(Milton's Historic Milton College District pictured above)

Experience the living legacy and significant role our state played in the Abolitionist movement and Underground Railroad with a visit to Milton. As Springfield, Illinois is to the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln, Milton is to the well-preserved history of abolitionism in the Midwest.

This historic town of around 5,000 is like a trip back in time, even if America's complete story fades from school history books. Can't rewrite or erase the brick and stone forged from the abolition ambition of Joseph Goodrich's heart and faith that stands testament to the heroism of the freed slaves and bold abolitionists. No daytrip to Milton is complete without a visit to the Milton House, the historic Milton College Campus, and the Seventh Day Baptist Church, and don't forget nearby Storrs Lake for a nature escape.

Where To Visit On Your Daytrip To Milton

Over the years Lakes Edition journalists have covered attractions, places to eat, and shops in Milton and much more. Below are some of just a few of our favorites. Please enjoy!

Have a place in Milton you would like to recommend? Send us a line info@lakesedition.com

Storrs Lake Wildlife Area

753 Acres

5966 E Storrs Lake Rd., Milton, WI 5356

This portion of the Ice Age Trail is a 1.7 mile footpath Bower's Lake and the 20 acre Storr's Lake situated on northeast edge of Milton has a maximum depth of 25 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike.

Currently Rock County has issued a public health advisory. The DNR has detected the E. coli cfu per 100 ml shown: 36 on 8/17/2021

(Storrs Lake photo courtesy of Rock County Government)

Milton College

Founded in 1844 by noted abolitionist Joseph Goodrich Milton College evolved from local academy to principled academic institution rooted in the teachings of the bible and abolition. The college closed in 1982 due to financial instability, but much of the buildings which graced the campus remain intact today. Many of the structure are on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP.) The oldest structure at Milton College is now home to the Milton College Preservation Society and its' exhibits pertaining to the college's history and legacy. 

THE MILTON HOUSE

The Milton House-National Historic Landmark is recognized by the National Park Service's Network To Freedom as the last, certified Underground Railroad station that can be toured in Wisconsin. The Milton House operated as a stop on the Underground Railroad or "UGRR" from its construction in 1844 through the Civil War. At the Milton House, visitors have the rare opportunity to walk the very pathways of freedom when visiting this unique structure.

The site is also also adjacent to the Ice Age Trail & Rock River Bike trail

(The Historic Milton House etching by local artist)

Seventh Day Baptist Church

Though the original church burned down in 1932 the physical place still holds historical significance as a major site of Wisconsin's abolitionist movement. It was here that Joseph and Nancy Goodrich along with the church's congregation founded the Milton Academy and later Milton College, one of few abolitionist institutions in the U.S..