Stride with pride through the streets where Madison's LGBTQ+ history was written! From outdoor spaces and bars to the halls of power, discover the impressive, everyday, and unusual spaces where our capital city became a center of activism and advocacy.
Walk in the footsteps of groundbreaking leaders and citizens who shattered barriers—electing some of America's first openly queer officials and championing landmark anti-discrimination laws along the way. On select dates—including four tours during Pride Month—join us to explore the gathering spots, protest sites, and celebration spaces that transformed Madison into a force for LGBTQ+ rights.
Although the tour is based out of the Wisconsin History Society (WHS) History Maker Space, this tour will be taking place within the community and will be visiting multiple locations.
The starting location of the tour is 150 S. Blair Street. The tour ends on the Capitol Square(the corner of W. Mifflin Street and N. Carroll Street), and looking towards State Street.
Upon arrival at the starting location, please check-in with a WHS staff member to confirm your tour reservation.
The guided tour is approximately 1 mile in length and covers paved, but hilly terrain. Comfortable shoes for walking are strongly recommended.
Tour participants are encouraged to bring water, sunglasses, and a hat with them as the tour will be taking place entirely outdoors and shade will vary.
Walking tours will happen rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, consider bringing an umbrella.
For Thursday tour dates, it is strongly recommended not to park in the underground onsite garage at the U.S. Bank Plaza Building. The U.S. Bank Plaza parking garage closes after 6 p.m. on weekdays and will not reopen until Friday morning when regular business hours at the U.S. Bank Plaza building resume.
Regarding Saturday tour dates, the underground onsite garage at the U.S. Bank Plaza building is not open.
As an alternative to parking onsite at the History Maker Space, there are public parking options available in downtown Madison. There arenearby public parking garages, including the Capitol Square North Garageand the Wilson Street Garage.
The Capitol Square North Garage is approximately a10-minute walk and .5 miles from the starting location, and an approximate 6-minute walk and .3 miles from the ending location.
The Wilson Street Garage is approximately an 8-minute walk and .4 miles from the tour starting location, and a 6-minute walk and .3 miles from the ending location.
In addition, there is street parking information on the City of Madison website.
