The Northwoods Forest History Experience
More Than A Museum!
A Joint Project of the North Lakeland Discovery Center and Manitowish Waters Historical Society
Why do we call it the Northwoods Forest History Experience?
Because it is much more than a museum. Each exhibit, in addition to illuminating forest history periods, traditions, and practices, will direct visitors to actual nearby historic sites for further enrichment and with the purpose so central to our mission: Get out and explore! In addition, immediately outside the building will be opportunities for visitors to use actual historic forestry tools like crosscut saws and fire suppression equipment.
Status Update October 1, 2024
The North Lakeland Discovery Center and the Manitowish Waters Historical Society are excited to announce that we have quietly raised more than $240,000 of our $400,000 goal, and the project is now moving into its public phase! Look for updates in our newsletters and social media, press releases, and more. And our webpage now features a DONATE NOW button, a list of naming opportunities, and – coming soon – the opportunity for a brick engraved with your name, a loved one’s name, or your favorite spot in the Northwoods.
Planning continues on the six exhibits. Our historical timeline that will run around the room is being fabricated, thanks to a $1,000 grant. We’re excited to be test-driving a critical tool for getting visitors out to the many historical sites in our area: an interactive phone application called Clio that will provide directions to the sites and an abundance of information, including videos, historical photos, and interpretive writings.
We invite you to join in this effort that will create a treasured asset in our community and will contribute invaluably to the understanding of our precious forests’ significance. For questions or more information on how you can support the project with efforts or a donation, please contact nfhe@discoverycenter.net.
Help us spread the word! The sooner we can reach our goal, the sooner we’ll be able to bring this community asset to fruition.
Our Objective
Our objective is to restore, renovate, and transform a 90-year-old Civilian Conservation Corps Barracks into an immersive, interactive forest history museum experience.