craft from the golden age of North American canoeing as well as work by important contemporary builders. The building traditions of the eastern seaboard, the mid-west, and Canada are all represented, providing the museum visitor a fascinating opportunity to experience the evolution of canoe design and manufacture in proper historical context. The museum started by a generous donation of 25 antique and historic canoes by the Dean family. The Canoe Shop is a 2,500 square foot, state of the art facility designed to celebrate the rich legacy of canoe craft while inspiring and educating a new generation of builders. Participants in canoe shop programs experience traditional and contemporary construction and restoration techniques through formal (and sometimes informal) instruction by skilled mentors.