Wisconsin Historical Society Location and Directions | Wisconsin Historical Society

General Information

Location and Directions

For Headquarters, Library, Archives and Program Offices

Wisconsin Historical Society Location and Directions | Wisconsin Historical Society

The Wisconsin Historical Society's headquarters building (map) is located on Library Mall of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The building is free and open to the public.

Wisconsin Historical Society
816 State Street
Madison, WI 53706

Phone: 608-264-6535
Email: asklibrary@wisconsinhistory.org
Website: wisconsinhistory.org

The headquarters building contains the Society's Library and Archives as well as the offices of most Society programs. Our librarians and archivists are ready to help you enjoy the largest collection of published and unpublished materials documenting the history of North America outside of the Library of Congress. Learn more about our visitor amenities.

  • Library: 2nd floor
  • Archives: 4th floor

In the Area

The Society is within walking distance of the University of Wisconsin graduate and undergraduate libraries, Memorial Union, the Wisconsin State Capitol and vibrant downtown Madison. The Wisconsin Historical Museum is located on the Capitol Square, across from the State Capitol.

Accessibility, Parking and Transportation

To help plan your visit, you may want read about our accessibility for visitors with limited mobility and parking and transportation options.

Driving Distances

  • 80 miles from Milwaukee
  • 100 miles from Dubuque
  • 150 miles from Chicago
  • 270 miles from Minneapolis

Directions

From Milwaukee


  • Take I-94 West to Madison.
  • Continue straight onto WI-30 West (Exit 138B).
  • Take a right at US-151 South/E Washington Ave (Exit 135A).
  • Turn right at First St.
  • Turn left onto Johnson St, go 3 blocks.
  • Bear right onto Gorham St (one-way), go about 15 blocks.
  • Bear right onto University Ave (one-way), go 2 blocks.
  • Turn right onto Frances St.
  • Park at the State Street Campus Garage. The Lake Street side of the garage is under construction starting in 2024, but the Frances Street side remains open.

From Dubuque


  • Take Hwy US-12/18
  • Exit onto US-151 North. (Park St).
  • Turn right on Park St.
  • Turn right on Johnson St.
  • Continue on Johnson St. for 2 blocks
  • Turn left on Frances St.
  • Park at the State Street Campus Garage.  The Lake Street side of the garage is under construction starting in 2024, but the Frances Street side remains open.

From Chicago


  • Take I-90 West toward Rockford.
  • Continue on I-90 West into Wisconsin.
  • Take US-12/18 West at Madison (Exit 142A).
  • Take US-151 north into Wisconsin.
  • Exit onto US-151 North. (Park St.)
  • Turn right on Park St
  • Turn right on Johnson St.
  • Continue on Johnson St. for 2 blocks
  • Turn left on Frances St.
  • Park at the State Street Campus Garage. The Lake Street side of the garage is under construction starting in 2024, but the Frances Street side remains open.

From Minneapolis


  • Take I-90/94 East to Madison.
  • Take a right at US-151 South/E Washington Ave (Exit 135A).
  • Turn right at First St.
  • Turn left on Johnson St, go 3 blocks.
  • Bear right on Gorham St (one-way), go about 15 blocks.
  • Bear right on University Ave (one-way), go 2 blocks.
  • Turn right onto Frances St.
  • Park at the State Street Campus Garage. The Lake Street side of the garage is under construction starting in 2024, but the Frances Street side remains open.

Have Questions?

Contact our Library staff at 608-264-6535 or by email below: