Top Madison Historical Tours

Travel between two lake-side terraces and enjoy some of Wisconsin's best cultural sites along the way with this self-guided and self-paced walking tour! • Visit some of Madison historically rich architectural gems such as the State Capitol, Der Rathskaller, Bascomb Hill, Memorial Union and much more • Hear from producer Frank Burge, an award-winning writer, essayist and midwestern local • Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Leave behind the group walking tours and explore Madison in a wilder way—via a photo scavenger hunt. Using just your smartphone, you and your crew wander from the Wisconsin State Capitol and famous State Street to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the lakefront Union Terrace, and beyond. Along the way, complete crazy photo challenges, collect clues and points, and experience Mad City’s musical side.

Madison's original ghost tour. This haunted history walking tour of Madison’s historic Capitol Square will give you a unique perspective on the history of the city. Your guides are expert storytellers who will let you in on the ghost stories, urban legends, and paranormal activity that are sprinkled throughout Madison’s past. This is an outdoor walking tour, so please check the weather before coming and dress accordingly. The tour runs in cold temperatures and light rain. Please wear walking shoes and dress appropriately for walking around outside.

Get ready to dive into Madison—the city of four lakes and the ultimate college sports town! Explore its fascinating history, from its founding by James Doty to its reputation as a hub for sports fans. Admire the world’s largest granite dome, tackle riddles at the State Street Capitol Parking Garage, and discover the city’s unique ties to buffalo robes. Be sure to capture a team selfie at the iconic Wisconsin State Capitol!

Explore the narrow glacial neck of land that squeezed Madison's government, university, and public life between two glacial lakes. This walking tour traces how urban planning, state power, and world-changing lake science collide across the Madison Isthmus. - A 3.5 km self-guided tour with 8 stops over 123 min - Ideal for travelers interested in Urbanism, Infrastructure & Innovation and Power, Protest & Civic Spaces - Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals - Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app