Explore historical milestones in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin this summertime.
Step into Madison's Past with History Maker Space Walking Tours
Summer in downtown Madison is brimming with captivating tales, all thanks to the Wisconsin Historical Society's freshly unveiled History Maker Space walking tours. These engaging narratives delve into Capitol politics, Black history, LGBTQ+ activism, and the city's mystical corners, all while incorporating local voices and landmarks that resound to this day. What's more, these captivating experiences give both locals and travelers a chance to immerse themselves in history, right in the heart of downtown Madison, Wisconsin.
One of a Kind Experience Awaits
The History Maker Space is swiftly becoming the epicenter for exploring Madison's heritage this season. Operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society, this downtown hub transcends the typical archive setting by showcasing history out in the open through themed walking tours.
Every tour meticulously highlights significant sites across Madison, unearthing the individuals, movements, and milestones that continue to mold the city's evolving identity. Whether centered on resistance, reform, or folklore, these narratives are rooted in tangible spaces that visitors can explore firsthand.
The general admission costs $20 per person, but Wisconsin Historical Society members enjoy a 10% discount. To learn more or reserve your tickets, visit the Wisconsin Historical Society's official website.
Journey Through Madison's Past and Present
Hidden History of Capitol Square Walking Tour
One of the offerings is the eye-opening Hidden History of the Capitol Square Walking Tour that showcases how Madison transformed from wilderness to Wisconsin's political nerve center. Must-visit sites along the way include the American House, a former lodging place for early legislators, and the Argus Bar, initially a headquarters for a newspaper playing an essential role in shaping public opinion during formative years.
You'll meet legendary figures like Old Abe, the Civil War eagle mascot, as historical landmarks weave their stories, demonstrating how personal and political legacies intertwine across the cityscape. The tour starts and ends at U.S. Bank Plaza, spanning a 1.3-mile route through Madison's earliest chapters.
Madison Black History Walking Tours
This season's lineup also celebrates the voices and achievements of Black Madisonians, traversing the streets with personal and collective tales. The Madison Black History Walking Tours evolve from the post-Civil War era and pass through the Dayton-Mifflin-East Johnson Street area, where early Black residents established thriving homes, communities, and institutions.
Key stops include the Miller House, where William and Anna Mae Miller laid the groundwork for the local NAACP chapter, promoting education, religion, and community engagement. The route then proceeds through other vital sites that capture the pulse of daily life and the foundations of community leadership, with locations such as Hill Grocery and St. Paul AME Church anchoring stories about the Book Lovers Club and the enduring contributions of Black educators, religious leaders, and civic organizers.
The tour covers approximately 1 mile, starting at the intersection of East Dayton Street and North Blount Street and culminating at Capitol Square, at the corner of South Carroll Street and West Main Street. Together, these stops deliver a powerful reminder of how Black history reverberates through the city's present-day spaces and stories.
Pride, Protest, and Activism - LGBTQ+ History Walking Tour
Madison's LGBTQ+ history takes center stage this summer, offering an enlightening perspective on how activism and community shaped the city's culture and laws. The LGBTQ+ History Walking Tour unveils these tales by tracing the paths of some of the nation's first openly queer elected officials and marking key protest sites that impacted Wisconsin's anti-discrimination legislation.
Iconic venues like Manoeuvres on Blair Street, the Cardinal Bar, and Club Majestic served as vital gathering and social spaces for LGBTQ+ community members to bond, connect, and demonstrate. Additional landmarks, such as the legendary Emily's, held central roles in the city's LGBTQ+ social scene.
As the tour winds through these historical sites, it examines Madison's evolving relationship with queer identity and inclusiveness, tying these abstract developments to tangible, real-world locations. The journey begins at 150 South Blair Street and concludes at Capitol Square, at the corner of West Mifflin Street and North Carroll Street.
From Myth to Mystery - Exploring Madison's Eerie Side
History doesn't always adhere to neat chronologies. The Madison's Hidden History: From Myth to Mystery tour embraces creepy folklore and curious facts by weaving tales of alleged hauntings, unsolved crimes, and quirky figures that still echo around Madison. This edgy walk uncovers how even the wildest stories provide insight into the city's character, setting the tone for what's in store.
Buddy up with spirits, Houdini and his rumored connections to Madison, as the tour explores the curious mysteries and eccentricities that give the city its character, starting and ending at the U.S. Bank Plaza at 1 S Pinckney Street. Get ready to delve into an entertaining and enlightening exploration of Madison's more mysterious side.
Don't miss out on these engaging historical walking tours exploring Madison's past, artfully interweaving stories that often go unnoticed in textbooks. These tours offer immersive, location-based experiences that bring Wisconsin's capital to life in an accessible and engaging way. After all, downtown Madison's history isn't limited to its museum walls; it's embedded throughout the city's daily life, conversations, and culture.
Retired chef turned traveler and writer, Jennifer Allen shares her culinary and cultural adventures. Her work has been featured in various publications, such as The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN, and many more.
When you're looking to delve deeper into the rich history of Madison, Wisconsin, consider exploring the city through its home-and-garden and travel offerings. The Wisconsin Historical Society's History Maker Space walking tours, for instance, provide an opportunity to uncover hidden stories that have shaped the city's identity. By following Jenniffer Allen, a retired chef turned traveler and writer, you can indulge in culinary experiences while learning about Madison's past, as she shares her adventures in various publications, including The Washington Post and Seattle Times. Whether you're a local or traveler, these tours offer a unique chance to immerse yourself in cultural travel, making your Madison vacation truly unforgettable.
