Discover the Birthplace of Wisconsin Government
Madison has long been Wisconsin’s capital city, but the first 42 laws were made 50 miles southwest, here in Belmont. Welcome to Wisconsin’s First Capitol, where for just 46 days in 1836 representatives met to lay the foundation for our state’s government. Immerse yourself in the world of these founders, walking through the buildings and rooms where these important decisions were made.
Start your history road trip!
Pick up your 2025 Member Pastport and start collecting stamps when you visit First Capitol! Redeem your stamps for discounts or even a free year of membership! Not a member? Join today to get in on the fun.
FIELD TRIPS & GROUP TOURS
Field Trips
The best day of your school year awaits! Don’t just read about history, experience it! Field Trips at the Wisconsin Historical Society’s historic sites and museums allow students to step into the worlds they’re studying through fun adventures and engaging experiences around the state for grades K-12.
Group Tours
Travel Together Through Time and bring your group tour to the Wisconsin Historical Society’s sites and museums. Experience the worlds and wonders of Wisconsin’s past. Book your group tour today! Tours include private guide(s) that can be customized to meet the needs and interests of your group.
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All Wisconsin Historical Society members enjoy unlimited free admission to our 11 historic sites and museums, exclusive merchandise and special event discounts, a complimentary annual subscription to the Wisconsin Magazine of History and more. Join at the Family level and above for added benefits and discounts at over 1,200 organizations nationwide!
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First Capitol
Discover the rugged origins of the first capitol of Wisconsin Territory, where legislators laid down the framework for the current state government.
Come celebrate the origins of our great state at First Capitol. We are open again this weekend, Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 4pm. We look forward to seeing you soon! ... See MoreSee Less
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We are open for the 2025 season!
Come visit us in Belmont every weekend plus the Fourth of July though Labor Day weekend. Saturdays and Sundays 10am - 4pm. ... See MoreSee Less
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Did you catch us on the front page of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel? Click on the link below to read about us, then visit us starting this weekend!
www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2025/05/13/belmont-wisconsin-first-capital-madison/79...
www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2025/05/13/wisconsin-four-capitols-stories-fifth-in-i...
First Capitol opens for the 2025 season Saturday, May 24 from 10am - 4pm. We are open weekends through Labor Day weekend. ... See MoreSee Less
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Front page - fantastic!
I read the article when it came out. Great to see. (As a writer, I thought it could have used a better explanation of a territory vs. a state. Kind of key to the story.)
So great to see this - on the front page! Have a great season opener, WHS!
Fascinating history. Can't wait to visit!