Watertown

Watertown has a proud heritage and has done well to preserve it for generations to come. Whether your group prefers a step-on-guided tour, an educational program over lunch, or some “retail therapy,” we invite you to explore our community’s treasures. Come often. Stay awhile.

The Octagon House Museum and America’s First Kindergarten

The Octagon House Museum, an eight-sided architectural masterpiece features 57 rooms of period furnishings. This five-story home, built in 1854, has a central spiral staircase, and contains rudimentary forms of central air conditioning and running water, virtually unheard of for its time. The house was one of the largest single family homes built prior to the Civil War. On the same grounds is the First Kindergarten in the United States and the Plank Road Barn. Visit the Octagon House Museum Website…

The Market Specialty Shopping Mall

Built in the mid-1870’s, this former lumberyard is now a village unto itself, reminiscent of a charming European streetscape complete with cobblestoned walkways and plank boardwalks. Its wooden beam and pillars have been exposed to show their natural beauty. Large open areas have been transformed into attractive glass-enclosed retail spaces-currently home to more than a dozen thriving specialty shops, a 50 dealer antiques mall, and a charming restaurant which offers almost 100 varieties of homemade pie and cheesecake. Artists and artisans can be seen demonstrating their traditional crafts, which adds a very unique and educational aspect to your visit. Programs for your group can arranged on a wide variety of topics-from antiquing to fine arts and crafts. Banquet facilities available.
Visit the Watertown Chamber Website..

Mural Art & Architecture Tours

Be educated and entertained as our step-on storytellers take you on a rolling tour of the city’s public art and architecture collections, weaving historical anecdotes throughout. Tours can be tailored to suit your group’s interest and allotted time. Enjoy the growing number of murals that highlight Watertown’s history (and some of its more colorful characters,) to the downtown commercial district, which contains over 120 buildings listed on the National Historic Registry. The Washington Street and Clyman Street residential districts showcase a superb array of grand homes representing various architectural eras and design styles. hTs tour of the city, which almost became the states capital, is guaranteed to be a hit! Learn More…

Historic Downtown Watertown

Explore antique shops, charming gift and specialty stores, as well as pubs and restaurants which include a “dairy bar,” a quaint throwback to the 1950’s–famous for homemade ice cream and old fashioned fountain drinks. Groups are welcome at the Calico Cottage Rock River Winery which features the products of 16 Wisconsin wineries (over 92 flavors) for taste-testing. Next door, Bellows Brew Pub offers samples of their award winning microbrews and tours of the complete brewing process. Enjoy friendly, small-town atmosphere while shopping and strolling through one of the longest and most architecturally significant historic districts in the state! Walking tour brochures and a shopping directory are available.
Visit the Watertown Chamber Website..

Lodging

Other Attractions

Contact

Watertown Chamber of Commerce
1 (877) SEE-WTTN or (920) 261-6320
Email: watncofc@powercom.net

Destinations

Mural Art & Architecture Tours

Historic Downtown Watertown