Pleasant Prairie Historical Society


PRESERVE THE PAST. EDUCATE THE FUTURE.

WELCOME

We are excited to debut our new monthly newsletter, which will bring you the latest news on upcoming events, museum exhibits, and featured historical stories. Whether you are planning your next museum visit or interested in diving deeper into local history, our newsletter will keep you informed and inspired. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Eleanor Roosevelt: First Lady of the World

A History Happy Hour Program

Tuesday, February 25th, 5:00 - 7:15 pm

Pleasant Prairie History Museum


Learn more about the

2025 History Happy Hour Series


Thank you to all of the Sponsors that

have committed their support so far:

ULINE, Dermody Properties

Yacktman Family Foundation

Alia, DuMez, McTernan, S.C.

Margetson Woodworking, Rehrig Pacific

Visit Pleasant Prairie, Valenti Builders

Tim Harris & Jean Werbie-Harris

Dan & Doreen Honore, John & Bobbi Steinbrink Mark & Erin Riley

SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP

Members enjoy the following benefits:

  • Copy of the bi-annual Prairie Pioneer newsletter
  • Invitation to the Annual Night at the Museum
  • Membership Certificate and Pin
  • Early access to sign-up for the annual History Happy Hour series

To download a Membership

Application, click HERE

READ OUR LATEST NEWSLETTER

Volume 14 Issue 2—Fall 2024

HISTORY HIGHLIGHT

TOBIN ROAD WHISTLE STOP

The Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee Railroad, commonly known as the North Shore Line, began as a local streetcar

line in Waukegan in the 1890s, and would eventually become America’s fastest interurban passenger railway. The North Shore Line’s high-speed electric trains ran 90 miles from Chicago to Milwaukee.

In Pleasant Prairie, folks could catch the train at the Tobin Road (now 116th Street) whistle stop.


In 1937, rising boxing star Joe Louis was staying in Pleasant Prairie, about two miles from the Tobin Road whistle stop. According to local legend, Joe Louis would jog the two miles to the whistle stop and catch the North Shore Line to Kenosha, where he was training at the Lakefront Stadium. A few months later

Joe Louis would win the world heavyweight champion fight.

Pleasant Prairie History Museum

3875 116th Street, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158

Hours:

Wednesday - Friday: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Saturday: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Admission is free.

Donations are appreciated.

LEARN MORE

NEW EXHIBITS

Pleasant Prairie Photo Contest:

Winners & Honorable Mentions

Open January 29 - August 16, 2025


Journey Stories: How Did We Get Here?

Open October 9, 2024 - August 23, 2025


UPCOMING EXHIBITS

Tales From Dunmovin Mansion

Opening September 2025

ONGOING EXHIBITS

Stories of Life on "The Prairie"


Her League: Women

in Professional Baseball


Beyond the Big Boom:

Industrialization, the Labor Movement,

and Pleasant Prairie's Powder Plant


info@pleasantprairiehistoricalsociety.org (262) 577-5115

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