Historic Sites, Exhibits, & Archives
Planning a visit to The Tower Heritage Center? Here’s some information to help.
Visit Historic Sites
The Tower Heritage Center actively preserves four nineteenth-century buildings in West Bend, Wisconsin. You can experience them yourself by attending a specialty tour or making an appointment.
Specialty tours
The Tower Heritage Center offers regular specialty tour events, giving you the chance to see restoration projects, go into the less-explored spaces of buildings, or enjoy unique festivities. Check for upcoming events.
1886 Jailhouse
Tour of the historic 1886 Jailhouse in Washington County. Tours are available on Thursdays and will run between 30-45 minutes. After the tour, included in your admission is the ability to walk over and enjoy the 1889 Courthouse Museum. A tour is $10 per adult. There’s no charge for children under 18.
Contact jennam@thetowerheritagecenter.org to arrange your tour.
1889 Courthouse exhibits
Enjoy a self-guided tour of the 1889 Courthouse. Visiting is available during Wine & Wander Specialty Tours and is included with Jailhouse tours. Right off the first floor, this museum is a rotating tribute to some of Washington County’s time-treasured stories – from the aluminum industry to life on the home front.
Contact jennam@thetowerheritagecenter.org to arrange your tour.
Visit the Archives
Resources from a bygone era. The Archives contain over 17,000 photographs and 800 cubic feet of historic documents cataloging Washington County’s past. Housed on the first floor of the 1889 Courthouse, the Archive is accessible to researchers. Plan your visit here.
Locations and Parking
The Tower Heritage Center is located at 320 S. 5th Avenue, West Bend, WI 53095. The accessible entrance and parking entrance are located off of Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Avenue.
FAQs
Is there an accessible entrance to the 1889 Courthouse?
Yes, the 1889 Courthouse has an accessible elevator entrance. Enter the upper parking lot from Chestnut Street.
Is the 1886 Jailhouse wheelchair accessible?
The 1886 Jailhouse is not wheelchair accessible. The exhibits in the Courthouse are, though!
When is the best time to tour?
Looking for the best time to tour? We recommend joining one of the Wine & Wander specialty tour events. You’ll be taken behind the scenes in several historic buildings.
Do you offer field trips or outreach programs?
Please contact us for availability for group tours and special programming.
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