Pebble House/Visitor Center
The Pebble House highlights a remarkable building tradition introduced to Wisconsin by craftsmen from upstate New York in the mid-1800s. Using rubble walls as a base, they carefully covered them with smooth, egg-sized pebbles gathered along the shores of Lake Michigan. The stones were arranged in an intentional pattern: two rows of dark basalt, followed by a row of pink-gray granite, and finished with a row of buff, pink, and white flint and quartzite. The result is a playful, multicolored exterior that contrasts beautifully with the formal Greek Revival design. Originally known as the Dodge House, this structure has an eventful past—first built on Wisconsin Street, it has been moved twice before finding its current role as the Visitor Center.
Judge Eghart House
The Judge Eghart House, a stunning example of Victorian architecture, offers a window into late 19th-century life. Built in 1872 for Byron and Clara Teed, the home was purchased just nine years later by Judge Leopold Eghart, a prominent figure in Port Washington's history. He and his wife, Anna, raised six children in the house, filling it with decades of family history. Today, visitors can explore the meticulously preserved rooms, which are full of period furnishings and artifacts, providing an authentic look at domestic life from a bygone era. ClICK FOR MUSEUM HOURS
Historic Downtown Franklin Street
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Port Washington’s downtown features many historic buildings. In fact, Port Washington has more pre-Civil War buildings than any other city in Wisconsin. Watch for the numbered copper insets in the sidewalk on Franklin Street and the bronze plaques to denote a historical building. Today, these 19th century buildings house unique, locally-owned shops and eateries.
Historic Franklin Street Walking Tour
Explore our historic downtown with the self-guided Historic Franklin Street Walking Tour. Look for the copper numbers inset in the sidewalks.. Tap into the digital walk with QR codes at stops on the tour, or pick up a printed tour brochure at the Port Washington Historical Society or the Visitor Center.
Ozaukee County Courthouse
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the courthouse gained notoriety during the Civil War when it became the site of the 1862 Port Washington Draft Riot. By the 1890s, the courthouse had deteriorated, sparking both the need for a new building and a heated battle over whether the county seat should remain in Port Washington or move to Cedarburg. After months of debate, Port Washington prevailed, and a new courthouse was built on the original site in 1900. A time capsule is hidden inside the cornerstone.
Old Firehouse
Built in 1928, this Mediterranean Revival–style Fire Engine House replaced the city’s earlier wooden station. Designed by Milwaukee architect John Topzant, it features brick walls, a red tile roof, and a distinctive hose-drying tower styled like a campanile. The building served Port Washington’s fire department until 1975, later becoming a senior center. Today, it stands as one of the city’s rare pre–World War II municipal buildings and a striking example of Mediterranean Revival architecture.
