Marquette County Barn Quilts and Hidden History Murals
Recently updated map! Several new barn quilts and murals added, self-guided tours updated.
Pick up a new large map/brochure at area businesses and libraries.
Note: a few murals are in restoration during summer 2025.
Events
Montello Historic Preservation Society
Vaughn Hall, 55 West Montello Street, Montello, WI
The Montello Historic Preservation Society has a wall-size mural on the exterior west side of the building, a changing historic photo display on the exterior east side of the building, one inside mural and a beautiful antique painted stage curtain. The Society has revolving exhibits open during the summer months. For exhibit schedule or by appointment visit http://montellohistoricpreservation.org/ or email vaughnhall1912@outlook.com
Marquette County Historical Society
125 Lawrence Street, Westfield, WI
If you visit on a Wednesday afternoon, you can schedule a stop at the Marquette County Historical Society. They have two Hidden History murals on the Kerst Exhibit Building. Open Wednesdays from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. or the second and fourth Saturdays during June by appointment (608) 296-4700 or from the website http://www.marqcohistorical.org/
Self-Guided Tours
1) You can take a self-guided tour of the western portion of Marquette County Barn Quilts and Hidden History Murals Trail. Click on Trail No. 1 - Western Marquette County (below) for downloadable/printable detailed driving directions.- its 5 pages to print.
The route starts and ends at the same place - Oxford Travel Plaza at Interstate 39 and Hwy 23/82. The tour is about 78 miles and takes about 3 hours to complete, not including lunch stops or extra time to walk around and take pictures. We've noted places for you to stop for lunch or shopping along the way. Enjoy!!
2) A short self-guided walking tour in the Village of Oxford includes several murals. Oxford, Wisconsin, is located 4.5 miles west of Interstate 39 using Exit 112 (Hwy 23/82). The home of Frannie Mae's Cafe!
3) An Oxford/Briggsville/Endeavor self-guided driving tour includes several murals and numerous barn quilts. It takes an hour or more to complete, depending on your stops along the way. Tour directions start in Oxford, but you could start in Briggsville or Endeavor, too. Click on the link (below) for downloadble/printable detailed driving directions - its 3 pages to print.
Quilting
Quilting is in the fabric of Marquette County. Teapot Quilt Cottage in Montello sells quilting supplies and fabric. The local Calico Capers Quilt Guild is an active community group, the Marquette County Historical Society holds records and photos of all Marquette County Quilts recorded in the Wisconsin Historical Society Quilt project, and the Montello Historic Preservation Society has exhibited Patching Together History with Marquette County Quilts.
For a special treat, you can visit a real fabric quilt stitched by owners of Barn Quilts! These artists. This large, captivating quilt displays examples of actual Barn Quilts and Hidden History Murals, which are located throughout Marquette County. Location: Marquette County Courthouse Main Entrance, 77 W. Park St., Montello, WI. It's just inside the main entrance, after you go through security.
The blocks in this quilt were sewn by owners of individual Barn Quilts and Hidden History Murals, or their friends or family members, then assembled by Louise Back and quilted by Jim Wise.
Quilting Supplies & Services
Teapot Quilt Cottage and Garden Center, 505 Main St., Montello, WI 53949, (608) 297-7849
Starry Lane Quilting long arm service by appt. only (920) 463-0119
Welcome Home Sewing and Vacuum Shop, 118 E. Cook St., Portage, WI 53901, (608) 697-5718
Lakeside Fabrics and Notions, W5423 Military Rd., Pardeeville, WI 53945