Upcoming Events & Tours
Nakoma Historic Architecture Walking Tour
Colonial and Tudor Revival Gems in an Early Suburb
Take a trip with us down historic Nakoma Road and learn about one of Madison’s first suburbs and the prominent residents and architects responsible for its development. View fine homes on lush lots as well as one of Madison’s oldest buildings, the Old Spring Tavern.
Machinery Row Historic Architecture Walking Tour
Threshers, Tractors, Trains, and Traveling Salesmen
During the booming 19th century, the east side of Madison was the center of the agricultural implement manufacturing industry in Wisconsin. Railroads converged here and the area became “Machinery Row.” Learn about this history and see factories, commercial buildings, a railroad station, hotels, and a candy company to boot!
After The Tour: Stop by Good News Cafe and Ice Cream, 117 King St., at any time and receive 25% off an item with your ticket.
Accessibility & What to Expect: While this tour is on sidewalks and the bike path, some sections are uneven. To improve the guest experience on this tour, we will use the audio system.
State Street Historic Architecture Walking Tour
That Great Street!
Step back in time to discover how a "paper city" layout from 1836 evolved into Madison’s most iconic thoroughfare. This tour highlights the architectural transition of State Street from a muddy residential lane to a vibrant commercial and cultural link between the State Capitol and the University of Wisconsin. You’ll explore a timeline of architecture, from the Italianate sandstone of the 1855 Willett S. Main St. building to the grand movie palaces of the 1920s and the modern transformation of the Overture Center. Along the way, you'll hear stories of Civil War soldiers and the political demonstrations that have shaped the soul of "That Great Street."
Stop by the Chocolate Shoppe, 468 State St., and enjoy a single scoop of ice cream in a cake cone, sugar cone, or dish with your ticket!
*Updated Tour
UW-Madison Ag Campus Historic Architecture Walking Tour
Birthplace of the Wisconsin Idea
Step into UW–Madison’s agricultural past on this tour, where historic buildings and hidden campus gems tell the story of how farming, science, and innovation came together. As you explore structures from the late 1800s and early 1900s, you’ll discover how visionary leaders like Dean William A. Henry helped bring the “Wisconsin Idea” to life, transforming research into real-world impact for communities across the state.
Mansion Hill East Historic Architecture Walking Tour
Lifestyles of the Rich and (Once) Famous
Big Bug Hill, Aristocracy Hill, Mansion Hill. Travel through time with us to see the stately sandstone mansions built by Madison’s early elite, including the Old Governor’s Mansion, home to 17 Wisconsin governors. Times change, residents change, but these elegant buildings continue to inspire.
Stop by The Edgewater, 1001 Wisconsin Place, after the tour and receive one complimentary house coffee, draft beer, house wine, or soft drink with your ticket.
West Rail Corridor Historic Architecture Walking Tour
Railroads Transform Madison
In the 19th century, the West Rail Corridor area was a hotbed of businesses that depended on the railroad to transport raw materials and finished products, as well as businesses that served railroad passengers and workers. This area, birthplace of a number of long-term Madison businesses, now abounds with repurposed historic buildings that are home to offices, renters and condo owners. Join us for a nostalgic, up-close look at Madison's railroad history through many architectural gems.
Accessibility & What to Expect: While this tour is on sidewalks and the bike path, some sections are uneven. To improve the guest experience on this tour, we will use the audio system.
Old Market Place Historic Architecture Walking Tour
Divergence by the Lakeshore
A tour of this Near East Side neighborhood, nestled between East Washington Avenue and the shores of Lake Mendota, highlights the area’s remarkable transformation. Discover how a historic factory, a former water utility building, and a neighborhood school have been thoughtfully repurposed into modern apartments. Along the way, learn about Madison’s earliest Black neighborhood and take in the architecturally distinctive homes along the lakeshore.
Stop by Salvatore’s Tomato Pies, 10 N. Livingston St., to receive 15% off an item with your ticket! To improve the guest experience on this tour, we will use the audio system.
Nakoma Historic Architecture Walking Tour
Colonial and Tudor Revival Gems in an Early Suburb
Take a trip with us down historic Nakoma Road and learn about one of Madison’s first suburbs and the prominent residents and architects responsible for its development. View fine homes on lush lots as well as one of Madison’s oldest buildings, the Old Spring Tavern.
Machinery Row Historic Architecture Walking Tour
Threshers, Tractors, Trains, and Traveling Salesmen
During the booming 19th century, the east side of Madison was the center of the agricultural implement manufacturing industry in Wisconsin. Railroads converged here and the area became “Machinery Row.” Learn about this history and see factories, commercial buildings, a railroad station, hotels, and a candy company to boot!
After The Tour: Stop by Good News Cafe and Ice Cream, 117 King St., at any time and receive 25% off an item with your ticket.
Accessibility & What to Expect: While this tour is on sidewalks and the bike path, some sections are uneven. To improve the guest experience on this tour, we will use the audio system.
Mansion Hill East Historic Architecture Walking Tour
Lifestyles of the Rich and (Once) Famous
Big Bug Hill, Aristocracy Hill, Mansion Hill. Travel through time with us to see the stately sandstone mansions built by Madison’s early elite, including the Old Governor’s Mansion, home to 17 Wisconsin governors. Times change, residents change, but these elegant buildings continue to inspire.
Stop by The Edgewater, 1001 Wisconsin Place, after the tour and receive one complimentary house coffee, draft beer, house wine, or soft drink with your ticket.
UW-Madison Ag Campus Historic Architecture Walking Tour
Birthplace of the Wisconsin Idea
Step into UW–Madison’s agricultural past on this tour, where historic buildings and hidden campus gems tell the story of how farming, science, and innovation came together. As you explore structures from the late 1800s and early 1900s, you’ll discover how visionary leaders like Dean William A. Henry helped bring the “Wisconsin Idea” to life, transforming research into real-world impact for communities across the state.
State Street Historic Architecture Walking Tour (Copy)
That Great Street!
Step back in time to discover how a "paper city" layout from 1836 evolved into Madison’s most iconic thoroughfare. This tour highlights the architectural transition of State Street from a muddy residential lane to a vibrant commercial and cultural link between the State Capitol and the University of Wisconsin. You’ll explore a timeline of architecture, from the Italianate sandstone of the 1855 Willett S. Main St. building to the grand movie palaces of the 1920s and the modern transformation of the Overture Center. Along the way, you'll hear stories of Civil War soldiers and the political demonstrations that have shaped the soul of "That Great Street."
Stop by the Chocolate Shoppe, 468 State St., and enjoy a single scoop of ice cream in a cake cone, sugar cone, or dish with your ticket!
*Updated Tour
Orton Park Historic Architecture Walking Tour
Divergence by the Lakeshore
A tour of this Near East Side neighborhood, nestled between East Washington Avenue and the shores of Lake Mendota, highlights the area’s remarkable transformation. Discover how a historic factory, a former water utility building, and a neighborhood school have been thoughtfully repurposed into modern apartments. Along the way, learn about Madison’s earliest Black neighborhood and take in the architecturally distinctive homes along the lakeshore.
After the tour, head over to local favorite Willy Street Coop to receive $5 off a $25 purchase, 1221 Williamson St. You must give them the coupon you receive on the tour.
Frost Woods: Wisconsin’s New National Register Historic District
Registration opens August 1
Refreshments will be provided
Tickets: FREE, but registration is required as space is limited
Nestled in the gently rolling terrain along the east edge of Wiicawak Bay, the Frost Woods neighborhood began as a cluster of modernist houses for University of Wisconsin faculty in the 1930s and exploded in the 1950s during a post-WWII population boom. Guided for decades by a homeowners’ association, the neighborhood contains a wealth of midcentury architecture, along with the earliest and finest concentration of the International Style in Wisconsin.
The story of Frost Woods stretches back millennia, however, from Late Woodland effigy mounds to Ho-Chunk seasonal camps to a 19th-century white settler who spared an oak forest. Today, careful stewardship preserves this layered landscape of archaeology, architecture, and community planning.
The neighborhood is in the process of being listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This presentation will highlight the history and architecture of the neighborhood and will explore what makes Frost Woods a unique place and worthy of preservation.
Image: The Wright and Ednah Thomas House, designed in 1931 by Hamilton and Gwenydd Beatty, was the first International-style house in Wisconsin. Courtesy of Justin Miller.
West Rail Corridor Historic Architecture Walking Tour
Railroads Transform Madison
In the 19th century, the West Rail Corridor area was a hotbed of businesses that depended on the railroad to transport raw materials and finished products, as well as businesses that served railroad passengers and workers. This area, birthplace of a number of long-term Madison businesses, now abounds with repurposed historic buildings that are home to offices, renters and condo owners. Join us for a nostalgic, up-close look at Madison's railroad history through many architectural gems.
Accessibility & What to Expect: While this tour is on sidewalks and the bike path, some sections are uneven. To improve the guest experience on this tour, we will use the audio system.
Nakoma Historic Architecture Walking Tour
Colonial and Tudor Revival Gems in an Early Suburb
Take a trip with us down historic Nakoma Road and learn about one of Madison’s first suburbs and the prominent residents and architects responsible for its development. View fine homes on lush lots as well as one of Madison’s oldest buildings, the Old Spring Tavern.
Old Market Place Historic Architecture Walking Tour
Divergence by the Lakeshore
A tour of this Near East Side neighborhood, nestled between East Washington Avenue and the shores of Lake Mendota, highlights the area’s remarkable transformation. Discover how a historic factory, a former water utility building, and a neighborhood school have been thoughtfully repurposed into modern apartments. Along the way, learn about Madison’s earliest Black neighborhood and take in the architecturally distinctive homes along the lakeshore.
Stop by Salvatore’s Tomato Pies, 10 N. Livingston St., to receive 15% off an item with your ticket! To improve the guest experience on this tour, we will use the audio system.
Mansion Hill East Historic Architecture Walking Tour
Lifestyles of the Rich and (Once) Famous
Big Bug Hill, Aristocracy Hill, Mansion Hill. Travel through time with us to see the stately sandstone mansions built by Madison’s early elite, including the Old Governor’s Mansion, home to 17 Wisconsin governors. Times change, residents change, but these elegant buildings continue to inspire.
Stop by The Edgewater, 1001 Wisconsin Place, after the tour and receive one complimentary house coffee, draft beer, house wine, or soft drink with your ticket.
Behind the Big Top: Private Tour of Ringlingville's Restoration
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT
Tickets open August 1
We will run a tour at 9:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. for members.
Step inside history… literally. Circus World is home to Ringlingville, the original Winter Headquarters of the Ringling Brothers Circus (1884–1918), and one of Wisconsin's most extraordinary landmarks. As a designated National Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, this site tells the story of the greatest show on earth and the brothers who built it.
Thanks to the Save America's Treasures Grant program and State of Wisconsin funding, WHS is bringing Ringlingville back to its 1915 glory. As our valued members, you'll get an exclusive peek behind the curtain.
Join us for a private, guided tour with the architects and state facility managers as we explore three projects in different stages of transformation:
The Ringling Brothers Office Building — freshly restored and ready to impress
Wild Animal House #2 — newly completed!
The Baggage Horse Barn — in the design phase, where history meets blueprints
You'll walk away with a front-row seat to the fascinating world of historic restoration. From how investigators uncover a building's original secrets, to the craft of replicating century-old wood windows, masonry, plaster, and even historic paint colors. We'll also dig into how preservationists balance authenticity with modern safety and accessibility needs.
This is a rare, members-only experience you won't want to miss! Learn about membership.
Machinery Row Historic Architecture Walking Tour
Threshers, Tractors, Trains, and Traveling Salesmen
During the booming 19th century, the east side of Madison was the center of the agricultural implement manufacturing industry in Wisconsin. Railroads converged here and the area became “Machinery Row.” Learn about this history and see factories, commercial buildings, a railroad station, hotels, and a candy company to boot!
After The Tour: Stop by Good News Cafe and Ice Cream, 117 King St., at any time and receive 25% off an item with your ticket.
Accessibility & What to Expect: While this tour is on sidewalks and the bike path, some sections are uneven. To improve the guest experience on this tour, we will use the audio system.
West Rail Corridor Historic Architecture Walking Tour
Railroads Transform Madison
In the 19th century, the West Rail Corridor area was a hotbed of businesses that depended on the railroad to transport raw materials and finished products, as well as businesses that served railroad passengers and workers. This area, birthplace of a number of long-term Madison businesses, now abounds with repurposed historic buildings that are home to offices, renters and condo owners. Join us for a nostalgic, up-close look at Madison's railroad history through many architectural gems.
Accessibility & What to Expect: While this tour is on sidewalks and the bike path, some sections are uneven. To improve the guest experience on this tour, we will use the audio system.
UW-Madison Ag Campus Historic Architecture Walking Tour
Birthplace of the Wisconsin Idea
Step into UW–Madison’s agricultural past on this tour, where historic buildings and hidden campus gems tell the story of how farming, science, and innovation came together. As you explore structures from the late 1800s and early 1900s, you’ll discover how visionary leaders like Dean William A. Henry helped bring the “Wisconsin Idea” to life, transforming research into real-world impact for communities across the state.
Annual Specialty Tour: Frost Woods
Ticket open soon!
August 1 - Ticket open to Madison Trust members only
August 5 - Tickets open to the general public
We encourage getting tickets early as we limit the number of guests in each tour group for a better experience.
Tour Times: Tours will begin at 8:30 a.m. and run every 30 minutes with the last tour starting at 1:30 p.m.
Just a few miles from downtown Madison, along the quiet shore of Lake Monona, sits one of Wisconsin's most remarkable neighborhoods, that many people have never visited.
Frost Woods was just added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2026, and we're celebrating with a walking tour that pulls back the curtain on a neighborhood that has been quietly extraordinary for nearly a century.
State Street Historic Architecture Walking Tour
That Great Street!
Step back in time to discover how a "paper city" layout from 1836 evolved into Madison’s most iconic thoroughfare. This tour highlights the architectural transition of State Street from a muddy residential lane to a vibrant commercial and cultural link between the State Capitol and the University of Wisconsin. You’ll explore a timeline of architecture, from the Italianate sandstone of the 1855 Willett S. Main St. building to the grand movie palaces of the 1920s and the modern transformation of the Overture Center. Along the way, you'll hear stories of Civil War soldiers and the political demonstrations that have shaped the soul of "That Great Street."
Stop by the Chocolate Shoppe, 468 State St., and enjoy a single scoop of ice cream in a cake cone, sugar cone, or dish with your ticket!
*Updated Tour
Orton Park Historic Architecture Walking Tour
Divergence by the Lakeshore
A tour of this Near East Side neighborhood, nestled between East Washington Avenue and the shores of Lake Mendota, highlights the area’s remarkable transformation. Discover how a historic factory, a former water utility building, and a neighborhood school have been thoughtfully repurposed into modern apartments. Along the way, learn about Madison’s earliest Black neighborhood and take in the architecturally distinctive homes along the lakeshore.
After the tour, head over to local favorite Willy Street Coop to receive $5 off a $25 purchase, 1221 Williamson St. You must give them the coupon you receive on the tour.
Machinery Row Historic Architecture Walking Tour
Threshers, Tractors, Trains, and Traveling Salesmen
During the booming 19th century, the east side of Madison was the center of the agricultural implement manufacturing industry in Wisconsin. Railroads converged here and the area became “Machinery Row.” Learn about this history and see factories, commercial buildings, a railroad station, hotels, and a candy company to boot!
After The Tour: Stop by Good News Cafe and Ice Cream, 117 King St., at any time and receive 25% off an item with your ticket.
Accessibility & What to Expect: While this tour is on sidewalks and the bike path, some sections are uneven. To improve the guest experience on this tour, we will use the audio system.
Historic Preservation Awards
Join us as we celebrate our award recipients at the annual Historic Preservation Awards.