Blacksmithing Workshops at Wade House
|
Event Details
Full-Day Workshops:
Select Saturdays | 9 AM–4 PM
May 2 (SOLD OUT), May 9 (SOLD OUT), May 16 (SOLD OUT), Nov 7, 2026
Half-Day Workshops:
Select Saturdays | 9 AM–12 PM
June 13*, Sep 26, Oct 3, Oct 24*, 2026
*Participants will create a hatchet on these dates.
Hammer Your Own Knife or Hatchet
Strike while the iron is hot, hear the “clang” of the hammer and feel the heat from the forge as you learn the art of blacksmithing in our 1860s-era Dockstader Blacksmith Shop at Wade House. During your forging tutorial, you’ll shape unique knives from various materials and customize the handles with your own design to make a distinctive, one-of-a-kind knife. Full-day workshop participants will forge two knives, while half-day participants will forge one knife. Hatchet workshop participants will forge a belt-sized hatchet. Forging items with your own hands is a unique experience you won’t soon forget—register now to create a custom souvenir and reserve your spot. Hatchet workshop participants must have previous metal working or blacksmith experience.
Forging items with your own hands is a unique experience you won’t soon forget—register now to create a custom gift and reserve your spot.
What You’ll Experience
The opportunity to create two knives (May 2, May 9, May 16 & Nov 7), a knife (Sep 26, Oct 3) or a hatchet (June 13, Oct 24) under the instruction of a talented blacksmith
Custom craft making that you can keep for yourself—or give to friends and family as a unique gift
Cost
Full-day Workshop: $225/person
Half-day Workshop: $125/person
Society members receive a 10% discount, please verify your membership where prompted to receive discount at check out.
Advanced registration is required
About the Location
Wade House Stagecoach Inn was constructed conveniently between the cities of Fond du Lac and Sheboygan, along a well-used stagecoach trail. This made the 27-room Greek Revival hotel a popular resting point for weary travelers. Three generations of the Wade family resided on the Wade House property, with the stagecoach inn operating until around 1872. The Kohler family and the Kohler Foundation purchased Wade House in 1950 and began a top-to-bottom restoration. The site became property of the Wisconsin Historical Society and opened to the public in 1953. Here, visitors can journey back to the horse-powered world that existed before planes, cars, and trains. The site features the stagecoach hotel built and owned by Sylvanus and Betsey Wade, early settlers of Greenbush, as well as a blacksmith shop, sawmill, and the Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum, which houses Wisconsin’s largest collection of carriages and wagons. Visitors can enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides from the visitor center to the historic core and back again.
Wade House Historic Site & Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum
(PO Box 34)
W7824 Center Rd
Greenbush, WI 53023
Know Before You Go
All participants must be aged 13 or older.
Workshops will require participants to hammer hot metal over a fire during the length of the program.
Hatchet workshop participants must have previous metal working or blacksmith experience.
Parking is available on the off-street parking area at the intersection of County T and Center Street (W7824 Center Rd., Greenbush).
Please arrive by 8:45 AM to make your way to the blacksmith shop by the 9 AM start time. Enter through the Wade House front gate. A staff member will escort you to the blacksmith shop.
Participants must wear sturdy shoes or boots, have long hair pulled back and wear no loose clothing. Wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty, and dress for the weather and heat of the forge. Gloves and safety glasses are provided.
Lunch is included in the full day workshop fee. Please bring a water bottle.
Bathrooms are available in a separate building within walking distance of the blacksmith shop.
The Wade House museum store is open daily during business hours.
Guests may exit and return throughout the day.
The site will remain open rain or shine.
No pets are allowed. Service animals are permitted.
Because of the historic nature of the buildings, not all areas are ADA accessible. The blacksmith shop is wheelchair accessible, however, the terrain is rough and the workshop itself requires the ability to stand for long periods, have strength in arms and be able to withstand heat.
Guests with additional mobility needs are encouraged to contact the site directly at 920-526-3271 or [email protected].
Have Questions?
For more information, please contact the box office at 608-264-4848 or [email protected].