Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ately contrived by its designer and builder in 1890 to “advance American architecture, so-
ciety, education, and religion.” It's a lofty, if not quixotic, memorial to the builder's daugh-
ter, a local aesthete, who died at 19. In Romanesque style, it resemble a Thames-side opera
house—the interior is downright eye-popping. In rare (for Wisconsin) Moorish style, the
ornate auditorium has extraordinary detailing, a Steere and Turner Tracker pipe organ, and
very pricey old paintings.
Scenic Drives
WIS 25 to the south is a great little road trip, paralleling the Red Cedar River State Trail.
Downsville, six miles south, offers the
Empire in Pine Museum
(WIS 25, 715/644-8452,
noon-5pm Sat.-Sun. May-Oct., $2). A huge, award-winning collection of lumbering arti-
factsanddisplaysishousedontwofloors.Amultimedia displayportraysKnapp,Stoutand
Company's massive operations.
