Long-Time Portage Tourist Attraction Moving to Marshfield

Monday, January 31st, 2022 -- 10:00 AM

(WMTV) A long-time tourist attraction in downtown Portage is closing its doors.

The World War II History Museum has been a staple in the community for more than a decade. Thankfully, the museum isn’t shutting down, but rather moving to a new location. “We made the purchase and now the fun begins,” said Army veteran Tyler Smazal.

Smazal purchased the massive collection and is now packing it all up and moving it to his hometown of Marshfield. “My dream was always that this would stay together, somehow,” said Bret Esse. Esse is the original owner of the collection.

Over the years, he’s amassed hundreds of artifacts from the war. From uniforms, documents, helmets, medals, you name it, each part of Esse’s collection has a fascinating story. In 2009, Esse and his wife Bonnie opened the museum in downtown Portage.

His interest in the war combined with his love and gratitude for veterans lead to his business becoming a popular tourist attraction. Recently, the Esses have been experiencing health problems.

They say it’s become increasingly difficult for them to run the museum. The decision to sell his beloved collection was not easy. Smazal came through for a tour one day and when he heard the collection was for sale, he knew he needed to act.

“I thought I got to do something,” said Smazal. “I look at this, hopefully, as a legacy continuing on what Bret did for himself, his community, and the state of Wisconsin,” Smazal joined the U.S. Army in 2006. He spent six years in the service.

Today, he and his wife own several businesses in Marshfield. Smazel couldn’t bear to see the collection sold off piece by piece, so he’s keeping it all together and moving it north. Smazal hopes to have his museum up and running on May 1.

It’s called and is located 253 S. Central Ave., Marshfield, WI. You can follow them on Facebook at “War Room Museum & World History”

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