When the world was at war, the war effort was in full swing in south central Wisconsin. Decades ago, a massive munitions plant north of Madison produced ordinances used in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Today, the massive Badger Army Ammunition Plant is long closed, but this abandoned place still offers an eerie glimpse into a bit of Wisconsin war history.
The Badger Army Ammunition Plant was located in Sauk County, at the edge of the Baraboo Bluffs in the Townships of Sumpter and Merrimac. It’s near Baraboo, Sauk City, and Prairie du Sac.
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To build the plant in the early 1940s, the U.S. government moved about 80 farm families. At its peak, the operation was enormous and covered about 7,000 acres. In fact, in 1942, it was the largest ammunition plant in the world!
Google / Ben Cedarberg
The plant produced a huge amount of ammunition propellant over the years, but the era of ammunition production on the property ended in the 1990s after it was determined the plant was no longer needed. The plant was officially decommissioned in 1997, and a complicated plan to transform the property for parkland and other uses began.
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You can visit the site and learn about the work that took place here at the Museum of Badger Army Ammunition. It’s located in one of the property’s old buildings - a large metal structure that once held a mainframe computer and equipment for the Army’s Automated Digital Information Network.
The museum has 1,400 square feet of exhibit space. The museum tells the story of the property, beginning with the construction of the plant.
Google / Dave Moore
The museum has a large collection of photos and artifacts that help visitors understand the scale and scope of what took place here. It’s an incredible story that’s worth discovering!
Google / Nell E
The Museum of Badger Army Ammunition is open Tuesday-Sunday. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Learn more about the plan on its website. Once you’ve explored the history of the plant, here’s a trail nearby that will take you someplace special.
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Google / Ben Cedarberg
Google / Dave Moore
Google / Nell E
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Address: Museum of Badger Army Ammunition, 7560 US-12, North Freedom, WI 53951, USA
