Old Brandon Hemp Mill

Located on the west side of Highway 49 between Brandon and Ripon, this historic site is home to the remains of the old pre-war Rens Company hemp mill. Though the buildings are now dilapidated, the original boiler unit still sits inside, a silent reminder of Wisconsin’s deep hemp roots. The Rens Company holds a unique place in history as the last operation to grow hemp commercially in the United States, closing its doors in 1958 after the final crop in 1957. Founder Willard Rens carried on a family legacy that dates back to 1937, when his father, Matt Rens, testified during the Marijuana Tax Act hearings.