Did Beaver Cleaver live in Wisconsin? The answer is obviously YES!
The Cleavers in Wisconsin
There are many facts that lead any fan of Leave it to Beaver to believe it is set in Wisconsin.
- The Cleaver household is in Mayfield, which is a town northwest of Milwaukee.
- In Season 4, Episode 1, the Cleaver family is going to a Green Bay Packers’ football game. Green Bay is in Wisconsin.
- On the 10/1/60 epsiode, Wally states they are going to a Packers game the next day. On 10/2/60, the Packers played the Detroit Lions in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
- Wally states that the high school band is going to Madison to play for the governor. Madison is the capital of Wisconsin.
- In some episodes, a W pennant hangs on the boys’ bedroom wall, suggesting the University of Wisconsin.
- In the episode “Beaver Sees America,” Gilbert tells Beaver they should go water skiing. Southern Wisconsin is known for numerous lakes and is called “lake country.” Many lake resorts offered water skiing. The Tommy Bartlett Show was a water-skiing spectacular that performed in the Wisconsin Dells for 70 years.
- A couple of episodes mention surfboards and surfing. Although not well known, surfing does happen on Lake Michigan. Sheboygan, Wisconsin is known as the “Malibu of the Midwest” among surf enthusiasts.
- Alligators in Wisconsin? In the 1957 Season 1 episode, “Captain Jack,” Wally and Beaver visit an alligator park. Sceptics note it is too cold for alligators proving Mayfield is not in Wisconsin. Alligator Alley Adventures (AAA) in Wisconsin Dells, west of Milwaukee proves this theory wrong. Although AAA did not operate in 1957, alligators were part of reptile “roadside attractions,” of the era.
Critics of the above claims mention scenes by the ocean. Lake Michigan looks much like the ocean. Although those scenes were filmed on a California beach, that doesn’t mean the show is set in that state.
People notice a palm tree in the background here and there in Cleaver’s Mayfield. This doesn’t mean the show is set in California. Palm trees can also be spotted in the background in Hogan’s Heroes which is set in Germany.
The series The Waltons is set in Virginia, and the Atlantic Ocean scenes were filmed in California at the Pacific Ocean. The filming location is not the setting for a film or TV show.
(20+) Leave It To Beaver – The TV Series 1957-1963 | Facebook
Leave It to Beaver (TV Series 1957–1963) – IMDb
“Leave It to Beaver” Captain Jack (TV Episode 1957) – IMDb
Vintage Wisconsin Dells – Attractions
Attractions that Put Wisconsin Dells on the Map
Other TV Shows Set in Wisconsin
Happy Days (1974–1984)
Set in the 1950s, this sitcom follows the Cunningham family and their friends, highlighting working-class life in Milwaukee. Nostalgia and classic Americana are featured in this sitcom that offers iconic locations like Arnold’s Drive-In, representing the era’s soda shop culture.
Laverne & Shirley (1976–1983)
This spin-off of Happy Days is also set in Milwaukee, focusing on adventurous two young women in a Lucy and Ethel-style friendship who work in a brewery by day and hang out with their neighbors in a pizzeria and bowling alley at night.
Laverne & Shirley (TV Series 1976–1983) – IMDb
That ’70s Show (1998-2006)
Happy Days moves out of Milwaukee to the suburbs. Set in the fictional town of Point Place, this series follows teenage friends in the 1970s, exploring youth culture and suburban life.
That 90s Show (2023-2024)
This is a reboot and sequel of That 70s Show, where the next generation of the gang face new adventures in Point Place, based again in the basement of the grandparents’ home.
Step by Step (1991–1998)
A blended family in the style of The Brady Bunch faces life’s challenges in Port Washington, Wisconsin.
Picket Fences (1992–1996)
Everyday life, bizarre crimes, and ethical dilemmas are featured in the small-town atmosphere of Rome, Wisconsin.
The Young and the Restless (1973–present)
Set in a fictionalized version of Genoa City, Wisconsin, drama and intrigue drive this long-running soap opera.
Patriot (2015–2018)
A CIA operative works undercover at a piping firm in Milwaukee setting the scene of the dark comedic narrative of this series.
Liv and Maddie (2013–2017)
Twin sisters Liv and Maddie Rooney face high school and deal with family life in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
Liv and Maddie (TV Series 2013–2017) – IMDb
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Life with Louie (1995–1998)
This animated series is based on comedian Louie Anderson’s childhood and set in fictional Cedar Knoll, Wisconsin.
Adventures in Dairyland (1956)
Connected to The Mickey Mouse Club, this teenage serial was set and filmed on location in Verona, Wisconsin.
Other Shows
There are many “True Crime” shows that feature infamous Wisconsin criminals that I will not mention.
There are also many one-hit wonders that lasted a season or less, like Raising Miranda set in Racine, American Dreamer set in Kenosha, and Aliens in America set in the fictitious Medora, Wisconsin, and let’s not mention Joanie Loves Chachi, the short lived and embarassingly bad Happy Days spin off.
Tommy Bartlett Shows – Wisconsin Dells
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