The Lime Industry on the Milwaukee & Northern

Lime was an important commodity for the M&N. Rail served lime kilns once stood at Appleton, Cedarburg, Fredonia, Grafton, Green Bay, Greenleaf, Hayton, High Cliff, Menasha, Rhine Mills, and probably other locations along the line. We intend to add detailed, historic information in the future. For now, here are some photographs of remnants of the lime industry which still exist along the former M&N.

Grafton Lime Kiln Ruins

Looking southwest toward remnants of lime kilns at Grafton, Wis., on 11 February 2021. These kilns were built by the Milwaukee Falls Lime Company in 1892. Photograph by Tom Bruss.

Rhine Mills Lime Kiln Ruins

Looking southwest toward remnants of lime kilns at Rhine Mills, Wis., on 11 February 2021. These kilns were built by the Sheboygan Valley Land and Lime Co. in 1916. Photograph by Tom Bruss.

Hayton Lime Kiln Ruins

Looking southeast toward remnants of lime kilns at Hayton, Wis., on 30 January 2021. The first lime kilns here were built by the Ormsby Lime Co. circa 1876. We are not sure if these are the original kilns or not. Photograph by Tom Bruss.

High Cliff Lime Kiln Ruins

Looking east toward remnants of lime kilns at High Cliff, Wis., on 20 March 2021. These kilns were built by the Cook & Brown Lime Co. circa 1890. Photograph by Tom Bruss.

Additional information and photographs of the High Cliff lime kilns can be found at Menasha Branch – High Cliff Spur and Reminders of the Menasha Branch – High Cliff Spur.