In Delafield, Wisconsin, there is a gorgeous old building that looks fit for royalty. The kings and queens who live in this castle are fish eggs. The Delafield Fish Hatchery in Wisconsin is a wonderful attraction worth seeking out if you have an interest in the state’s beautiful architecture or natural heritage. Here’s what you need to know.
In the early 20th century, concerns over declining fish populations prompted the establishment of fish breeding programs across the United States.
Wisconsin has taken several proactive steps to address this issue. The Delafield Fish Hatchery opened in 1906, becoming the second hatchery in the state system.
The building was designed by architect JTW Jennings in the Tudor Revival style, and the hatchery’s elegant fieldstone building has a timeless charm.
Its features include a steep hip roof, a prominent chimney, and colorful walls.
The hatchery contains offices and two concrete tanks specifically for hatching walleye-pike eggs.
Outside there are ponds for raising bass; water for the facility comes from nearby Nagawicka Lake.
If you think the building looks good enough to be a wedding location, you’d be right.
Over the years, the Delafield Fish Hatchery has grown beyond its original purpose. Today, the building serves as a multifunctional space available for rent through the city.
The hatchery is a popular venue for various events – it often hosts weddings and community gatherings; and the building and grounds are a popular backdrop for photography.
The building has long outlived its original purpose.
By 1950, the bass had successfully reproduced in the wild, and the state shifted its walleye focus to the Northwoods. But the well-built hatchery will survive as a venue for events and outdoor recreation.
I recently drove by this fish hatchery in Wisconsin when I visited Delafield, and it was quite remarkable. I have to come back when I have time. Learn more about the Delafield Fish Hatchery on the city’s website. Make your travel plans on Booking.com – and here’s where to find more historic places in Wisconsin.
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