The National Register of Historic Places in Rural Dane County
The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the federal government’s official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation for their historical significance or “great artistic value.” (This list does not include archaeological sites.) Click any pin on the interactive map below to learn more about each of the 24 National Register-listed historic places in rural (unincorporated) Dane County.
The Historic Preservation Office of the Wisconsin Historical Society administers the National Register program in Wisconsin. To learn more about the National Register program, click here.
According to Wikipedia, 260 properties and districts are listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Dane County, Wisconsin, 10 of which are National Historic Landmarks. Notably, 154 listed properties and districts, including 8 National Historic Landmarks, are in Madison. National Historic Landmarks are historic properties that are nationally significant and illustrate the heritage of the United States.
Almost all of the National Register-listed properties on our map are rural. Two stand out as being unique to the County. One is Wollersheim Winery, tucked into the County’s northwest corner along a hillside overlooking the Wisconsin River.
Kehl (Wollersheim) Winery in the northwest corner of the County on a hillside overlooking the Wisconsin River
The other is the Paoli Co-Operative Creamery Company Plant in Paoli, Wisconsin. To be sure, the plant served as much as the center of the County’s milk and cheese production. More recently, it was converted by its current owners into a restaurant and boutique hotel.
Paoli Co-Operative Creamery Company Plant originally served as the region’s milk and cheese production center.
Most links on the interactive map below will include a copy of the National Register nomination for that property and, when available, some historic photos taken at the time of the nomination.
Moved Properties
Please note that two properties on the map have been moved since they were listed on the National Register: Little Norway and the Aslak Lie House.
Little Norway was moved back to Norway a few years ago.
The Aslak Lie House will be reconstructed at Folklore Village in Iowa County.
The Aslak Lie Cabin is under reconstruction at Folklore Village in Iowa County.