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Visit Wisconsin Museums and Historic Sites | Wisconsin Historical Society

Visit Wisconsin Museums and Historic Sites

Explore a historical wonderland!

Explore a Historical Wonderland

The holidays are a magical time to engage with the Wisconsin Historical Society and its historic sites and museums. Join us for holiday villages, classic songs, fresh-baked cookies, the coolest gift ideas, and so much more all season long. Check out this page full of exciting ways to get into the holiday spirit with us, including fun-filled events, one-of-a-kind gifts, membership deals, and giving opportunities.
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The Wisconsin Historical Society is committed to prioritizing the health and safety of our guests, members, and staff. Read the information below to learn about our 2021 health and safety protocols.

Holiday Events

Wisconsin Historical Museum, Nov 13 - Dec 31, Thursday thru Saturday, 11 am - 3 pm Old World Wisconsin, Select December Weekends, 10 am - 4 pm Villa Louis, Dec 3, 4, 10 & 11, 1 - 7 pm Wade House, Dec 11 & 12, 10am - 4pm
Give a gift of membership - Spread Historical Cheer all year! Click here Holiday Gift Guide - Find one of a kind gifts for everyone on your list! Start Shoppping

Explore our Historic Sites & Museums

Black Point Estate, a view of the tower and the rest of the building, the clouds are beautiful and really frame the building.

Black Point Estate & Gardens

A circus cart on a lawn, bright red, yellow, and orange colors.

Circus World

The two historical buildings of Wisconsin's First Capital

First Capitol

An old fashioned camera is set up facing a dramatic photo backdrop

H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum

Wood cabin style building with antlers attached. A sign reads Museum

Madeline Island Museum

A group of people bail hay out of an old fashioned cart

Old World Wisconsin

Pendarvis house at dusk, orange colored brick and white trim windows and doors. A stone wall lines the house next to the road. The lamp is lit.

Pendarvis

Inside the Reed School classroom, with vintage desks and a chalkboard

Reed School

A older white couple holding hands and walking towards the Stonefield buildings

Stonefield

The Villa Louis Manor on a sunny day, victorian architecture on elegant display

Villa Louis

People visiting the Arts and Crafts Fair at Wade House

Wade House

Walking by the Capitol Square

Wisconsin Historical Museum

Special Experiences All Events

Don’t forget!

The best way to explore Society sites and museums is by becoming a member. Members are admitted for free, receive two free guest passes, get a 10% discount onsite events and store purchases, and more!

Become a member

For Your Health and Safety

reserve a spot. Tickets.
Advance
Registration

Advance registration is required for some events

Face Masks required. Mask.
Face Mask
Policy

Required for guests indoors if you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Recommended for guests indoors if you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

We're cleaning. Cleaning spray.
Daily Cleaning and Sanitizing

Daily cleaning & sanitizing enhanced at all facilities

Maintain Social Distance. Two people 6 ft apart.
Social Distancing Guidelines

Please practice social distancing while on-site

2021 Site Protocols

Effective Aug. 5, in accordance with current state guidelines

To protect your safety and ours

  • If you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we recommend you wear a face mask while inside on-site at our historic sites and museums.
  • If you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 you are required to wear a face mask while inside on-site at our historic sites and museums.
  • Please practice social distancing at our historic sites and museums.
  • Disposable masks will be available on-site.
  • All facilities will adhere to increased daily cleaning and sanitation requirements and there will be cleaning stations in each building.
  • Each location will follow strict guest engagement protocols, including parking, food preparation, and the use of shared facilities such as a public restroom.
  • Staff and guests, per CDC guidance, are asked to stay home if they have tested positive for COVID-19, are waiting for COVID-19 test results, have COVID-19 symptoms, or if they have had close contact with a person who has tested positive for or who has symptoms of COVID-19.
  • As we continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 our hours and guidelines for access may change. Please continue to check this page for the most up-to-date information.

Shop the Sites!

Shop our online store for merchandise related to our historic sites. 100% of the proceeds support the Society.

Online Store
Seipp's Beer Stein vintage metal looking, beige color old school illustration

Seipp's Beer Stein

Cotswold fingering 2ply: Gray

Old World Wisconsin Yarn

Oxen Team from Old World Wisconsin, black oxen with a Old World Wisconsin embroidered in the side.

Old World Wisconsin Oxen

Villa Louis Stained Glass Scarf - Silk

Villa Louis Stained Glass Window Silk Scarf

museum nerd mugs

Museum Nerd Mug

Pendarvis Mug

Pendarvis Mug

Wisconsin Dells 300 Piece Puzzle

Wisconsin Dells Puzzle

H.H. Bennett "Water Ski Pyramid" Trivet

H.H. Bennett "Water Ski Pyramid" Trivet

Learn More About our Historic Sites and Museums

Travel #BackInTimeOnline

Take a virtual walk through the historic sites! Explore the people, places, items, and moments that make our historic sites and museums special through our YouTube Series “Travel Back In Time."

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