Experience Historic Wisconsin this Summer

Are you ready to kick off your summer by diving deep into the history of Wisconsin? We’ve got plans for you! Join in on the fun at Old World Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Historical Museum all summer long with everything from drive through tours, walking tours, virtual camps, and so much more! Can’t make one of those events? No worries! The Wisconsin Historical Museum and Old World Wisconsin will be open to the public this summer for general admission! Read more to learn about the deep history that Wisconsin has and how to immerse yourself, and your family, in it all summer long.

Old World Wisconsin

Photo Credit: Old World Wisconsin

This summer, Old World Wisconsin is opening for general admission starting on June 17th. There, you can dive deep into history with 60 beautifully restored historic structures and over 600 acres of landscapes. At each structure, you will find different stores that travel through time. Put yourself in the action and go deep into the history of Wisconsin by exploring the spaces and stories that lie there! 

Experience the Family Fun Drive 

Photo Credit: Old World Wisconsin // K. Johnson

Kick off your summer with Old World Wisconsin’s Family Fun Drive, May 29th-31st. Grab your family and friends, hop in your car, and experience a drive-through tour of the site. This 45-minute tour allows for a safe trip through Old World Wisconsin with different sights, sounds, smells and tastes. Better yet? Some routes are not accessible during the regular season, so take your chance to see them at the Family Fun Drive! 

Go on a Guided Journey

Photo Credit: Old World Wisconsin

Explore Old World Wisconsin on a guided journey on site. This small group experience is designed for those of all ages, and will dive deeper into the rich history and stories of those who have, and do, call Wisconsin home. Every Wednesday from June 16th – August 25th, three different tours of Old World Wisconsin will be taking place (each three times per day!): Beasts and Barns, Makers and Moo-vers, and Building a Home. This summer, explore history in a new way at Old World Wisconsin!

Wisconsin Historical Museum

Photo Credit: Wisconsin Historical Museum

Join in on the educational fun at the Wisconsin Historical Museum! Explore the stories behind Wisconsin with different exhibits ranging from agriculture, to frontier life, to Native Nations and Tribes. There is plenty of fun to be had while visiting the museum. Hop in on different educational walking tours or listen to a lecture… just know, there is fun to be had for all ages! Some permanent exhibits include: First Settlers, The Immigrant State, Sense of Community, and the Era of Exchange. The Wisconsin Historical Museum opens June 3rd: Thursdays – Saturdays from 11am til 3pm. 

Head Out on a Walking Tour

Photo Credit: Wisconsin Historical Museum

Throughout the summer, the Wisconsin Historical Museum will be hosting an abundance of walking tours. From learning about the criminal past, to women’s history, you can soak in all the history and walk your way through Madison! Featured tours will include: A Walk Through Women’s History, Hidden History: A Walk on Madison’s Weird Side, Hidden History of the Capitol Square, and Hidden History: Madison’s Tales of Infamy, Scandals, and Mystery. 

Absorb History at a Virtual Summer Camp

Photo Credit: Wisconsin Historical Museum

Indulge your curiosity at the Wisconsin Historical Museums Virtual Summer Camp this summer! For 3 weeks filled with history and fun, sign up to learn more about the Wonderful Wisconsin Animals from July 12th – 16th, Wisconsin World Adventurers from July 26th – 30th, and Wisconsin Idea from August 9th – 13th. 
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All in all, Old World Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Historical Museum offer a wide variety of historic learning opportunities for kids and adults of all ages. Which historic experience are you most looking forward to this summer? Let us know in the comments below! 
For more information on how to get involved in historic Wisconsin, check out this episode on Discover Wisconsin: 

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Kortnee Hass: Digital Media Associate for Discover Mediaworks. A Wisconsin ‘now & forever’ transplant with a soft spot for squeaky cheese curds, craft breweries, and all things Wisconsin tourism.