Vilas Historical Museum

About Us:

The Vilas Historical Museum, located in Sayner, Wisconsin, opened for the public on August 16, 1959. It was founded by Mabel Sayner Dewitt. Mabel was the daughter of Orrin Sayner for whom the town of Sayner was named. The museum grew and, as it expanded, a new addition was added in 1965. Another building was added in the early 1990's to house the snowmobile, fishing guide, and boat motor exhibits.

The State of Wisconsin erected a historical marker in front of the museum which recognizes Carl Eliason's invention of the snowmobile in Sayner. The museum houses the original snowmobile in its antique and vintage snowmobile exhibit.

The library area of the museum contains many books about the towns of Vilas County and the surrounding areas. There are also binders containing photographs of the area through the years. These photographs are all identified and categorized. There are also binders with photographs and printed material of various area resorts and businesses from the early 1900's through the 1980's.

The museum, which is wheel chair and stroller accessible, is open seven days a week from mid-May to early October, depending on the type of spring or fall weather. A variety of events are hosted throughout the summer. There are also classes for adults and children which feature lessons in old time crafts. Containing over 40,000 items on display, not only the history buff, but the general public will find it a great place top spend a few hours.