Caddie Woodlawn Historical Park

During the Civil War Caroline Augusta Woodhouse, known throughout the world as "Caddie Woodlawn," experienced the excitement of growing up in pioneer Wisconsin. Caroline Woodhouse was the real-life Caddie Woodlawn, whose stories about the family’s life in frontier Wisconsin have delighted readers of all ages since her granddaughter, Carol Ryrie Brink, compiled Caddie’s stories in two books, “Caddie Woodlawn” and “Magical Melons” (now under a new title “Caddie Woodlawn’s Family”).

In 1935 Caddie Woodlawn received the coveted Newbery Award Medal as "The most distinguished children's book of the year." It has since become a classic, read by thousands of children throughout the nation, and trans­lated into more than ten foreign languages. Somewhere within the present park area, Mary, one of the eight children of the John V. Woodhouse family, is buried in an unmarked grave. The significance of Caddie Woodlawn Park has been documented by an official Wisconsin Historical Society marker.

The site of the original Woodlawn home made known in the Carol Ryrie Brink's children's books Caddie Woodlawn and Magical Melons. The books describe in the adventures of a young girl who grew up in Western Wisconsin in the days of steamboats, covered wagons, log cabins, real Indians and the frontier country surrounding the present park. The home and park are an official state historical site. Very scenic location - viewpoint - lot of picnic facilities - accessible. The house in which Caroline Woodhouse lived has been moved to the park from a nearby farm. The wayside includes a covered picnic area, fresh water, and restrooms.

Unique features include the Caddie Woodlawn Children's Discovery Room, a collection of Victorian era rooms, a history of industry in Dunn County, and more. Also enjoy East Pepin Cemetery at Menomenie, Wisconsin. It's a scenic, historical drive with scenic stops at the Caddie Woodlawn State Park.

Visiting hour:

Open during daylight hour’s spring through fall.

Location and direction:

Caddie Woodlawn Park
Menomonie, Wisconsin 54751
Located about nine miles south of Menomonie on State Highway 25, this area has been restored and dedicated by the Dunn County Historical Society; Empie in Pine Museum, Downsville).

Contact Information:

Caddie Woodlawn Historical Park
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Phone: 715-232-8685
Website: http://www.discover-net.net/~dchs/sitecw.html