In Eastern Wisconsin, there’s a beautiful building that will transport you overseas. It’s called the Waelderhaus, and it’s an authentic Austrian-style building, unlike any other historic places in Wisconsin. I believe it’s one of the more unusual buildings in our state, and perhaps after you visit, you’ll agree. It’s something you must see in person to fully appreciate. Here’s what’s waiting for you at the Waelderhaus in Wisconsin. Be sure to have your camera in hand to take some Waelderhaus photos for your collection.

The Waelderhaus is located in the Village of Kohler. It was constructed in 1929-1930 near the Sheboygan River.
Waelderhaus in Wisconsin
Google/Sarah Streicher
The home was constructed by Marie Christine Kohler as a memorial to her father, John Michael Kohler II. John Kohler was born in 1844 in an Austrian alpine village. After he arrived in the United States, he founded the Kohler Company, a producer of bathroom and kitchen products.
Google / Waelderhaus
Kohler’s company was an enormous success and his daughter commissioned an incredible tribute. The building was designed and furnished by Austrian architect Kaspar Albrecht.
Google / Waelderhaus

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The building was built to look like it could have existed in John Kohler’s hometown. It was built in the traditional style of the Bregenzerwald region of western Austria.
Google / Waelderhaus
The Waelderhaus became the home of the Kohler Women’s Club and it was used by local Girl Scouts. It has a traditional Bregenzerwald-style kitchen and contains many articles brought from Austria by the Kohler family. There are many carvings, tapestries, stained glass, and fine pieces of furniture.
Google / Waelderhaus
Waelderhaus is a word meaning "house in the woods" and it’s always been a home open to the public. Today the home is open for regular tours – it’s a chance to explore a beautiful building that helps tell the story of an important Wisconsin family.
Google / Waelderhaus

If you’re interested in the holiday festivities at this historic house, check out this YouTube video by USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin with a peek at the annual gingerbread festival.

Guided tours of the Waelderhaus are free of charge and reservations are recommended. Visitors are also welcome to explore the gardens and grounds at their leisure. The facility also hosts an annual gingerbread festival in December. Learn more on the Waelderhaus website.

There’s a lot more to experience in Kohler, including one of the best hotels in the entire world. Or check out these incredible attractions in Kohler that are great if you wanna spend a long weekend in the area. 

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More to Explore

Unique Attractions In Wisconsin

Melanie J. | November 17, 2023

Aside from Waelderhaus, what are some more historic places in Wisconsin?

From small towns to covered bridges to old schoolhouses to century-old mansions and more, these are some of the best historical places in Wisconsin that you must visit: 

  • Silver Mound Archeological District, Hixton
  • Cedarburg Covered Bridge, Cedarburg
  • Holy Hill, Hubertus
  • Pabst Mansion, Milwaukee
  • Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, Pepin
  • Pendarvis, Mineral Point
  • Prairie du Chien, Crawford County
  • Ten Chimneys, Waukesha
  • Little White Schoolhouse, Ripon
  • Milton House, Milton

 

Read our article to learn more about these historic places in Wisconsin.

What are some unique attractions in Wisconsin?

From natural wonders to quirky museums, and more, here are some of the most unique attractions in Wisconsin.

  • Mary Nohl House, Fox Point
  • Apostle Islands Sea Caves, Bayfield
  • McMillan Marsh State Wildlife Area, Marshfield
  • Upside Down White House (Wisconsin Dells)
  • Riverwalk Boat Tours & Rentals, Milwaukee
  • Big Manitou Falls, Superior
  • Menominee Park, Oshkosh
  • The Dancing Horses Theatre, Delavan
  • The Toy Train Barn Museum, Argyle

 

Searching for a unique adventure? Take this road trip to see some of the best unique roadside attractions in Wisconsin.

What are some of the best museums in Wisconsin?

If you’re a history buff or just love quirky or weird things, these are the best museums in Wisconsin that we recommend:

  • Villa Louis Historic Site, Prairie du Chien
  • Mitchell Gallery of Flight, Milwaukee
  • Dinosaur Discovery Museum, Kenosha
  • National Railroad Museum, Ashwaubenon
  • Wade House Historic Site, Greenbush
  • Old World Wisconsin, Eagle
  • National Mustard Museum, Middleton
  • Stonefield Historic Site, Cassville
  • Fort Crawford Museum, Prairie du Chien

 

Be sure to visit our website to learn more information about these museums in Wisconsin.

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Featured Addresses
Waelderhaus, 1100 W Riverside Dr, Kohler, WI 53044, USA