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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Halloween Legends & Lore
Old World Wisconsin ● Eagle, WI
📅Oct 23, 2026 | multiple times ➡️ Troves of supernatural tales come to life at this ghoulishly fun—and spectacularly spooky—Halloween event for the whole family.
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.
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.
Spiritualism in the Victorian Era
Black Point Estate ● Lake Geneva, WI
📅Fri, Oct 23, 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.
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!
Madison Misdeeds: A True Crime Walking Tour
History Maker Space ● Madison, WI
📅Oct 24, 2026 | multiple times ➡️ Explore over a century of seedy activity, clever crimes and malevolent misdeeds in Wisconsin’s capital city.
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.
Homeschool Days at Wade House
Wade House ● Greenbush, WI
📅Wed, Oct 28, 2026 | 9 AM–4 PM ➡️ Young learners will see horse-powered history come alive before their eyes at Wade House.
Stagecoach Saturdays
Wade House ● Greenbush, WI
📅Oct 31, 2026 | multiple times ➡️ Ride along on a scenic stagecoach tour of the rolling Wade House grounds.
Flood Waters Rising, A New Chloe Ellefson Mystery
Villa Louis ● Prairie du Chien, WI
📅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!
Voices from the Kitchen: Lamplight Servants Tours
Villa Louis ● Prairie du Chien, WI
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.
Hidden History of the Capitol Square Walking Tour
Wisconsin Historical Museum
📅Sat, Nov 7, 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.
History Sandwiched In Fall 2026
Wisconsin Historical Museum ● Madison, WI
📅Tue, Nov 10, 2026 | 12:30 PM–1:30 PM ➡️ Join scholars and authors from around the state to discuss history, art, culture and more.
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.
Perspectives: Who is a Farmer?
Wisconsin Historical Museum ● Madison, WI
📅Thu, Nov 12, 2026 | 5:30 PM–7 PM ➡️ Building on Wisconsin’s story as America’s Dairyland, learn the unfolding stories of those currently shaping Wisconsin’s agricultural landscape. Sponsored by J.H. Findorff & Son Inc.
Hands-On History Workshop: Baking and Cooking
Old World Wisconsin ● Eagle, WI
📅Sat, Nov 14, 2026 | 10 AM–3 PM ➡️ Enter our historic kitchen and make delicious and iconic recipes.
Hands-On History Workshop: Blacksmithing
Old World Wisconsin ● Eagle, WI
📅Sat, Nov 14, 2026 | 10 AM–3 PM ➡️ Strike while the iron’s hot! Feel the heat, sweat and fire of an Old World forge as you hone your blacksmithing skills.
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.
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!
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!