Old Falls Village Park might soon have a new landlord, and it is not a developer. The Menomonee Falls Historical Society has told village officials it is exploring a purchase of the historic grounds, saying a recent legacy gift has finally made the idea more than just wishful thinking.
The group says owning the park would lock in long-term preservation of its historic buildings and keep the 18-acre site open as a community gathering place. Talks are still early, no final deal is on the table, and the current calendar is staying put for now. Friends of Old Falls Village say all scheduled programming is moving forward this weekend, including a 1960s-era Vietnam living-history reenactment, as they weigh what happens to events after 2026.
Society pitches long-term preservation plan
According to the Menomonee Falls Historical Society, the group is in discussions with the Village of Menomonee Falls about a potential acquisition and is drafting a long-term operating plan for the park. That plan would look at building conditions, preservation priorities and future capital improvements, with an eye toward keeping the site financially sustainable.
The society says a legacy gift from Joseph and Louise Reis opened the door for it to even consider buying the property, and that the bequest is what allowed leaders to approach the village about a possible transfer.
Friends group: events will go on for now
Friends of Old Falls Village say "our mission to preserve, share, and bring history to life remains unchanged" as the ownership talks play out. The group has three remaining 2026 events on the books, including this weekend's 1960s-era Vietnam living-history reenactment, and confirms those will go on as planned.
At the same time, the Friends are already looking down the road. They are reportedly evaluating possible new locations to continue events beginning in 2027, according to Greater Milwaukee Today.
What and where is Old Falls Village Park
Old Falls Village is an 18-acre living-history park tucked into the southwest corner of Pilgrim Road and County Line Road in Menomonee Falls. According to the Village of Menomonee Falls, the village currently owns both the grounds and the historic buildings, while the Menomonee Falls Historical Society and Friends of Old Falls Village handle maintenance support and programming.
Money, preservation and next steps
The historical society says it plans to sit down with representatives from the Friends group to talk through shared goals and expectations while it refines its preservation and operations plan. No agreement on a sale or transfer has been finalized.
Any shift in ownership would still need more scrutiny from village officials before it could move forward, according to Greater Milwaukee Today.
Why local preservation matters
Old Falls Village has become a hands-on history classroom, drawing volunteers, school groups and history fans for reenactments, beer gardens and school days. Those programs have included a Revolutionary War weekend earlier this year that tied into the country's 250th anniversary, Friends of Old Falls Village note.
Supporters say that keeping the park on stable, local footing would help protect both those events and the historic buildings that help anchor downtown Menomonee Falls.
For now, both the historical society and the Friends group say existing programming will continue while talks proceed. The society says it will share more concrete timelines as meetings with village staff and volunteers move ahead. Event calendars and updates are posted on the groups' websites, and residents are encouraged to check in there for the latest, according to the Menomonee Falls Historical Society.
