As the Chloe Ellefson Mystery series grows, I thought it would be helpful to provide a single list of Old World Wisconsin locations that appear in the books.
(Special note: This Sunday, May 17, I’ll be sharing a preview of the next Chloe mystery, Death on the Prairie, at Old World. The 4 PM program is free of charge, but why not come early, buy a ticket, and tour the site? You can visit the highlighted buildings, and enjoy springtime activities throughout the outdoor museum.)
SPOILER ALERT: the notes below reveal information about the plots.
OWM – Old World Murder (#1)
THM – The Heirloom Murders (#2)
TOD – Tradition of Deceit (#5)
(Books # 3 & 4, The Light Keeper’s Legacy and Heritage of Darkness, do not include scenes set at Old World.)
Crossroads Village
St. Peter’s Church – The series begins with Chloe walking into the Village and visiting this structure. (Note: The Swiss house mentioned in OWM, is imaginary. All other buildings mentioned in the series are real.)
I took this photo on my first visit to the site, in 1981. It’s hard to remember the church without its fence.
Four Mile Inn – Chloe sometimes attends the morning briefing held for the interpreter in the basement, which is closed to the public.
Yankee Area
Sanford Farm – The large barn across the road from the farmhouse was the scene of a murder in THM.
As you travel from the Village to the German area, you will see a marshy kettle pond to the right. In Chloe’s time, her office building—Education House—was located out of sight on the far side of the pond. (That’s where I worked for many years.) The area is now closed and not accessible.
German Area
Schottler Farm – During the early 1980s, ski trails were maintained on the site. In TOD, Chloe takes a break from stress by skiing out to this farm, ostensibly to check the stove. (In reality she enjoys baking kuchen and making notes about trouble in Minnesota.)
The Schottler house, 1981. The farm looks much better now, with gardens and fences and more outbuildings!
Norwegian Area
Kvaale Farm – This farm plays a key role in OWM. Chloe visits the farm while searching for the missing ale bowl, and Roelke is called to the farm after an alarm is triggered one night. The climax scene takes place in the farmyard. Be sure to visit the stabbur, where Chloe found the bowl (the 2nd story is not open to visitors) and the barn where Chloe tries to hide from Joel. Inside the house you’ll find an ale bowl on display on a high shelf.
The climax scene in Old World Wisconsin takes place in the Kvaale farmyard.
Finnish Area
Ketola Farm – Chloe especially loves the sauna, which is the first small building you’ll encounter. In THM she visits to enjoy some quiet time after-hours, and gets locked inside.
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Much more detailed Locations Guides for Old World Murder and The Heirloom Murders are available on my website.
Old World Wisconsin is a great place to visit any time, any season. Happy wandering!
Tags: Chloe Ellefson, Chloe Ellefson Mystery series, Old World Murder, Old World Wisconsin, The Heirloom Murders, Tradition of Deceit
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