Remembering the deadliest fire in US history

The deadliest fire in US history raged through Peshtigo, Wisconsin.

On October 8, 1871, a firestorm roared through Peshtigo and surrounding areas. It not only killed over 2,000 people, it also destroyed the entire community and its livelihood. The Peshtigo Fire Museum preserves this heritage through:

storytelling,
exhibits of artifacts from the fire,
displays of the lifestyle at the time of the disaster, and
a cemetery to memorialize those who died.

The Fire Museum is housed in the first church built after the fire.

Gift Shop

A counter in the museum displays mementos and books available for purchase. (Online purchases are not available.)

Hours

2022 NEW FALL HOURS– CLOSING WEDNESDAYS IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2022

During September and October, we will have to close the museum on Wednesdays. We have been very fortunate to have some high school students volunteering with us. But, now that school is starting, we will be loosing several docents and will be unable to remain open every day for the first time in years. If you are planning on visiting us, please plan accordingly.

If you live in the area, please consider volunteering with us next year. Or even starting this year. We will train you and you receive a stipend each day you volunteer at the museum.

Normal hours: Open every day Memorial Day weekend through October 8th from 10am-4pm.

Admission

Donations are appreciated and enable our museum to stay open. Thank you!

Presentations

Museum workers are always available to share the story of the fire.
If your group has ten or more people, please fill out the Presentation Request Form or call 715-582-3244 (during the season only).