Hidden History of the Capitol Square Walking Tour

Explore the untold stories and historic landmarks of downtown Madison on a guided walking tour.

From Our Founders to Modern Madison: Rich History Awaits Discover the rich history and untold stories of Wisconsin’s capital city as you journey through the streets of downtown Madison. Explore the historic Capitol Square and visit the former site of the American House, a modest hotel where state officials stayed during Madison’s earliest legislative sessions. Stop by the Argus Bar, a modern establishment housed in one of Madison’s oldest surviving commercial buildings—a building that was once home to the Argus newspaper. Throughout the tour, your guide will discuss the various ways that generations of residents have viewed and shaped the landscape, revealing the many layers of our capital’s past—from its earliest inhabitants to its emergence and establishment as a thriving, modern city. This beloved annual walking tour runs from spring through early fall, with scheduled dates on select Thursdays and Saturdays. Reserve your spot today.