Long before there was the Waterpark Capital of the world, there was a little town called Newport. But this Wisconsin town vanished as quickly as it appeared; and today, you’d be hard pressed to find any trace of the place. Read on to learn about the former Wisconsin town of Newport, a community on the river that simply disappeared.

Newport was officially founded in the mid 1800s in Sauk County. It was located along a bend in the Wisconsin River that was important in the lumber days – it was a place workers could regroup after floating logs through a difficult stretch of water.
Wisconsin DNR
People began building plots in the area in the 1840s, and development began. A dam was built on a creek, in a marshy area that’s now Lake Delton, and a mill was constructed.
Wisconsin Historical Society
While the river offered strategic value for commerce and travel, word came out that something exciting was coming to the area: the LaCrosse and Milwaukee Railroad. A railroad crossing would be hugely important to the businesses and residents in this little town.
Wisconsin Historical Society

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In 1853, with the hopes that the train, and a bridge would be coming, the town was formally platted. There was even a Jones Street. Lots quickly began selling for hundreds of dollars to speculative buyers – a lot of money in those days.
Wisconsin Historical Society
The town was eventually expected to have a canal connecting to the river, about 10,000 residents, a depot, and warehouses. People began establishing businesses and lives in the town – about 1,500 people lived here at one point.
Wisconsin Historical Society
The town’s downfall came quickly. Due to some other dealmaking along the river, a dam and that all-important railroad crossing was built upstream in a place called Kilbourn City.
Wisconsin Historical Society

People rushed to move out and deserted Newport. By 1856 residents were moving their houses. Soon, this Wisconsin town vanished. For a long time, the only surviving building was an opulent stone building called Dawn Manor. Even that building came to an end – it’s now being relocated to another spot the area. The town that was called Kilbourn City was eventually renamed Wisconsin Dells. Today, it’s a busy place that attracts millions of visitors each year with its waterparks, outdoor attractions, scenic beauty, and lively entertainment.

I was aware of another former place called Newport – that town is located in Newport State Park. But I had no idea of this town’s history. Learn more about Newport and other lost places on the Wisconsin Historical Society website. Make your travel plans on Booking.com – here’s where to find more Wisconsin adventures.

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