Wood River Museum and Visitors Center

The Wood River Museum was a joint partnership between the City and the Heritage Council in an effort to preserve our history and educate others about the events and people that shaped our community.  The museum provides displays, research materials and authentic items from previous eras.  During different times of the year, visitors can see themed displays that highlight a specific period or topic in Wood River history.

Museum goers can enjoy displays that begin with the encampment of Lewis & Clark in 1803 to the location of Standard Oil and the subsequent creation of infamous Benbow City.  Further topics include the City’s rich sports history, tornados that destroyed parts of town and general items that molded everyday life in Wood River.  Visitors can purchase various items available through the museum gift shop to remember their visit.

Visitors can learn more about the areas rich history by visiting local sites:

• Historic Vaughn Hill Cemetery located on Route 111 where Revolutionary War soldiers, Civil War soldiers and Wood River massacre victims are buried.
• The various size and priced Sears homes that are located throughout the community. Because Standard Oil needed hundreds of workers, the demand on housing in the community was immediate. No one had time for months of construction.

The Wood River Museum and Visitors Center is conveniently located at 40 W. Ferguson Avenue in the downtown district.  A dedicated group of volunteers operate the museum on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.  The museum is closed the entire month of January.  Museum tours are available for a suggested donation of $1.00 per person.  For more information, please contact the museum at (618) 254-1993.