• Chamber of Commerce
  • Main Street Program
  • Watertown Tourism Committee

History & Art

Founded in 1849, Watertown is a city where past meets present. History buffs will delight in Watertown’s rich heritage and historic sites, while those interested in the arts will appreciate the many opportunities to enjoy theatre and music.

  • Walking and Driving Tours -  Eight tours are available in all. They include Main Street, Washington Street, Clyman Street, City Parks, The Darker Side of Watertown, Breweries and Ghost Signs & Murals. Tours of the city can be found at the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce office or downloaded from this page.
  • The Octagon House Museum - The Octagon House, completed in 1854, was designed and built by John Richards, a Watertown pioneer who was a mill owner and lawyer. This distinctive house is made-up of 57 rooms (including closets and passageways) 12 bedrooms and a free-standing spiral staircase. Plan about an hour for a guided tour. For more information, visit The Octagon House Museum.
  • America’s First Kindergarten Museum - Located on the grounds of the Octagon House, this one-room schoolhouse was built in 1856 by Margarethe Meyer Schurz, wife of the famous German-American political reformer Carl Schurz. It was moved from Watertown’s Main Street in 1956.
  • The Watertown Players - This community theatre organization performs family-friendly theatre throughout the year at the Watertown Players Theater at The Market, 210 S. Water St. in downtown Watertown.
  • Music
    • Watertown's Municipal Band plays summer band shell concerts Thursday nights in Riverside Park. Concerts begin at 7:30 pm. Enjoy the music from benches in front of the shell or bring your own blanket or chair.
    • The Watertown Area Chamber Orchestra celebrates the winter season with an annual concert; and the Watertown Concert Series hosts guest performers throughout the year.
    • The First Brigade Band is a Civil War band that makes history live by presenting period brass band music, performed on antique instruments. Attired in uniforms and gowns, the Band's musicians, color guard, and costumed ladies take you back to the 1860's. The band rehearses on Friday nights March to November at the Heritage Hall/First Brigade Band Museum. Rehearsals are open to the public. Call Don at 920-988-0614 to confirm rehearsal dates and/or to schedule a museum tour.  For more information and concert dates, visit The First Brigade Band.