Bollinger Mill State Historic Site

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bollinger Mill State Historic Site is a historic landmark located in Wisconsin that offers visitors a glimpse into the early history of the state.


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Summary

The site is home to the Bollinger Mill, which was built in the mid-19th century and operated as a flour and grist mill until the early 20th century. Today, the mill has been restored and is open to the public, giving visitors the opportunity to see firsthand how the mill worked and learn about its historical significance.

Some good reasons to visit Bollinger Mill State Historic Site include its rich history, beautiful natural surroundings, and educational programs. Visitors can explore the mill and grounds, take a guided tour, and participate in a variety of educational programs and events. The site also offers picnic areas and hiking trails, making it a great destination for families and nature lovers.

Some specific points of interest to see at Bollinger Mill State Historic Site include the mill itself, which is a beautifully restored example of 19th-century architecture, as well as the nearby Bollinger Cemetery, which is the final resting place of many early settlers of the area. Visitors can also explore the surrounding woods and fields, which are teeming with wildlife and offer scenic vistas of the nearby countryside.

Interesting facts about Bollinger Mill State Historic Site include its association with the early settlement of Wisconsin and the important role that the Bollinger Mill played in the local economy. The mill was also a key stop on the Underground Railroad, providing a safe haven for escaped slaves on their journey north.

The best time of year to visit Bollinger Mill State Historic Site is in the summer, when the weather is warm and the site is bustling with activity. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, educational programs, and a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and picnicking. However, the site is open year-round, and visitors can explore the mill and grounds during any season.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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