| Oconto Site | |
| Nrhp Type: | nhl |
| Location: | Oconto, Wisconsin |
| Coordinates: | 44.8867°N -87.9008°W |
| Designated Nrhp Type: | January 20, 1961[1] |
| Added: | October 15, 1966 |
| Refnum: | 66000023 |
Copper Culture State Park is a 42acres[2] Wisconsin state park in Oconto, northeastern Wisconsin, United States. The park has natural areas, farmlands, archaeological sites, and a Native American museum.
The park contains an ancient burial ground used by the Old Copper Complex Culture of early Native Americans, between 5,000 and 6,000 B.C.E. during the Copper Age. It was rediscovered in June 1952 by a 13-year-old boy who unearthed human bones while playing in an old quarry. By July the first archaeological dig had commenced, as part of the program of the Wisconsin Archaeological Survey.[3]
Utilitarian products were much more numerous than ornamental items in the grave goods found, and the ancient artifacts were created from various materials.[3]
The ancient burial ground is a National Historic Landmark, on the National Register of Historic Places listings in Wisconsin, and protected within Copper Culture State Park.
The Oconto Archaic Copper Museum is located within the Charles Werrebroeck Museum—Belgium Home, a traditional Belgian style farmhouse built in 1924 by Charles Werrebroeck.[4] Artifacts and photographs from excavations on the park's grounds are displayed in the museum.
Other features in the 40-acre Copper Culture State Park include picnic tables, BBQ grills, restrooms, and a community pavilion.
Copper Culture State Park is managed by the Oconto County Historical Society, a non-profit organization, rather than the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, therefore admission is free. Visitors do not require a Wisconsin state park pass to enter, but are encouraged to make a donation at the museum.[5]
The Charles Werrebroeck Museum, with the Oconto Archaic Copper Museum, is open in the summer daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 10am to 4pm, or by appointment. Free admission and guided tours are available.[5]