Departments

Attractions

5 Must-See Spots

Carriage Factory Museum 

This Mayville Historical Society Museum is housed in what once was the home and workplace of John Hollenstein and family, who came to Mayville in 1873. After arriving in Mayville, Hollenstein began making wagons and carriages with a local blacksmith. The Hollenstein Wagon and Carriage Factory was operated by the Hollenstein family on this site from 1888 until 1941. The Carriage Factory consists of the main factory building on the corner of Bridge and German Streets, plus two additions to the north of the building. Today the museum displays several wagons, carriages and sleighs made in the factory; as well as an old bank interior, military displays, printing press equipment and a dentist’s office. Visitors can also explore Mayville’s history through many Mayville marked items, pictures and maps. The Mayville Historical Society owns and manages the campus of historic buildings which also includes the Hollenstein home, an 1874 firehouse and the Brunke Cigar Factory.

White Limestone School Museum

This school-turned-museum dates back to the late 1850s, when Mayville residents decided their growing population demanded more than its current small frame schoolhouse. They built the school with white limestone from local quarries and it was one of the finest in the state at that time. Today it is home to the White Limestone School Museum which features an array of exhibits including classrooms of the past, an Edgar Mueller photo display and an extensive collection of Native American arrowheads and relics. Museum President Gene Frings encourages visitors to stop by the exhibit on the local history of iron mining and smelting, located in the museum’s lower level. Here you can walk through a collection of photos, artifacts and original mining company books to learn about Dodge County’s storied mining history when Mayville was known as the “Pittsburg of the West.” The museum is reopening to visitors on July 5 and will be open on the first and third Sunday of the month from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. through October.

Mayville Veterans Memorial 

The Mayville Veterans Memorial, located north of the Mayville Park Pavilion at City Park, serves as a tribute to Mayville residents who served their country during both wartime and peace. The memorial was organized by The American Legion in Mayville and was dedicated on November 11, 2011. It features a 40-foot-long curved limestone wall with granite panels on which the names of area veterans are engraved. Pavers in front of the memorial are engraved with names and quotes, dedicated by loved ones of the veterans. The riverside setting creates a peaceful place to reflect, remember and honor those who served. 

Dodge County Ledge Park

This park, about five minutes southwest of Mayville, is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers who like to take on the limestone ledges that divide the park’s upper and lower areas. The 82-acre park rests on the Niagara Escarpment among many interesting rock formations and offers unmatched views of the Horicon Marsh, for those willing to work for them. Hiking trails wind around both the park’s upper and lower sections, with the upper area being heavily wooded and the lower area featuring a wildlife pond. Picnic areas and campsites are also available throughout the park. 

Gold Star Memorial Trail

The Gold Star Memorial Trail, which began with a grassroots effort by a group of Mayville residents, serves as a memorial to Wisconsin military service members who have been killed in action. The 10-foot wide, paved, non-motorized path is being constructed in phases and will ultimately connect Mayville to Beaver Dam. Phase 1 was completed in November 2018 and offers a 2.1-mile long connection between Theiler Park in Mayville and the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area Education and Visitor Center. Locals and visitors can enjoy the trail year-round for running, walking, hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. 

Mayville Celebrates 175 Years

This year marks the 175th anniversary of Mayville, a community settled in 1845 by Chester May, his son Eli, and brothers Alvin and William Foster. The families opened a saw mill that laid the foundation of the settlement’s growth and future prosperity. The community changed throughout the years, becoming an iron mining town which aided in the formation of downtown businesses including cigar factories, breweries, piano stores and creameries. Mayville eventually transitioned into a manufacturing and farming community as the country’s demand for iron moved to steel. Mayville’s penchant for innovation and adaptation gained it the reputation as Dodge County’s most progressive city. Innovations with beginnings in Mayville include the roots of John Deere, cheese packaged into wedges, the shotshell reloader, milk trucks and the aircraft carrier net. Visitors today love exploring Mayville’s historic downtown buildings, many of which are still standing, and picturesque residential neighborhoods. While celebrations for the 175th anniversary have been postponed due to COVID-19, visit mayvillecity.com for updates.