The Wisconsin Historical Society's historic sites provide authentic settings in historic surroundings that make learning about Wisconsin history an experience full of fun and adventure for people of all ages. Older folks can reconnect with sights and sounds that recall the things their own grandparents used to talk about. Parents and their children can spend a pleasant day together amid historic houses, farms and outbuildings. When making plans for the holidays, be sure to ring in the season with a visit to Old World Wisconsin or Villa Louis.

Historic Sites' Off-Season Offerings

"Leaping the Chasm at Stand
Rock," one of H.H. Bennett's
most famous photographs

Most of the Society's historic sites have concluded their regular seasons, but several have a variety of popular off-season events planned and two sites — H.H. Bennett Studio in Wisconsin Dells and Circus World in Baraboo — are open throughout most of the year.

H.H. Bennett Studio, where the man who made Wisconsin Dells famous created magnificent photographs of the region's spectacular Wisconsin River vistas as well as images of many of its native inhabitants, is open weekends throughout most of the off season. Check the studio's visitor information pages for complete details.

At Circus World visitors can enjoy tours of Historic Ringlingville, comprising the remaining structures of the original Ringling Bros. Circus Winter Quarters. They can also get an up-close look at Circus World's incredible collection of antique circus wagons — the largest collection of its kind in the world — and see the phenomenal exhibits inside its circus museum. The site is open weekdays throughout much of the off season. Check Circus World's visitor information pages for complete details.

Old World Wisconsin has concluded its regular season but will reopen two weekends in December for its annual observance of The Spirit of Christmas Past. And, on those same two weekends, visitors can enjoy An Irish Holiday Dinner. Wade House, an 1860s stagecoach inn built as a pit stop and lodging place for travelers on the old plank road that connected Fond du Lac and Sheboygan, will also reopen for a series of Hearthside Dinners once each month through April.

Follow the links at left and below to learn more about Wisconsin's historic sites.

All-Sites Visitor Information at a Glance:

• Admission Fees
• All-Sites Map
• Season Dates and Hours
• 2008 and 2009 Special Events
• Buy a Historic Sites Passport (Season Pass)
• Design Your Own Heritage Tour