- Attraction: Museum of Root Beer
- Location: 513 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
- Industry: Museum
- Website: https://museumofrootbeer.com/
Root beer flows from vintage tap handles while classic commercials play in the background, creating an atmosphere where nostalgia meets fizzy fascination.
This one-of-a-kind attraction opened in May 2021 as the world’s only public Museum of Root Beer, transforming founder Reed Andrew’s childhood love for the beloved beverage into an interactive celebration of America’s favorite foam-topped soda.
The museum houses an impressive collection of memorabilia from over 2,000 root beer brands spanning 135 years of commercial production, making it a true treasure trove for anyone who’s ever savored that distinctive sassafras-sweet taste.
Located in the heart of Wisconsin Dells’ bustling Broadway strip, this quirky destination offers much more than static displays—you’ll experience hands-on exhibits, taste flights of craft root beers, and dive deep into the cultural significance of this uniquely American beverage.
Interactive Exhibits & Historical Highlights
The Origins Display: Step back in time to discover how Native Americans first created root beer using traditional ingredients like sassafras root and wintergreen.
Related
More in Wisconsin
Step Aboard A Real WWII Submarine & Operate Steam Engines At This Incredible Manitowoc Museum
Keep Exploring →The museum showcases the evolution from these ancient brewing methods to the commercial production that began in the 1800s, bringing this fascinating heritage to life through engaging storytelling panels.
Vintage Bottle Collection: Marvel at an extensive collection of root beer paraphernalia from different eras and brands, showcasing the creativity and evolution of packaging over time.
You’ll spot rare bottles from long-defunct brands alongside familiar favorites, each telling its own story of American beverage history through colorful labels and unique bottle shapes.
Traditional Ingredients On Display: See and smell dozens of time-tested root beer ingredients utilized as sweeteners, foaming agents, flavor enhancers, and natural carbonation. Glass jars filled with dried herbs like yellow dock root and star anise help you understand exactly what gives root beer its complex, distinctive flavor profile.
Root Beer Theater Experience: Get out your phones for an interactive experience as you relive root beer TV commercials and vote for your favorite jingles, catch phrases, and performances.
More in Wisconsin
This Tiny Minocqua Dive Bar Is Covered In Thousands Of Dollar Bills, And You Can Add Yours!
Discover MoreThis immersive theater room plays decades of nostalgic advertisements, allowing you to participate by voting on the most memorable commercials from root beer’s golden age.
Soda Pop Culture Gallery: Dive into the heart of American culture with displays featuring vintage advertising materials, soda machines, and memorabilia from the 19th, 20th, and 21st century. From classic drive-in diner setups to retro signage, these exhibits demonstrate root beer’s deep connection to American social life and dining culture.
Flight Tasting Experience: Test your taste buds with a sampler of four Midwest draft root beers, right from taps and served on a flight board. Featured brands include 1919, Sprecher’s, and Wisconsin Dells Root Beer from Wisconsin Dells Brewing Company, each offering distinct flavor profiles that showcase the artistry of modern root beer brewing.
Atmosphere & Shopping Experience
Compact Yet Content-Rich: You’ll find everything contained within one thoughtfully designed room that maximizes every square foot. The space feels cozy rather than cramped, with well-organized displays that create clear pathways for exploration while maintaining an intimate, museum-like atmosphere.
Root Beer Revelry Shop: Browse unique selection of bottled soda, exclusive merchandise, and rare memorabilia to take home a piece of this bubbly adventure. The attached shop offers an impressive variety of bottled root beers from regional and national brands, many of which you won’t find in typical grocery stores.
Related
More in Wisconsin
Taste The Famous Scotch Laddie Sundae And Crispy Brats At The Kiltie Drive-In
Keep Exploring →Draft Service Area: Conclude your visit with a refreshing glass of ice-cold root beer or ice cream float on draft at the in-house tap. The tasting counter creates a social atmosphere where you can chat with other visitors while sampling different varieties or enjoying a perfectly crafted float.
Nostalgic Design Elements: Root beer-themed murals and vintage advertising materials cover the walls, creating an immersive environment that transports you back to the golden age of soda fountains and drive-in restaurants.
Other Considerations
Affordable Pricing: Museum admission is $4 per person, making it one of the most budget-friendly attractions in tourist-heavy Wisconsin Dells. The reasonable entry fee reflects excellent value considering the quality of exhibits and included educational content.
Quick Visit Duration: Most guests spend about 20-30 minutes exploring the museum, making it perfect for a brief, air-conditioned break during your Wisconsin Dells adventures. The compact size means you won’t feel rushed, yet there’s enough content to keep you thoroughly engaged.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Children particularly enjoy the interactive voting system in the theater room and the opportunity to taste different root beer varieties. The educational displays provide fun facts that spark conversations about history and food science.
More in Wisconsin
You Have To Try The Signature Mississippi Mud Ice Cream And Hand-Dipped Chocolates At This La Crosse Gem
Discover MoreParking Convenience: Parking is free until April, according to the meters, though you’ll want to verify current parking policies during your visit. The central Broadway location makes it easily walkable from other downtown Wisconsin Dells attractions.
Perfect Weather Alternative: The indoor location makes it an ideal stop during hot summer days or rainy weather when outdoor Dells activities might be less appealing. The air conditioning and comfortable seating provide a refreshing respite.
Souvenir Quality: Beyond typical tourist trinkets, the gift shop offers genuine memorabilia and specialty root beers that make meaningful keepsakes for root beer enthusiasts or unique gifts for friends back home.
Museum of Root Beer
📍 513 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
