Historical Sites in the Merrill Area

The Center Avenue Historic District consists of the 300-600 block of North Center Avenue; and the 1200-1300 blocks of East Sixth Street. The historic district is about 2.5 blocks with homes of various styles built from 1885 to 1930. Some of Merrill's wealthiest people built their homes in these few blocks.

This monument was built by the Merrill Council 1133 of the Knights of Columbus in 1923 in honor of Pere Rene Menard, a French priest who was one of the first Europeans to walk and explore the wild land, now known as Wisconsin. His final trek is still somewhat of a mystery, but some Merrill historians believe Father Menard's life ended just north of Merrill. The monument states what is believed to be his last journey. "Sailed to Quebec in March 1640, lost hearabouts July 1661, while enroute to Huron Village to baptize Indian refugees."

The Lincoln County Courthouse, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, celebrated its 100th anniversary in the fall of 2003. The courthouse has been restored to reinstate its original architecture. Each Christmas season, the courthouse hosts a brilliant light display. Tours are available. Lobby area open to the public during business hours.

This historic post office was built in 1915 and is the second oldest post office in Wisconsin placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The post office has been updated to be handicapped accessible yet still features a lobby restored to its original design. Lobby area open to the public during business hours.

Built in 1889, the former City Hall building also had several rooms devoted to T.B. Scott Free Library from 1891 to 1911. The City Hall offices were located in this building until 1977. The structure was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Today, it's been renovated into privately-owned loft apartments.

Named after the City's first Mayor and one of its founders, the T.B. Scott Free Library was built in 1911. This historic building has undergone many changes over the years, with the largest expansion and renovation completed in 2001. The library has received many fine recognitions, including two "Wisconsin Library of the Year" awards, most recently in 2002, and is listed on the National Historic Register. A wide variety of programs for all ages are offered year round by the library.

This bridge, built in 1904, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It's the only three-arch bridge left in Wisconsin used for public travel. It's 130-feet long and each arch features a decorative pattern of stone.

The Merrill Historical Society office hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Friday. The office is closed on holidays. Exhibits have extended hours Wednesday until 3 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (no extended hours in February.) Also open by special appointment. The Society Research Library maintains an extensive collection of documents, photographs, and artifacts relating to local and regional history. Research Library hours are by appointment. Programs are held at the Heritage Center, an 80-year-old church building owned by the Society, and include musical concerts featuring the pipe organ, speakers on historical topics, an annual ice cream social, and other programs. The Society’s vision is to help the community engage the past in new and exciting ways; foster partnerships and mutual growth and learning; and widen the circle of those who love history.