The museum was established in 1939 by the Door County Historical Society. It is located in occupies a historic Works Progress Administration building. It has been honored by the Chicago Tribune as one of the “Best Small Museums in the Midwest”. The museum houses what is widely considered the deepest collection of Door County artifacts in the world, boasting over 10,000 items related to local geology, industry, ethnic settlement, and more
The Seasons of Life Wildlife Diorama , created by master taxidermist Michael Orthober, simulates Door County’s native ecosystems. It features a life‑size beech tree and more than 100 species—including deer, badgers, black bears, and dozens of bird species across all four seasons.
A turn‑of‑the‑20th‑century replica firehouse showcases three fully restored vintage fire trucks. Visitors—especially kids—can climb aboard and even ring the bells. Also on display: a historic jail cell and a horse‑drawn hearse
Stroll through a replica early Door County Street Scene. It’s an authentic recreations of businesses and spaces from the late 1800s—a grocer, dime store, seamstress, bank, photo shop, schoolhouse, and more—built using original lumber and design by a local master carpenter
Discover Door County’s ethnic heritage—including Belgian and Norwegian communities—its famous cherry orchards, logging, quarrying, fishing industry, and wartime contributions from local veterans.
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