northwoods forest history experience
More than a museum! A joint project of the North Lakeland Discovery Center and Manitowish Waters Historical Society, our objective is to restore, renovate, and transform a 90-year-old Civilian Conservation Corps Barracks into an immersive, interactive forest history museum experience.
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 DECEMBER 1, 2025
Construction is complete on our restored and renovated 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps building, and it looks both period-appropriate and magnificent! Now, the real magic can happen as exhibit captains lay out their artifacts, photos, maps, and more to bring the history of Northwoods forests to life.
At the same time, we’ve acquired a fire tower cab and are building a small “Forestry Headquarters” building, all to accurately reenact the early fire-fighting techniques so important in post-logging days. Kids (and adults) will be able to call a fire in to headquarters, where it can be pinpointed. This and many other hands-on outdoor activities will enhance and deepen the experience gained inside the building.
All of this work is being coordinated by the new Northwoods Forest History Experience Board of Directors, made up of volunteers from the Discovery Center, Manitowish Waters Historical Society, and others. The Board will also be responsible for operating the Experience, establishing hours, memberships, programs, special events, etc. It will be a busy winter!
Come spring, exhibit installations, including digital components, will be finalized and tested, the brick pathway that so many of you contributed to will be laid, and final preparations will be made.
None of this could have happened without the support of you, our community, nearly 200 strong. We’re still gratefully accepting general donations, and a handful of naming opportunities are still available. As always, we thank you for making this important community project a reality.
Stay tuned for our grand opening next May!
status update SEPTEMBER 10, 2025
Construction has progressed over the summer, with a new porch built, siding spruced up and painted, interior insulated and paneled with period-appropriate paneling, and, most recently, new windows installed to fit the existing openings. Our thanks to Nasi Construction for doing a fantastic job of renovating this 1930’s building while maintaining its historic character.
Our Buy-A-Brick campaign was a huge success, with 115 bricks purchased and $40,000+ raised. That campaign has now ended; installation of the paver path will happen in early spring 2026.
Our exhibit captains have been busy on all fronts, creating their physical and digital exhibits. Once construction is completed this fall, we’ll begin installation exhibit by exhibit, giving us a chance to get valuable feedback before we open in May 2026.
None of this could have happened without your support, more than 180 strong. We’re still gratefully accepting general donations, and a handful of naming opportunities are still available.
For all of this, we – the NFHE board, and both the Discovery Center and Manitowish Waters Historical Society communities, are most sincerely grateful.
status update MAY 15, 2025
The Northwoods Forest History Experience (NFHE) is on the move! On April 29, the historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Barrack/Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Rec Center building was successfully relocated to the main field at the North Lakeland Discovery Center, where it will soon be lowered onto a new foundation to begin its renovation.
Behind the scenes, our Exhibit Captains are hard at work gathering artifacts, personal stories, and educational materials to help bring this experience to life. Each exhibit is being thoughtfully planned to highlight a facet of our rich forest history and to encourage visitors to get out and explore actual local historic sites.
This major progress would not be possible without the incredible generosity of our more than 140 supporters. We are thrilled to share that a recent transformational gift from the Cook family has brought us to our initial fundraising goal. This gift honors the many wonderful memories the family has created on their property in Manitowish Waters—memories spanning six generations, beginning with the vision of George S. Cook, who began acquiring the land in 1934. The family has grown to love the beauty, peace, and solitude of the Northwoods, and we are deeply grateful for their support in helping us preserve and celebrate that legacy through the NFHE.
We’re delighted to report that our winter challenge to raise $25,000 has been met and greatly exceeded. A total of $39,000 has been donated and matched by a generous donor who has further offered to match additional gifts through August 31 that bring the total match to $50,000.
While we’ve reached a major fundraising milestone, our work isn’t done yet. We are still raising funds to help cover unforeseen costs that come with renovating a building that’s more than 90 years old, for continuing operating expenses, and to support the development of curriculum and educational materials that will engage the thousands of children and school groups expected to visit the NFHE in the years ahead.
There are still great ways for the community to get involved! Bricks are available through our Buy-a-Brick Campaign, a meaningful way to leave a personal mark on this lasting legacy. These bricks will be used to create the pathway leading to the entrance of the building and can be custom engraved with names of family and loved ones, special messages, meaningful dates, or even GPS coordinates to favorite places in the Northwoods; truly anything you wish to commemorate. Bricks come in various sizes and price points, offering a unique and personal way to support the project.
Naming opportunities also remain for several key elements, including:
- Indigenous Nations Exhibit
- CCC & CCC Indian Division Exhibit
- Modern Scientific Management of Forests Exhibit
- Rotating Exhibit Space: The Art of the Forest
- Timeline Encircling Building Interior
These opportunities offer a special way to honor a loved one, celebrate a family legacy, or show your lasting commitment to conservation and education in the Northwoods.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates—and thank you to everyone helping bring this incredible project to life!
