8 of the Oldest Things You’ll Find in Wisconsin

Wisconsin may be famous for beer drinking and cheese, but the state has some seriously old and fascinating places and businesses that are still operating today.

Things Illinoisans Need to Know About Wisconsin

As I Northern Illinois resident who spends a lot of free time in Wisconsin, I feel it is my duty to educate myself on some of the things that make our northern neighbors special.

I've enjoyed LOTS of Wisconsin beer, cheese, and taverns. I've swam, tubed, and fished in MANY of Wisconsin's lakes. I have definitely experienced my fair share of Wisconsin things, but I've never taken too deep of a dive into the state's history before.

The Oldest Things in Wisconsin

I follow many different Wisconsin groups and pages on social media, and today I came across a video from the Shot of Wisco Podcast about the oldest things in Wisconsin that was pretty interesting.

How many of these things did you already know about Wisconsin?

1. The oldest city in Wisconsin is Green Bay.

Green Bay was founded in 1638, and Wisconsin wasn't granted statehood until 1848!

2. Red Circle Inn is the oldest supper club in the state.

The building that now houses the Red Circle Inn first served as a stagecoach hotel in 1848, but it didn't get the name Red Circle Inn until Fredrick Pabst of Pabst Brewery bought the property in 1889.

3. The oldest brewery in Wisconsin is Potosi Brewing Company.

Potosi Brewing Company has been slinging beers since 1852 and is also the site of the National Brewing Museum.

4. The Stamm House in Middleton is reported as being the most raided bar in Wisconsin during prohibition.

6. The first capital of Wisconsin was in Belmont.

In 1836 representatives met in Belmont to create the first 40 laws that laid the foundation for the future state's government. Madison became the capital 46 days after representative first met in Belmont.

7. The oldest cheese store in Wisconsin is Baumgartner's Cheese Store and Tavern in Monroe.

I've been to Baumgartner's several times, and if you're looking to try some of the best cheeses Wisconsin has to offer, you need to go here too.

8. Cozy Inn Restaurant in Janesville is not only the oldest Asian restaurant in Wisconsin, it is said to be the second oldest in America.

For a more in-depth discussion about the oldest things in Wisconsin, check out Shot of Wisco Podcast's full video...