Historic Downtown Mineral Point

"The importance of Mineral Point’s heritage is reflected in its historic architecture. Architecture is a part of our heritage that reveals the character of the folks who came here before us – their dreams for their families, home, and community.” – Bert Bohlin, A Heritage So Rich

In 1971, Mineral Point became the first city in Wisconsin to be listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Architectural Driving Tour and Architectural Walking Tour booklets are available for $3.00 at the Chamber of Commerce office. These booklets highlight many of the buildings and sites of historic and architectural significance in the community.

Downtown Mineral Point, including High, Commerce and Jail Alley Streets, provides many visitors with an “ah-ha” moment once they first see this historic district. From simple limestone cottages to massive Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, the downtown business and arts district is an impressive collection of early Wisconsin commercial buildings. Historic restoration projects continue to preserve an important part of the state’s history in a city excited to be an active part of its future.

Here are just a few of the outstanding buildings and landmarks that have special significance.

The “Mineral Point”
A rock formation just east of the Railroad Depot that divides Brewery Creek from a smaller tributary is the culmination of a considerable ridge extending to the north. It is said that lead ore, locally referred to as mineral, was discovered at this point.

The Odd Fellows & Rebekah Museum built in 1835, served as the hall for IOOF Iowa Lodge No. 1. It was the first IOOF lodge west of the Alleghenies. Now a museum, it is open 9a.m. –3 p.m. daily from Memorial Day – Labor Day. For more information, call 987.3093.

St Paul’s Mission Church, a well-preserved stone church was built in 1842 is linked to Reverend Samuel Mazzuchelli, a Dominican missionary who founded several churches and the Dominican Mother House at Sinsinawa. Tours can be arranged by appointment. Call 987.3468 for information.

The Masonic Temple, Lodge Number 1 is the oldest surviving Masonic Lodge in Wisconsin. First chartered in 1838 under the Grand Lodge of Missouri, it was one of three lodges that came together and formed the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin in 1843. Several members of this Lodge helped form the original Wisconsin State Government. The present building, designed by John Charles, a Cornish immigrant and architect of statewide repute, was constructed in 1897 after the original meeting rooms were destroyed by fire. A brick addition was constructed in 1920. A restoration project to restore the building to its original state was launched in 2003