1929
End of the Trail
Shaler commissioned this bronze copy of Fraser’s famous work and gave it to the city. It’s believed to be the only Fraser statue in Wisconsin.
National Register of Historic PlacesArts & Sculpture
Naturally artful
The city is the gallery.
Waupun’s sculpture collection, historic places and creative community turn an ordinary walk through town into a story worth following.
Meet Waupun’s remarkable sculpture legacy.
Inventor and industrialist Clarence Shaler helped shape a public-art collection that includes work connected to acclaimed sculptors James Earle Fraser and Lorado Taft. Today, historic works and newer downtown pieces invite visitors to explore the city one stop at a time.
On the sculpture trail
Meet two icons.
Waupun’s collection includes 13 sculptures. These two bronzes, both gifts from Clarence Shaler, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
1923
The Recording Angel
A graceful angel with the book of life in her lap, given to the city by Shaler in 1923.
National Register of Historic PlacesThe Shaler Legacy Collection
A century of sculpture.
Waupun’s public art story begins with Clarence Shaler (1860 to 1941), an inventor and industrialist who commissioned world-renowned sculptors and, at age 70, began sculpting his own heritage in bronze.
Topamong U.S. cities for public art per capita
70Shaler’s age when he began sculpting in bronze
100+years Waupun has been building its collection
WaubunWaupun’s original name, meaning “dawn of day”
The Recording Angel
Lorado Taft
Forest Mound Cemetery
Shaler commissioned this graceful angel to honor his wife. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
End of the Trail
James Earl Fraser
Shaler Park
Shaler first saw Fraser’s work at the 1914 Panama Pacific Exposition in San Francisco and brought a bronze home to Waupun. Also on the National Register.
Dawn of Day
Clarence Shaler
City Hall
Also called “Waubun,” the Native word for “dawn of day,” which was Waupun’s original name before a spelling error changed the “b” to a “p.”
The Pioneers
Clarence Shaler
Wilcox Park
A young pioneer family, sculpted in memory of Shaler’s mother and gifted to Waupun for its centennial.
Who Sows Believes in God
Clarence Shaler
Waupun Memorial Hospital
After 30 years in a basement and 15 more near Arlington, this 12-foot ode to faith finally came home to Waupun.
A tribute to Clara
Clarence Shaler
Union Cemetery, Mackford Prairie
A life-size girl seated on a rock, in memory of Shaler’s twin sister, who died at 18. Some say it’s his finest work.
Pick up a sculpture brochure at the Heritage Museum or City Hall, or download the free Otocast app and search “Waupun Sculpture Tour” for a narrated guide.
The collection keeps growing
The Downtown Collection.
Through Create Waupun’s rotating sculpture exhibit, new pieces with ties to Waupun history arrive downtown and around town, joining Shaler’s legacy collection.
We Can Do It
Near National Rivet, Main St.
Rosie the Riveter, now part of Waupun’s permanent collection thanks to a community fundraiser. A nod to the rivets Waupun made during World War II.
Eddies & Etchings
Harris Mill Park, 300 N. Mill St.
Jim and Ryan Pedersen
A permanent piece custom made to trace the curves of the Rock River through Waupun, placed near the Mill Pond shelter.
Catching the Wind
Merchant Square, 400 block of E. Main St.
A life-size bronze of a girl flying a kite, honoring Clarence Shaler’s kite experiments as a boy right here in Waupun.
Oxbow
Horicon Bank, 807 W. Main St.
Tim Adams
An abstract piece tracing the winding bends of a meandering river. Sponsored by Horicon Bank.
Rising Star
Medema Fields, 728 W. Lincoln St.
Randolph Rose Collection
Monarchy
Merchant Square, 400 block of E. Main St.
Sponsored by Waupun Fine Arts
Rotating pieces can change from year to year, so check the Otocast app for the current lineup.
Make it a culture day
Three ways into the story.
Sculpture Tour
Use the official route and Otocast audio guide to experience the collection.
Heritage Museum
Explore local exhibitions in Waupun’s largely preserved 1904 Carnegie library.
Fine Arts & Performances
Look for gallery exhibits, artist receptions, concerts, theater and creative programs throughout the year.
Then and now
Slide through time.
Drag the handle to compare Main Street, then and now. Tap a postcard to switch views.
Now
Then