Experience Cedarburg's History and Culture

A stay in Cedarburg can be planned around different interests, including historic buildings, local culture, and bicycle excursions. Museums and cultural events offer additional ways to explore the city's history. A seasonal city festival and roads connecting Cedarburg to other communities in Ozaukee County can also help with planning. Which themes you focus on depends on whether you are more interested in historic places, art and programs, or outdoor activities.

Historic Buildings and Mill Site

The historic building tour uses “A Walk Through Yesterday” as a walking guide to Cedarburg's historic buildings. The Cedarburg Chamber can arrange a tour for a guided visit to these buildings. Confirm the date with the Chamber; planning details may change.

Two Historic Districts offer distinct points of reference for the city's history. The Washington Avenue Historic District encompasses more than 100 buildings considered historically significant and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the mid-1980s. The Columbia Road Historic District is in downtown Cedarburg and was added to both the National Register of Historic Places and the State Register of Historic Places in 1992. The two districts therefore differ, among other things, in their listings and when they were listed.

Another part of the city's history can be seen at Wittenberg Mill: built in 1864, it continues today as Cedar Creek Settlement. It has shops, artist studios, antique stores, and restaurants. Cedar Creek Winery is also located in the settlement, offering tours and tastings. If you would like to take part, it's best to check dates in advance.

Museums and Cultural Programs

The Cedarburg History Museum preserves and shares the history of Cedarburg and Ozaukee County through exhibitions, preservation work, and programs. Its focus is on both the city and the county. The Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts is east of the historic city center. Its educational work explores the artistic, cultural, historical, and social significance of quilts and textile arts.

The Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts offers lectures and classes for adults at all levels, from beginners to advanced participants. Events, workshops, and tours are also available for schools and young people. The offerings therefore vary by format and audience: adults can attend classes and lectures, while the other programs mentioned are for schools and young participants.

The Cedarburg Cultural Center adds performance and participatory activities to these offerings. It hosts Main Stage and First Fridays performances, as well as exhibitions, open mic nights, history programs, and classes. If you are interested in cultural activities, visiting the Center brings several different formats together in one place, from performances to classes.

Bicycle Routes, City Festival, and Getting Around

Various bicycle routes are available in Cedarburg, starting and ending in the city. You can choose which route to include in your plans based on the available routes; availability may change, so it's worth checking the latest information before setting out. A bike ride and a tour of historic buildings are different ways to include Cedarburg's themes in your stay.

The Strawberry Festival is a seasonal city festival in Cedarburg. If a festival fits your travel plans, check the dates for your intended visit. The road connections offer another way to get your bearings: State Highway 60 and County Highways C, I, NN, and T connect Cedarburg with other communities in Ozaukee County. This provides useful orientation at the county level without specifying a particular route or travel time.

When planning your stay, you can also combine your interests: the historic districts and building tour focus on local history, while the museums and Cultural Center offer different cultural and educational activities. Depending on your interests, you can also add bicycle routes, the seasonal festival, or tours and tastings at Cedar Creek Settlement. Check dates for the activities you plan to attend, and tailor your hotel search to the kind of stay you want in Cedarburg.

Discover more destinations: Mequon, Grafton, Saukville, Belgium, Port Washington.

Go to the main travel overview: Ozaukee.