A newspaperman, agriculturalist and politician, he founded the Hoard's Dairyman magazine and also served as governor of Wisconsin. The National Dairy Shrine was organized here in 1949 to serve those interested in all aspects of the wide-ranging dairy industry. The Rock River and Lake Koshkonong provide a plethora of recreational activities for the residents of Fort, as it is commonly called by the locals. A great Wisconsin poet, Lorine Niedecker lived most of her life along the water on BlackHawk Island, working at the local hospital and, unbeknownst to her neighbors, writing some very fine 20th century poetry. Today, the Fort Atkinson Historical Society preserves the heritage of the community through collections and exhibits located at the Hoard Historical Museum and National Dairy Shrine .
Admission is free to individuals.
Tour groups need to call ahead for reservations.