City of Neillsville
Neillsville began as a lumbering site on the wide O'Neill Creek. Neillsville
was platted for James O' Neill in 1855 and became a city in 1882. Today,
the O'Neill Creek flows through the center of town and drains into the
rocky Black River. The Black River cuts its way through the moraines of
Wisconsin and winds past Neillsville on its way westward to empty into
the Mississippi River.
Neillsville, a town rich in the history of lumbering and banking, was the second city in Wisconsin to have electric lights. The year was 1882. An early settler, Emory Bruley, invented the cant hook used in logging; a hook to pick up hay bales, and barbed wire fencing.
The past is evident throughout Neillsville in the beautifully restored homes of yesteryear. The turreted 1897 Jail Museum, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Tufts' Museum can be visited during the summer weekends.
There are two year-round sites to visit in Neillsville. One is the WCCN Pavilion and Gift Shop. Central Wisconsin Broadcasting, Inc. purchased the former Wisconsin pavilion displayed at the 1964-65 New York World's Fair and reassembled it in Neillsville. The attractions at the site include the world's largest cheese and world's largest talking cow. The other site to visit is the home of Wisconsin's Vietnam Memorial at The Highground, located 3 1/2 miles west of Neillsville on US Highway 10.
Beckoning the outdoor enthusiast is the Listeman Arboretum, a series of nature trails along the Black River. The trails can be accessed from an entrance at Hill and Second Streets or from a small parking area on US Highway 10, one mile west of Neillsville. In addition to the arboretum, summer recreation opportunities include Neillsville's five parks well suited for family picnics and activities. There are numerous camping facilities available in the Neillsville area.
The Clark County Fair, held every August at the Fairgrounds, provides enjoyment with numerous 4-H exhibits, displays, a carnival and grandstand shows. Other annual activities include Neillsville Heritage Days and Neillsville Winter Carnival. The Neillsville area also offers several motels, a number of fine eating establishments, a golf course, tennis court and airport.
Community Related Topics
City of Neillsville Profile
City Map
Industrial Park
Business Directory
Education
Neillsville Chamber of Commerce
City of Neillsville's Web Site: www.neillsville-wi.com
Clark County's Calendar of Events
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