Waterford Stillhouse sits on East Main Street in downtown Waterford, Wisconsin, a small town about an hour southwest of Milwaukee. Founded by Mark and Wendy Schroeder in 2015, this craft distillery operates out of a restored historic building that once housed various Main Street businesses. Mark, a former pharmaceutical executive, partnered with his wife Wendy to pursue their longtime dream of opening a distillery after years of home brewing and distilling experimentation. They opened their doors to the public in 2016, focusing on small-batch spirits made with locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. The distillery produces vodka, gin, whiskey, and seasonal specialties using a custom copper still setup designed for their specific production needs. The Schroeders wanted to create something that would contribute to Waterford’s downtown revitalization while showcasing Wisconsin’s agricultural bounty. Their operation reflects the hands-on approach of true craft distilling, with Mark handling much of the production work himself while Wendy manages the business side and customer experience. The tasting room maintains the building’s historic character with exposed brick walls and vintage fixtures, creating an atmosphere that feels both authentic and welcoming.