Native Wisconsin: A Guide to Experiencing & Honoring Native American Culture

Native culture is woven into the fabric of our state: Wisconsin is home to 11 federally recognized Tribes, each with their own distinct traditions and cultural heritage. From natural attractions to museums, businesses to events, Native culture permeates the travel landscape in Wisconsin, and opportunities to engage with it are abundant.

Want to learn more about Native culture in Wisconsin, but not sure where to start? Check out this guide to experiencing Native American culture throughout the state.

Tribes in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is home to one of the largest number of Native American Tribes east of the Mississippi River. These are the 11 federally-recognized Tribes in Wisconsin:

• Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
• Ho-Chunk Nation
• Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
• Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
• Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin
• Oneida Nation
• Forest County Potawatomi
• Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
• St. Croix Chippewa
• Sokaogon Chippewa (Mole Lake)
• Stockbridge-Munsee

Learn more about Native American tribes in Wisconsin: Native American Tribes of Wisconsin

What to See & Do

Cultural Centers & Museums

The Tribes in Wisconsin are committed to preserving their unique histories and traditions, and they have established expansive museums and cultural centers to house their wealth of knowledge. Engaging displays, rare artifacts, immersive exhibits and full-scale replicas invite you to learn more about each Tribe’s individual culture. 

Visit the Oneida Nation Museum in DePere where you can view original Iroquois artwork, engage in hands-on exhibits, get a personal tour around the museum about the history of the Oneida Nation, and enjoy wheelchair-accessible facilities. The Menominee Indian Tribe Cultural Museum in Keshena and the George W. Brown, Jr Ojibwe Museum and Cultural Center in Lac du Flambeau also provide important and meaningful history and artifacts and are also both wheelchair accessible with knowledgeable tour guides available. 

Outdoors

The reservations of the 11 sovereign nations occupy more than 332,000 acres of Wisconsin’s most beautiful and unique landscapes: Pristine lakes, rivers and streams, towering forests and ancient wild rice beds, each teaming with an abundance of wildlife. 

Thousands of ancient effigy mounds can be found in state parks and even cities, presenting opportunities to learn about the state’s first residents. 

Wisconsin is also home to the first tribal national park in the U.S., Frog Bay Tribal National Park on the lands of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Visit to walk along the sandy shores of Lake Superior and get a glimpse of the Apostle Islands.

Also within the Red Cliff reservation is Red Cliff Bay, which in winter transforms into spectacular frozen ice caves. Take a tour and learn about the historical importance of this natural wonder.

Casinos & Golf Courses

Stay and play in so many different ways! Along with sharing their traditions, many Wisconsin Tribes offer thrilling casinos and bingo throughout the state. You’ll find top-notch facilities coupled with beautiful restaurants, lounges, hotels and some great golf courses.

Read more about casinos in Wisconsin:

• Casino Round Up | Casinos & Gaming
• Wisconsin Casinos: Beyond Blackjack and Bingo

For a listing of more casinos in Wisconsin, check out our Casinos and Gaming directory.

Powwows

Many Tribes invite the public to attend their annual powwows, where Tribal members meet to honor and celebrate their culture through music, dance, and traditional clothing and regalia. Powwows typically take place over the summer months, and feature traditional Native food as well as handmade art and crafts.

Read more about these events and where to find them: Experience a Wisconsin Powwow

Businesses and Attractions

Tribal lands showcase so many diverse attractions and businesses, from orchards to fisheries to restaurants and more. While casinos are a large part of Native American business in Wisconsin, there’s plenty more to discover: Native artists, craftsmen and small business owners sell their wares to the public both on and off of Tribal lands all around the state.

Find everything from traditional beadwork and wood sculptures to coffee shops and even the first Native-American-owned distillery in the country.

Browse Native American businesses and attractions in Wisconsin.

Free Guide

Download the Native Wisconsin Travel Guide now and start exploring!