Town Square Pavilion
69 S River St, Janesville, WI 53548
24 hours, daily
The recently erected Town Square provides auditorium style seating that allows visitors to walk out on a floating dock in the Rock River. On the river’s west side, the J.P. Cullen Memorial Pavilion is home to a water sculpture titled “The Bubbler”.
The Blain Gilbertson Family Heritage Bridge connects the east and west banks of the river. On the river’s east side, visitors can find the Resilience sculpture and the Cope Ryan Pavilion with the Town Square Donor Wall.
Additionally, there is an activity deck, kiosk, fire pit, and more seating. River Street and Water Street alike on the river’s east side were created with the idea to closed down for block parties and festival events.
Rock County Historical Society
426 N Jackson St, Janesville, WI 53548
More than just preserve Janesville and Rock County’s history, the historical society wants to present history in a way that makes it intriguing and relevant to all citizens and visitors of Janesville.
Created in 1948, the historical society ideology is to inform visitors about the people, places, and events that lived and took place in Janesville and Rock County. The Rock County Historical Society aids the Lincoln-Tallman House Museum and the Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center.
See their website to learn about tours, rentals, and events!
Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center
426 N Jackson St, Janesville, WI 53548
Mon-Thur Closed, Fri & Sat 11am-3pm, Sun 12pm-3pm
608.756.4509
With exhibits that change annually and stimulate all your senses, the Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center is a great place to start exploring the past. The hands-on exhibits are designed to be more than just stop-and-read, but to allow the museumgoers to interact with each exhibit, leading to in-depth conversations.
The exhibits are built on being able to link Rock County to national and global events in an effort to display history in a way that applies to Janesville and Rock County citizens and visitors.
Lincoln-Tallman House
440 N Jackson St, Janesville, WI 53548
Sun-Tue Closed, Wed, Fri & Sat 10am-3pm, Thur 10am-4pm
608.756.4509
Erected in 1857, learn about the history of the William Morrison Tallman family and their unique experience residing in the house until 1915. When you visit the Lincoln-Tallman House, you will learn about the significance of them hosting Abraham Lincoln during a difficult era in the United States’ past.
Turned into a historic house museum in 1951, the building has been used for educational programs, dining, and various non-museum related events. Visit the website to learn more about how you can add your own personal history to the Lincoln-Tallman House!
Wilson King Stone House
915 Mineral Point Ave, Janesville, WI 53548
608.756.4509
One block away from the Rock River’s edge, the Wilson King Stone House is a great place to take a break while walking on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Constructed in 1842 to serve as a single-family home, the stone house initially resided on Saint Lawrence Avenue in downtown Janesville.
Upon relocating to the Historical Society square 1964, the house is now a historic museum and preserves the history of its location. Apart of the Historical Society’s Strategic Plan, the new purpose of the stone house will be home to concessions and catering.
The idea is to have the house furnished with food preparation facilities to serve museum attendees and customers that rent the space while enjoying the other exhibits connected to the Historical Society. Check out the Historical Society’s website to learn more about their amazing fifteen-year Strategic Plan!
Read our blog and check out our neighborhood page for more locations.
