WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Birthplace of a Great State

Hours

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Admission

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Directions

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Welcome Back

This season, we are excited to welcome visitors to First Capitol for general admission.

Open For General Admission | Saturdays & Sundays | 10 AM to 4 PM
Free admission

The Wisconsin Historical Society is committed to prioritizing the health and safety of our guests, members, and staff. Read the information below to learn about our 2021 health and safety protocols.

Our Story

WELCOME!

Discover the rugged origins of the first capitol of Wisconsin Territory, where legislators built the framework of law and order that evolved into our current state government.
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Explore the Site

Kids standing in front of a building at First Capital

Before Madison became Wisconsin’s capital, the first territorial legislature met in the picturesque hamlet of Belmont to chart a path to statehood.

Learn more about its history!

Explore

EXPLORE FIRST CAPITOL


COUNCIL HOUSE

See the Council House where territorial legislation was debated and voted on in 1836.
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COURT HOUSE

Visit the Court House to learn about early Wisconsin history.
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ABOUT US

Learn about the birthplace of the Wisconsin Territorial Government.
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PLAN YOUR VISIT

Begin planning your trip today! Tickets, Hours, Directions and more.
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For Your Health & Safety

reserve a spot. Tickets.

Advance
Registration

Advance registration is required for some events

Face Masks required. Mask.

Face Mask
Policy

Required for guests indoors if you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Recommended for guests indoors if you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

We're cleaning. Cleaning spray.

Daily Cleaning and Sanitizing

Daily cleaning & sanitizing enhanced at all facilities

Maintain Social Distance. Two people 6 ft apart.

Social Distancing Guidelines

Please practice social distancing while on-site

2021 Site Protocols

Effective Aug. 5, in accordance with current state guidelines

To protect your safety and ours:

  • If you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we recommend you wear a face mask while inside on-site at our historic sites and museums.
  • If you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 you are required to wear a face mask while inside on-site at our historic sites and museums.
  • Please practice social distancing at our historic sites and museums.
  • Disposable masks will be available on-site.
  • All facilities will adhere to increased daily cleaning and sanitation requirements and there will be cleaning stations in each building.
  • Each location will follow strict guest engagement protocols, including parking, food preparation, and the use of shared facilities such as a public restroom.
  • Staff and guests, per CDC guidance, are asked to stay home if they have tested positive for COVID-19, are waiting for COVID-19 test results, have COVID-19 symptoms, or if they have had close contact with a person who has tested positive for or who has symptoms of COVID-19.
  • As we continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 our hours and guidelines for access may change. Please continue to check our website for the most up-to-date information.

Site Accessibility

Explore Other 2021 Experiences

This season, we are excited to welcome visitors to some of our historic sites & museums for general admission and special experiences. Click the button below for more information on how you can safely explore history in a new way through our 2021 programs and events.

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