About Us

The Highground Veterans Memorial Park is a 155-acre Park whose mission is to “Honor, Educate and Heal” our Veterans, families and all who visit. Located three miles west of Neillsville in central Wisconsin, it has become the nation’s leading, and largest, manned Veterans Park.

The Park includes over a dozen tributes, a museum with changing exhibits, a gift shop, pavilions, picnic areas and four miles of hiking trails. The Highground hosts numerous events throughout the year, including Veterans programs & retreats that focus on PTS/PTSD management for Veterans and families, helicopter & military vehicle expos, Veterans reunions, education days, motorcycle rides and an annual bike tour.

The grounds encompass one state and one national tribute along with many other tributes. The Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Tribute “Fragments” was the first tribute placed on the grounds in 1988.  The Highground is also the home of the National Native American Vietnam Veterans Memorial which was selected by the National Congress of American Indians in 1994.

“Fragments” is a complex piece at the apex of The Highground’s main plaza. Cast in bronze, the statue features a female figure wearing a poncho that signifies the burden of the 1,244 Wisconsin service personnel who died in Vietnam. The name of each of those men and women is inscribed on bundles of bamboo-shaped bronze rods mixed with wind chimes. The individual names are never meant to be read; they are to be heard over the hillsides as the wind blows. None of the figures are complete in the statue as they all flow into one. Much like in war, they are dependent upon each other and strengthen each other. A rifle turned upside down symbolizes that a Medivac is needed. A piece of orange glass embedded in the rifle signifies Agent Orange, a chemical that cost many military personnel their health and lives.

The Park has additional tributes dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of those who served in 20th and 21st century conflicts: The Persian Gulf Tribute (in the Greater Middle East – GWOT to present day), The Korean Veterans Memorial, The WASP Tribute, The WWII Globe, The Military Working Dog Tribute, The POW/MIA Dove Effigy Mound Tribute, The Nurse Tribute, The Gold Star Tribute, The Lost 74 Tribute, the Wisconsin Counties United in Service and the replica Liberty Bell. In addition, there are tributes dedicated to healing which include The Fountain of Tears and The Ascension of Doves within the Meditation Garden.

The Park features four miles of hiking trails south of the main plaza with benches along the paths for rest and reflection. There are three pavilions in the picnic area that can be used for group events. Charcoal grills are located next to each pavilion.

The walkways of the main plaza are lined with hundreds of granite Legacy Honor Stones that families or groups have purchased in honor of loved ones. These stones help support The Highground’s continuing mission to Honor, Educate and Heal while leaving a lasting tribute to those they wish to honor. Legacy Honor Stones can be purchased throughout the year and are then installed during one of the placement ceremonies that are scheduled May through October. The Meditation Honor Stones can be seen in the Meditation Garden Shelter. Persian Gulf Honor Stones are sand-colored stones to honor Veterans who served during the GWOT-present day. Korean Honor Stones are polished black granite to honor Korean War Veterans on the walkway walls and on the rice paddies. The burgundy granite stones are located in the Military Working Dog Tribute area.

In 2010, a Museum was added to support the education aspect of The Highground’s mission. The Museum is home to The Highground Registry Books which are created when stones are placed throughout the Park. Families and sponsors are invited to document the story of the individual they’re honoring with their stone in the Registry Book. There are currently over 2,000 records that include photos and documents that date back to WWI.  The Museum houses various displays and exhibits throughout the year. Examples of past exhibits include “Winter in The Military”, “The Vietnam Experience”, “Remembrance”, “Fur, Feathers and Fidelity”, “Working Warriors” and “USO/Holidays In The Military.”

Reunions are hosted throughout the year for Veterans to reunite with other Veterans from the same era, sharing their experiences, enjoying the camaraderie and educating guests.

The Highground also accepts nonperishable food, hygiene supplies and lightly used & new clothes which are donated to Veterans in need and homeless Veterans.

The Park is free to the public and open 24/7/365. The Gift Shop and Museum are open daily year round. Summer hours are 10-5 Monday-Friday and 9-5 Saturday & Sunday. Winter hours are 10-4. Volunteer porch greeters are available to help visitors get started with an audio tour, answer questions and give them directions to different areas of the Park.

The Highground, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, receives no ongoing federal or state funding and is supported by private donations and grants.