Wisconsin Historical Society announces summer 2025 tours where tales of the State Capitol, Black history, LGBTQ+ history and the mysteries of Madison come alive
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Historical Society’s History Maker Space in downtown Madison is launching its summer 2025 walking tours, offering a fresh way to explore Wisconsin’s capital. These guided experiences are designed for anyone curious about the city’s past—from seasoned history buffs to those simply eager to learn more about Madison and the stories of its residents.
Each tour highlights significant sites throughout the city, sharing compelling stories of the individuals, landmarks and events that helped define Madison’s unique character. Discover Madison’s LGBTQ+ history on a NEW walking tour. Stroll into the days of the earliest legislative sessions on Capitol Square. Learn about Madison’s early Black residents including Thomas Jefferson and Sally Heming’s descendants. Hear about Madison’s local characters, haunted establishments and even the curious behavior of one former governor.
The four tours offered throughout the summer season are the Hidden History of the Capitol Square Walking Tour from May to September, Madison Black History Walking Tours in June and July, LGBTQ+ History Walking Tour in June and October and Hidden History: From Myth to Mystery from July to October. Read more about the tours here.
To book a History Maker Space walking tour, go to wisconsinhistory.org or click here. The cost is $20 per person (all ages). Wisconsin Historical Society members receive a 10% discount.
More Information:
Hidden History of the Capitol Square Walking Tour
Thursdays: 5 to 6:30 p.m., July 17 & 31, Aug. 14, Sept. 11 & 25
Saturdays: 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m., July 19, Aug. 2 & 16, Sept. 13 & 27
Did you know that Madison has had three Capitol buildings? This guided walking tour explores the early history of Capitol Square, from tales of wild animals that once roamed the area to the center of activity that was Peck’s Cabin. The tour includes a visit to the former site of American House, a modest hotel where state officials stayed during Madison’s earliest legislative sessions. Additional stops feature the Argus Bar—formerly home to the Argus Newspapers—Monona Terrace, and the ancient site of the Monona Mounds. Grounding the tour is an exploration of Madison’s evolving infrastructure and culture over the decades. Key figures are highlighted including early governors, business and civic leaders, and of course Old Abe the War Eagle, a notable Civil War-era military mascot. The tour starts and ends in front of the U.S. Bank Plaza at 1 S. Pinckney Street. The route covers approximately 1.3 miles. For tickets click here.
Madison Black History Walking Tours
Thursdays: 5 to 6:30 p.m., June 19, July 10
Saturdays: 1 to 2:30 p.m., June 21, July 12
This tour highlights early Black residents of Madison, notable Wisconsin figures, and impactful organizations who have made history and shaped their communities. Beginning with post-Civil War history, the route follows key individuals and families centered around the Dayton-Mifflin-East Johnson Street area. Stops include the Miller House, home of William Miller, benefactor of St. Paul’s AME Church as well as a co-founder of the Madison NAACP chapter, and Anna Mae, fellow co-founder of the Madison NAACP chapter and founder of the Book Lovers Club. Other locations include Hill Grocery/The Thomas Residence, prominent social, civic and religious historic gathering spaces, and the Vel Phillips statue on Capitol Square. The tour also explores the story of brothers Beverly and John Jefferson, grandchildren of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, who resided in Madison. The route is approximately one mile, starting at the corner of E. Dayton Street and N. Blount Street, and ending at Capitol Square, at the corner of S. Carroll Street and W. Main Street. To book the Black history tour, click here.
Madison’s LGBTQ+ History Walking Tour
Thursdays: 5 to 6:30 p.m., June 12 & 26, Oct. 9
Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Oct. 11
Saturdays: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., June 14 & 28, Oct. 11
Explore the history of Madison’s LGBTQ+ leaders and historic sites on this walking tour. The journey highlights some of America’s first openly queer elected officials, key anti-discrimination laws and influential community leaders. Participants will visit protest sites, gathering spots, outdoor spaces, iconic bars and locations of celebration that have shaped Madison’s LGBTQ+ communities. Notable stops include popular venues such as the Manoeuvres/Allegre bar on Blair Street, Emily’s, as well as the Cardinal Bar, Club Majestic and more. The tour begins at 150 S. Blair Street and concludes on Capitol Square, at the corner of West Mifflin Street and North Carroll Street. To book the LGBTQ+ history walking tour, click here.
Madison’s Hidden History: From Myth to Mystery
Thursdays: 5 to 6:30 p.m., July 24, Aug. 7 & 21, Sept. 18, Oct. 23
Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m. July 26, Aug. 9 & 23, Sept. 20, Oct. 25
Discover the not-so-typical history of Madison. For those intrigued by Madison-area hauntings, eerie figures, and well-known names—from Harry Houdini to the remnants of Jeffrey Dahmer and even a rumored mythical lake monster—this experience promises unforgettable tales. As the group makes its way through Madison’s city center, a guide will recount stories from the past, filled with murder, mystery, eccentric personalities, magic and more. Expect to hear about quirky figures like Eddie Ben Benson, a man who once campaigned for local office on a unique platform, and some outlandish escapades of UW-Madison students. The tour begins and ends at the U.S. Bank Plaza, 1 S. Pinckney Street and covers approximately one mile. To book this tour, click here.
In addition to the walking tours, a multitude of other events are held at the History Maker Space in the US Bank Plaza at 1 S. Pinckney Street across the street from Madison’s State Capitol. Learn more about History Maker Space programming here.
About Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit wisconsinhistory.org.
