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Visit Attractions & Historic Sites

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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!

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Start Your Fall Season With Us

Discover spine-tingling autumn adventures this fall with the Wisconsin Historical Society's line up of historic fall activities across the state!

Explore Historic Fall Fun
A wooden welcome entrance decorated in pumpkins and scarecrows
blue map of Wisconsin historic sites and museums on a dark blue background with numbered pins where each historic site is located

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!

262-594-6301

W372 S9727 WI-67
Eagle, WI 53119


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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. 

608-356-8341

550 Water Street
Baraboo, WI 53913


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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

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.

920-526-3271

W7965 WI-23
Greenbush, WI 53026


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Black Point Estate & Gardens

Immerse yourself in Chicago beer baron Conrad Seipp’s grand lakeside retreat. A Gilded Age jewel, this opulent mansion and meticulously maintained gardens reveal the lavish lifestyle led by the late 19th century Victorian landed elite.

262-248-1888

812 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147


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First Capitol

Near the picturesque hamlet of Belmont is First Capitol, the place where the first territorial legislature established Wisconsin’s government. Visit the site where these lawmakers built the framework that would evolve into the state of Wisconsin.

608-987-2122

18904 County Highway G
Belmont, WI 53510


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H.H. Bennett Studio

The H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum explores Wisconsin Dells history through the man who helped transform it into a national tourist attraction. Visit the museum and take a tour that includes landscape photography, 1800s film equipment, and hands-on activities for guests of all ages.

608-253-3523

215 Broadway
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965


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History Maker Space

Learn, grow, and deepen your bond with history at this active, community-focused spaced that hosts exhibitions, events, and programs. 

1 S Pinckney St 
Madison, WI 53703 


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Madeline Island Museum

Madeline Island Museum seeks to capture the rich, deep portrait of life on the Apostle Islands— from the Ojibwe and other tribes who called Madeline Island home hundreds of years before European contact, to its status as a hub for trading, commercial fishing, and travel.

715-747-2415

226 Colonel Woods Ave
La Pointe, WI 54850


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Pendarvis

Tucked in a scenic valley at the heart of historic Mineral Point, Pendarvis serves as a collection of 1800s limestone and log buildings that tell the incredible story of the very first Wisconsin “badgers.”

608-987-2122

114 Shake Rag Street
Mineral Point, WI 53565


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Reed School

Built in 1915, this historic Wisconsin one-room schoolhouse stands as living testament to how young learners acquired new skills without basic technologies or amenities. Explore the past of education through recordings, news volumes, and artifacts from the free school movement.

608-253-3523

4326 US-10
Neillsville, WI 54456


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Stonefield

Early agrarian life in Wisconsin starts at Stonefield. Once the agricultural estate of Nelson Dewey, the first Wisconsin governor, this historic site teems with cropland, shops, and factories knit together by grassy roads and centuries of farming culture.

608-725-5210

12195 County Hwy VV
Cassville, WI 53806


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Villa Louis

When you walk through the wood-grained double doors of the Villa Louis residence, you step into the fascinating life of one of Wisconsin’s most historic families—the Dousmans. This beautiful Italianate-style mansion tells their story—and many others—in striking detail.

608-326-2721

521 Villa Louis Road
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821


Plan Your Visit
Rendering of the exterior of the new History Center in Madison Wisconsin.
Grand Opening in 2028

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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Special Events
Homeschool Days at Wade House

Homeschool Days at Wade House

Wade House ● Greenbush, WI

📅Wed, Sep 23, 2026 | 9 AM–4 PM ➡️ Young learners will see horse-powered history come alive before their eyes at Wade House.

Event Details
School Programs
Homeschool Days at Old World

Homeschool Days at Old World

Old World Wisconsin ● Eagle, WI

📅Fri, Sep 25, 2026 | 10 AM–3 PM ➡️ Treat your homeschool learner to a unique, up-close history lesson.

Event Details
Food & Beverage Events
Fish Fry & Octoberfest Nights

Fish Fry & Octoberfest Nights

Old World Wisconsin ● Eagle, WI

📅Fri, Sep 25, 2026 | 4 PM–8 PM ➡️ Fish Fry Fridays are back at Old World! Stop by and enjoy our famous meal with friends, family and—of course—an ice-cold pint.

Event Details
Food & Beverage Events
Pub Night

Pub Night

Pendarvis ● Mineral Point, WI

📅Fri, Sep 25, 2026 | 6 PM–10 PM ➡️ Belly up to our Cornish bar for live music, games and more!

Event Details
Walking Tours
Hidden History of the Capitol Square Walking Tour

Hidden History of the Capitol Square Walking Tour

Wisconsin Historical Museum ● Madison, WI

📅Sat, Sep 26, 2026 | 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. Sponsored by J.H. Findorff & Son Inc.

Event Details
Walking Tours
Madison’s Hidden History: From Myth to Mystery

Madison’s Hidden History: From Myth to Mystery

Wisconsin Historical Museum

📅Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | 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 storied past.

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Special Events
Spiritualism in the Victorian Era

Spiritualism in the Victorian Era

Black Point Estate ● Lake Geneva, WI

📅Fri, Oct 2, 2026 | 7 PM–8:30 PM ➡️ Experience the otherworldly thrills and chills of spiritualism during a rare evening event at Black Point Estate and Gardens.

Event Details
Walking Tours
Sordid and Scandalous: A Walking Tour of Lake Geneva

Sordid and Scandalous: A Walking Tour of Lake Geneva

Black Point Estate ● Lake Geneva, WI

📅Sat, Oct 3, 2026 | 11 AM–12:30 PM ➡️ Explore the mysteries of Lake Geneva in this engaging guided tour through the city's beautiful and historic downtown and Maple Park neighborhoods.

Event Details
Special Events
Wade House Hikes

Wade House Hikes

Wade House ● Greenbush, WI

📅Sat, Oct 3, 2026 | 1 PM–2:15 PM ➡️ From natural views to snowshoes, trek through the Kettle Moraine during beautiful, educational hikes all season long.

Event Details
Special Events
Behind the Scenes Tour

Behind the Scenes Tour

Pendarvis ● Mineral Point, WI

📅Fri, Oct 9, 2026 | 2 PM–4 PM ➡️ Meet the couple who saved Pendarvis and hear their fascinating story.

Event Details
featured event
Halloween Legends & Lore

Halloween Legends & Lore

Old World Wisconsin ● Eagle, WI

📅Fri, Oct 9, 2026 | 5 PM–9:30 PM ➡️ Troves of supernatural tales come to life at this ghoulishly fun—and spectacularly spooky—Halloween event for the whole family.

Event Details
program
Objects that Connect Us: Sharing Stories Across Generations

Objects that Connect Us: Sharing Stories Across Generations

Wisconsin Historical Museum

📅Fri, Oct 9, 2026 | 5:30 PM–7:30 PM ➡️ Uncover the hidden stories woven into cherished objects that bridge generations and cultures.

Event Details
featured event
Autumn Celebration Weekend

Autumn Celebration Weekend

Wade House ● Greenbush, WI

📅Sat, Oct 10, 2026 | 9:30 AM–4 PM ➡️ Explore Wisconsin’s colorful fall traditions at Wade House.

Event Details
Speaker/Lecture
History Sandwiched In Fall 2026

History Sandwiched In Fall 2026

Wisconsin Historical Museum

📅Tue, Oct 13, 2026 | 12:30 PM–1:30 PM ➡️ Join scholars and authors from around the state to discuss history, art, culture and more.

Event Details
Walking Tours
Madison Misdeeds: A True Crime Walking Tour

Madison Misdeeds: A True Crime Walking Tour

Wisconsin Historical Museum ● Madison, WI

📅Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | 5 PM–6:45 PM ➡️ Explore over a century of seedy activity, clever crimes and malevolent misdeeds in Wisconsin’s capital city.

Event Details
Special Events
Poe at the Point

Poe at the Point

Black Point Estate ● Lake Geneva, WI

📅Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | 5:30 PM–8:30 PM ➡️ Sail, if you dare, to the parlor of this 1800s lake estate for a spine-chilling night of stories from Edgar Allen Poe.

Event Details
Special Events
Safe & Spooky Halloween

Safe & Spooky Halloween

Stonefield ● Cassville, WI

📅Sat, Oct 17, 2026 | 2:30 PM–7:30 PM ➡️ Grab your candy bag and a flashlight to see what goes bump in the night—this family-friendly event at Stonefield is the best way to experience a safe but spooky fright!

Event Details
Food & Beverage Events
An Evening at Wade’s Tavern

An Evening at Wade’s Tavern

Wade House ● Greenbush, WI

📅Thu, Oct 22, 2026 | 5:30 PM–8 PM ➡️ Quench your thirst for history during this lively evening in the taproom.

Event Details
program
Prairie Schooner Saturdays

Prairie Schooner Saturdays

Wade House ● Greenbush, WI

📅Oct 24, 2026 | multiple times ➡️ Journey through yesteryear and the rolling Kettle Moraine countryside on a horse-powered Prairie Schooner!

Event Details
Walking Tours
Greenbush Cemetery Walk

Greenbush Cemetery Walk

Wade House ● Greenbush, WI

📅Oct 24, 2026 | multiple times ➡️ Take a docent-led tour of the historic Greenbush Cemetery grounds and discover the stories of those who called Greenbush home.

Event Details
program
Flood Waters Rising, A New Chloe Ellefson Mystery

Flood Waters Rising, A New Chloe Ellefson Mystery

Villa Louis

📅Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | 1:30 PM–3 PM ➡️ Kathleen Ernst’s newest historic mystery is set at Villa Louis, and you’re invited to the book release!

Event Details
program
Voices from the Kitchen: Lamplight Servants Tours

Voices from the Kitchen: Lamplight Servants Tours

Villa Louis ● Prairie du Chien, WI

Event Details
Special Events
A Drive Through History at Old World Wisconsin

A Drive Through History at Old World Wisconsin

Old World Wisconsin ● Eagle, WI

📅Nov 7, 2026 | multiple times ➡️ Take a relaxing, narrated tram or shuttle tour through Old World Wisconsin. Perfect for guests looking for a new and accessible way to explore the site.

Event Details
Special Events
Hiking at Old World Wisconsin

Hiking at Old World Wisconsin

Old World Wisconsin ● Eagle, WI

📅Wed, Nov 11, 2026 | 9 AM–3 PM ➡️ Come explore the beautiful Kettle Moraine at Old World during fall and winter.

Event Details

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 Camps
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INCREDIBLE!! The estate is unbelievably well-preserved, and the site as a whole proves to be a genuinely really amazing experience!! Easy 5 stars

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TJ Borkenhagen
Google Review

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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Children watch a blacksmith demonstration at Old World Wisconsin.

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A white couple and a black woman enjoying a tour at Villa Louis

Group Tours

History is better shared. Our historic sites and attractions offer immersive group experiences for all Wisconsinites. Popular dates book fast—reach out now to secure your spot.

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