WATCH FOR US ON THE HISTORY CHANNEL'S PROGRAM 'SECRET PASSAGES'!   

The Historic 1856 Octagon House

276 Linden Street

Fond du Lac, WI  54935

920/922-1608

New this season;

Full Moon Paranormal Dinners!

2010 Special Events Calendar

 Advance Tickets on Sale Now!

 

 

A View of the South Bedchamber and the Unique 'Indian Lookout' Windows.  The Platform hides the entrance to a Secret Room and a message left by a runaway slave!  Crawl in and see!

The Historic Octagon House is a national landmark built in 1856 to be an Indian fort, and later used in the underground railroad.  Experience history during our guided tours!  

Originally the home of one of Fond du lac's first Mayors, and rumored as a still for moonshine, this home has a VERY colorful past!    Now fully restored, this oddity is open for touring!  

Architecturally unique, this 12 room Orson Fowler home, features  9 passageways and a hand-dug underground tunnel!

The Historic Octagon House is open: 

April - October Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays

 1-5, guided tours at 2:00.  

Groups of 6 or more can make reservations for tours, meetings, teas, and dinners year 'round by appointment!  

Play 'dress up' during your visit and step back in time!  (additional fee applies)

You might even encounter our resident ghost!  

Groups will find many varied collections housed within the walls, including:

porcelain dolls

millinery (hats)

early cookware

vintage china

heirloom clothing

hat pins

jewelry fancies

perfume bottles

seasonal collectibles

antique tools

vintage photo equipment

kerosene lamps

... and countless more unique items of interest!   You won't Believe It!

Something Special's Cooking 

in the Dining Room!

Now with your group of 6 or more, experience an intimate candlelight dinner tour, featuring a 5 course Victorian meal served by costumed maids and cooks. Immediately following your meal, enjoy a candlelight tour of the historic home.

For an added treat, invite your guests to dress the part!  Step into our Costume Closets and walk out as part of history! (additional fee applies)  Your group of 6 or more can reserve a private dinner and tour, or join in with one of our Special Events!

All your group needs is a minimum of 6 people, 

and you can schedule a  personalized tour!

Interested in a school field trip? 

We will create your own personalized tour, focused on this years field of study.  Our guides are knowledgeable in: 

  • American History, 

  • Architecture, 

  • Wisconsin History, 

  • Civil War History, 

  • The Underground Railroad, 

  •  Early Pioneer Daily Living, 

as they pertain to Fond du Lac, and the Historic Octagon House.

One of the Museum's Features:

The Upstairs Study Contains Memorabilia from the Women's Relief Corps, a group formulated of dedicated ladies who originally went out onto the battlefields providing food, water, and first aid to the soldiers in battle.  This movement can be compared to today's Red Cross.  The Historic Octagon House was named as a post of the Women's Relief Corps during the battle between the States. 

A Special treat for all ages, housed within the Octagon House is the 

Costume Closet  

one of the finest rent or buy theatrical supply facilities to be found. 

While mannequins model vintage fashions, the closets swell with beautiful reproductions!

Custom Orders Welcomed!

 Alterations Skillfully Done!  

Clothing Restoration & Restyling Available!

Over 60 years experience!

Call 1-920-923-5656  

for more information

 

Do you like Dolls? Marlenes Country Doll Museum has over 4,000 of  them!  This family owned collection of playthings started 6 generations ago, and has grown!  Just out of the city, Marlenes museum is located at the Silver Wheel Manor.  Call for an appointment and bring your friends920-922-1608.

Home  

Costume Closet

Silver Wheel Manor

Heirloom Bridals