Visit Attractions & Historic Sites
Plan Your Visit
Engaging exhibits, sites steeped in history, enriching tours and more—attractions, historic sites, and museums across the state help us bring the objects, stories and places that shape Wisconsin to you. Plan the perfect visit just for you, your family & friends, class or coworkers!
Old World Wisconsin
Old World Wisconsin
Set against the backdrop of the Kettle Moraine State Forest and 600 acres of picturesque woodlands, prairie, and wetlands, Old World Wisconsin is a one-of-a kind-place where the modern world fades away to reveal over a century of history. The site includes 60 authentically restored historic homes, farms, stores, and workshops. Along your journey from the 1840s to the 1910s, costumed ambassadors will invite you to get hands on with history. You’ll meet furry friends on the farms, enjoy an old-fashioned soda water in the general store, see sparks fly in the blacksmith shop, see how beer is made, and so much more!
W372 S9727 WI-67
Eagle, WI 53119
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Circus World
Circus World
An incredible 64 acres showcasing the incredible history of the American Circus is yours to explore. From the world’s largest collection of restored historic circus wagons to seven National Historic Landmark structures that more than a century ago were the wintertime home to the Ringling Bros. Circus and are now filled with thousands of circus treasures, you’ll delight in this extraordinary, one-of-a-kind wonder.
550 Water Street
Baraboo, WI 53913
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Wisconsin History Center
Wisconsin History Center
The Wisconsin Historical Society is bringing a new, 21st-century history center and cultural attraction to the people of Wisconsin and beyond.
Designed to be a welcoming beacon of inspiration and exploration, the new center set on Wisconsin’s Capitol Square in Madison will reflect a modern approach to sharing history and connecting communities.
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Wade House
Wade House
Visiting Wade House historic site takes you on a journey through Wisconsin’s past with tours of the Wade House Stagecoach Inn, stops at the blacksmith shop & sawmill, and the exhibits of the Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum & Visitor Center. This historic site is named for the inn built by the first European settlers of the town, Sylvanus and Betsey Wade. This stately stagecoach inn offers a fascinating glimpse into the long-ago era of horse-drawn travel, but it’s far from the only reason to hop in the car and venture to this historic site in the scenic northern Kettle Moraine. The beautifully preserved inn is just one of many interactive attractions exploring pioneer life in the 1800s that you will find on the site’s 280 acres.
W7965 WI-23
Greenbush, WI 53026
Plan Your Visit
Wisconsin History Center
A landmark cultural destination designed to share the rich, vast, and varied stories of the people who have shaped the state. Featuring world-class exhibits, community gathering spaces, immersive moments, and interactive experiences, this landmark venue will showcase Wisconsin's impact on America and inspire exploration across all 72 counties.
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A Wade House Christmas
Wade House ● Greenbush, WI
📅Sat, Dec 12, 2026 | 9:30 AM–4 PM ➡️ Experience the charm of a 19th-century horse-powered holiday at Wade House.
Harvest Beer Dinner
Old World Wisconsin ● Eagle, WI
📅Sat, Nov 14, 2026 | 5 PM–8 PM ➡️ Raise a glass to harvest season with delicious drinks and a four-course meal in our historic Clausing Barn.
Hiking at Old World Wisconsin
Old World Wisconsin ● Eagle, WI
📅Wed, Nov 18, 2026 | 9 AM–3 PM ➡️ Come explore the beautiful Kettle Moraine at Old World during fall and winter.
Island Holiday Boutique
Madeline Island Museum ● La Pointe, WI
📅Sat, Nov 28, 2026 | 10 AM–4 PM ➡️ Pick Up Island Jewelry, Decor and More at this Pop-Up Holiday Boutique.
Breakfast with Santa
Old World Wisconsin ● Eagle, WI
📅Sat, Dec 5, 2026 | 9 AM–11 AM ➡️ Enjoy a cheery breakfast with St. Nick at Old World Wisconsin. Includes admission to Home for the Holidays.
Home for the Holidays
Old World Wisconsin ● Eagle, WI
📅Sat, Dec 5, 2026 | 10 AM–3 PM ➡️ Experience the magic of a Victorian holiday season, where cozy shops, homes and cabins offer a beautiful backdrop for wonderful wintry celebrations. Sponsored by Old World Foundation.
An Old Farm Country Christmas Book Talk
Wade House ● Greenbush, WI
📅Sat, Dec 5, 2026 | 1 PM–3:30 PM ➡️ Rekindle memories of Wisconsin Christmases past during a heartwarming book talk with Susan Apps-Bodilly.
Make It Merry: A Family & Friends Crafting Event
History Maker Space ● Madison, WI
📅Sat, Dec 5, 2026 | 1 PM–4 PM ➡️ Up for a little crafting? Make your very own mini tinsel tree and a colorful array of vintage-inspired paper decorations in preparation for a beautiful, blustery winter season!
Exclusive Screening of PBS Wisconsin’s Jerry Apps: Home for the Holidays
Wade House ● Greenbush, WI
📅Sat, Dec 5, 2026 | 4:30 PM–6 PM ➡️ Experience the nostalgic world of Midwest Christmases past brought to life in rich, warm detail by beloved author and rural historian Jerry Apps.
Coffee and Carriages
Wade House ● Greenbush, WI
📅Sat, Jan 9, 2027 | 10:30 AM–11:30 AM ➡️ Sip coffee and learn carriage history during this guided carriage museum tour featuring the words of Wesley W. Jung himself. Includes General Admission.
Wade House Timeless Tales Speaker Series
Wade House ● Greenbush, WI
📅Sat, Jan 9, 2027 | 1 PM–2:30 PM ➡️ Engage with celebrated authors and historians as they bring stories of Wisconsin culture to life at Wade House.
Hearthside Dinners
Wade House ● Greenbush, WI
📅Sat, Jan 23, 2027 | 11 AM–3 PM ➡️ Enter the historic Wade House kitchen and help cook an authentic 1800s family-style dinner from scratch.
Wade House Hikes
Wade House ● Greenbush, WI
📅Sat, Feb 6, 2027 | 1 PM–2:15 PM ➡️ From beautiful woodland views to wintry treks in snowshoes, take idyllic, educational hikes through the Kettle Moraine all season long.
Winter Homeschool Days at Wade House
Wade House ● Greenbush, WI
📅Feb 11, 2027 | multiple times ➡️ Show homeschool learners the wonders of the horse-powered past during a trip to our state-of-the-art carriage museum.
Over the River and Through the Woods
Wade House ● Greenbush, WI
📅Feb 13, 2027 | multiple times ➡️ Make beloved family memories during a wintry horse-drawn sleigh ride through the fields and woodlands of Wade House.
Winter Quarters General Admission
Circus World ● Baraboo, WI
📅Fri, Feb 26, 2027 | 11 AM–2 PM ➡️ Explore exciting exhibits and dive deep into the history of the Ringling Bros. Circus this winter!
Baking and Cooking Workshops
Old World Wisconsin ● Eagle, WI
📅Sat, Mar 6, 2027 | 10 AM–4 PM ➡️ Enter our historic kitchens and make delicious and iconic dishes using recipes and techniques from the 1800s.
Blacksmithing Workshops
Old World Wisconsin ● Eagle, WI
📅Fri, Mar 19, 2027 | 10 AM–4 PM ➡️ Strike while the iron’s hot! Feel the heat, sweat and fire of an Old World forge as you hone your blacksmithing skills.
Bunny Brunch
Old World Wisconsin ● Eagle, WI
📅Mar 20, 2027 | multiple times ➡️ Celebrate spring with a hoppin’ good morning meal at Old World Wisconsin!
Tap Into Spring
Old World Wisconsin ● Eagle, WI
📅Sat, Mar 20, 2027 | 10 AM–3 PM ➡️ Tap into the sweet world of maple sugaring at Old World Wisconsin.
Hidden History of the Capitol Square Walking Tour
History Maker Space ● Madison, WI
📅Sat, Apr 3, 2027 | 1 PM–2:45 PM ➡️ Explore the iconic Madison landmark as you learn about the area’s earliest inhabitants and walk in the shoes of our capital’s founders.
Madison’s Hidden History: From Myth to Mystery
History Maker Space ● Madison, WI
📅Thu, Apr 8, 2027 | 5 PM–6:45 PM ➡️ From myths and magic to a murder most tragic, tour the path less traveled and uncover unusual secrets from Madison’s mysterious past.
Fiber Arts Workshops
Old World Wisconsin ● Eagle, WI
📅Sat, Apr 24, 2027 | 10 AM–1 PM ➡️ Learn to spin, dye, quilt, and embroider using 1800s tools, stitches, and techniques.
Nina Dousman Birthday Celebration
Villa Louis ● Prairie du Chien, WI
📅Apr 24, 2027 | multiple times ➡️ On her 175th birthday, celebrate one of the Dousmans who helped shape Villa Louis.
Summer Camp
Adventures Await!
Calling all explorers, innovators and young historians! Become a 19th-century apprentice, battle monsters, craft tools and souvenirs, discover nature and learn new skills at camp this season.
Madison WI Camps Eagle WI CampsINCREDIBLE!! The estate is unbelievably well-preserved, and the site as a whole proves to be a genuinely really amazing experience!! Easy 5 stars
Become a Member
It's the Best Deal in History!
Join the Wisconsin Historical Society at any of our membership levels to support our mission of collecting, preserving and sharing our stories and receive a full year of special benefits.
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All Memberships Levels Include
- Free admission to our 12 historic sites and museums
- Subscription to Wisconsin Magazine of History
- Early access to special event tickets
- 10% discount on merchandise and ticketed events
- Invitations to member events
- Subscription to Columns newsletter
- Digital membership cards
- Access to virtual events and talks
- Reciprocal Benefits at more than 1,200 participating organizations for Family memberships and above!