Plan

Council and Court houses

Plan Your Visit

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2025 SEASON

MAY 24 – AUG 31

HOURS

MAY 24 – AUG 31

SATURDAY & SUNDAY
10 AM – 4 PM

First Capitol is OPEN on Friday, July 4, 2025

ADMISSION

First Capitol is free and tickets are not required to visit.

A suggested $2 donation per person helps collect, preserve, and share this site’s history.

PARKING & DIRECTIONS

First Capitol is located in Belmont, Wisconsin. Belmont is located in Lafayette County in southwestern Wisconsin. Plan your visit to its rolling hills, and it is easy to see why Belmont was named, “Belle Monte,” French for “beautiful hill.”

On-site vehicle parking is available for free at First Capitol.

FIELD TRIPS & GROUP TOURS

Two young boys and their mother interestingly looking at a display at First Capitol.

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.  

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Photo of the white, two story, First Capitol Court House and Council House with a view of the surrounding yard and a bright blue sky.

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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SHOPPING & GIFTS

Store products from First Capitol

The First Capitol online store features handmade items, unique books, souvenirs, and more!

Enjoy 10 percent off store items as a Wisconsin Historical Society member.

Many of the items we sell in store are available online. Explore the gifts and books that are for sale!

SHOP ONLINE

ACCESSIBILITY & SAFETY

We care about your safety! Please make sure to stay home if you’re sick and follow these CDC guidelines when you visit us.

First Capitol’s lodging and council houses both have wheelchair ramps. Due to the scale used in historic buildings, access is somewhat limited. Reasonable accommodations can be made for individuals requiring wheelchairs for mobility. For more information regarding access to site buildings, grounds and programs please contact First Capitol at 608-987-2122.
While no pets are allowed on the museum grounds, service animals are permitted for persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
No guns, knives, or weapons allowed on the premises.