Historic National Landmark

The Milton House is one of Wisconsin's lesser known national landmarks, but it is one of the riches in history. It was the first grout building built in the United States, is served as a Hexagonal traveler's inn beginning the 1840's, and most importantly, it was a stop on America's Underground Railroad. The building featured tunnels that hid the slaves, enabling them to move without being seen. A pioneer named Joseph Goodrich came to the town of Milton which, at the time, was known as Prairie du Lac. He was looking for a place for him and his family to settle down and he chose this land because it laid between two Indian trails. There, he build a small frame home. As time passed, these roads became heavily traveled and Joseph decided his home would be the ideal location for an inn. He welcomed all who passed through his home, whether they arrived by train, stagecoach, or the secret Underground Railroad.

The home, now a museum and historic landmark, welcomes tour groups of 12 or more people, or allows individuals and small groups to explore the land and home on their own. The site is a popular destination for school field trips, but it is recommended to not bring children under 5 years of age. Admission to the museum is very reasonable. Children un 17 enter for $2.00 and adults can tour the property in a group for $4.00 per person. The group tours are available all year long by appointment.

The museum features a gift shop that is available during museum hours. There are a variety of books and pamphlets to educate visitors, as well as children's toys and collectibles, as well as candy and other treats. The gift shop is a great place to visit following your tour of the house, and it is a great chance to bring a souvenir by which to remember your trip.

The Milton House is a non-profit, private organization, and they have made the commitment to preserve the history of the town of Madison. Their society was established in 1948 and their mission includes not just preserving the Milton House but also the entire town. The town is filled with friendly folks who welcome travelers. There is a lot of hometown charm, and Milton is just a short drive from Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago. If you are making the drive from further away, you may want to consider visiting other nearby landmarks like Camden Playground, the Hoard Historical Museum, the Lincoln Tallman House, the Rotary Gardens, or The Angel Museum. It can be exciting for the family to plan a trip like this together so each member is able to spend time at an attraction which appeals to them.

If you live in the Midwest and you are interested in sharing the history of America's Underground Railroad with your family, or you would like to know more yourself and explore a real life portion of it, then a trip to Milton is in order. Head to The Milton House Museum for a unique historical experience.