Discover the people, places and movements that contributed to Wisconsin’s long legacy of labor during this unique walking tour through the capital city. Learn how residents have made a living over time, hear how leaders and community organizations shaped labor rights across the state, visit local sites teeming with labor union history, walk in the footsteps of worker strikes and more as you explore Wisconsin work history from the mid 1800s to the 1970s. Tours begin outside of the Wisconsin History Maker Space and end at Library Mall on State Street—register now to reserve your spot!

Organizer: Wisconsin Historical Society

Cost

Adult (18-64): $20
Teen (13-17): $20 
Senior (65+): $20
Children (5-12): $20
Children Under 5: Free 

Advance registration required.

Interested in what goes on behind the scenes at a stately manor? This tour of Villa Louis presents a more in-depth look at the Dousman family and their home and gives a glimpse into the day-to-day inner workings of this restored Victorian mansion. Each round of behind-the-scenes tours features the care and keeping of a different object from the Dousman family collection.

Cost

$30/person

Society members receive a 10% discount, please verify your membership where prompted to receive discount at check out.  

Advanced registration is required

Tour is for guests aged 13+

About the Location 

Villa Louis served as a comfortable and stylish country estate for three generations of the Dousman family—a family that built its fortune from early American frontier opportunities such as land and transportation investments. Hercules L. Dousman began development of the site during the 1840s on the banks of the Mississippi River in Prairie du Chien. The property has since expanded into a 25-acre complex complete with historic structures and archaeological remains that reference the early history of the site. Upon the death of Hercules in 1868, widow Jane Dousman and son H. Louis Dousman contracted Milwaukee architect E. Townsend Mix to build the stately mansion that now rests at the heart of the property.  In addition to the new residence, H. Louis expanded the site to include a farm for breeding and racing horses.  After Louis’ death, Nina Dousman raised their children at Villa Louis, and the property remained under family ownership until it was given to the City of Prairie du Chien in 1935. In 1950, Villa Louis became property of the Wisconsin Historical Society, and opened to the public in 1952.

Prior to Dousman ownership, Indigenous natives lived on the Villa Louis grounds over 2000 years ago. For centuries, Native Nations of the upper Mississippi gathered upon the island to trade among themselves until the fur trade brought French-speaking traders in contact with Indigenous tribesmen and women. The trade also attracted free Black settlers to Prairie du Chien. Additionally, officers and agents of the United States brought enslaved men and women to the prairie, some of whom lived at Fort Crawford and other structures that once stood on land that is now part of Villa Louis State Historic Site. Research and restorations continue to fully expand the story of these early residents and events. 

Experience one of the Midwest's most remarkable concentrations of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture during this unforgettable day in Wisconsin's Delavan Lake region. Begin with a private narrated cruise aboard the Lake Lawn Queen, offering rare views of Wright-designed lakeside homes from the water. At Lake Lawn Lodge, noted Frank Lloyd Wright scholar and author Mark Hertzberg will present an engaging lecture on Penwern, the Fred B. Jones Residence, and its extraordinary collection of Wright-designed companion buildings. Guests will then enjoy exclusive access to tour the Penwern estate at their own pace before visiting additional featured properties, including the Wright-inspired Schwemm House, the Wallis-GoodSmith House, the Ross Summer House and the Spencer Summer Cottage. Shuttle transportation between sites is included, with staggered check-in times ensuring a relaxed experience. This unique tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore Wright's Prairie-era legacy in one of its most significant lakeside settings.…

Organizer: Wright in Wisconsin

Price Range: $100+

Unlock some of the mysteries of Aztalan with author Robert Birmingham.

Aztalan has remained a mystery since the early 19th century when it was discovered by settlers who came to the Crawfish River, 50 miles west of Milwaukee. Who were the early Indigenous people who inhabited this place? When did they live here? Why did they disappear? At this event, Robert Birmingham, will attempt to unlock some of the mysteries, providing insights and information about the group of people who first settled here in 1100 A.D.

Robert Birmingham, author and editor of many publications on Wisconsin archaeology, including his most recent Society Press books Skunk Hill: A Native Ceremonial Community in Wisconsin, Life, Death and Archeology at Fort Blue Mounds: A Settlers’ Fortification of the Black Hawk War and Aztalan: Mysteries of an Ancient Indian Town, is the former Wisconsin State Archaeologist (1989-2004) at the Wisconsin Historical Society. He teaches anthropology at the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha.

Organizer: Wisconsin Historical Society

Kraemer Public Library welcomes Jim Draeger, sharing history on Wisconsin’s bars and breweries

Bottoms Up celebrates Wisconsin’s taverns and the breweries that fueled them. Beginning with inns and saloons, the book explores the rise of taverns and breweries, the effects of temperance and Prohibition, and attitudes about gender, ethnicity, and morality. Contemporary photographs of unusual and distinctive bars and breweries of all eras illustrate the story of how Wisconsin came to dominate brewing.

Jim Draeger, co-author of Bottoms Up: A Toast to Wisconsin’s Historic Bars & Breweries and Fill ‘er Up: The Glory Days of Wisconsin Gas Stations, worked in the field of historic preservation and architecture at the Wisconsin Historical Society for more than 20 years, most recently as the State Historic Preservation Officer. From roadside architecture to Northwoods resorts, Jim celebrates the importance of ordinary buildings to our daily lives through his research, writing, and lectures.

Organizer: Wisconsin Historical Society

Ticket/Registration Info

FREE
Open to the public

Event Details

Full-Day Workshops: 
Select Saturdays | 9 AM–4 PM 
May 2 (SOLD OUT), May 9 (SOLD OUT), May 16 (SOLD OUT), Nov 7, 2026 

Half-Day Workshops: 
Select Saturdays | 9 AM–12 PM 
June 13*, Sep 26, Oct 3, Oct 24*, 2026 

 *Participants will create a hatchet on these dates.

Hammer Your Own Knife or Hatchet  

Strike while the iron is hot, hear the “clang” of the hammer and feel the heat from the forge as you learn the art of blacksmithing in our 1860s-era Dockstader Blacksmith Shop at Wade House. During your forging tutorial, you’ll shape unique knives from various materials and customize the handles with your own design to make a distinctive, one-of-a-kind knife. Full-day workshop participants will forge two knives, while half-day participants will forge one knife. Hatchet workshop participants will forge a belt-sized hatchet. Forging items with your own hands is a unique experience you won’t soon forget—register now to create a custom souvenir and reserve your spot. Hatchet workshop participants must have previous metal working or blacksmith experience.

Forging items with your own hands is a unique experience you won’t soon forget—register now to create a custom gift and reserve your spot.

What You’ll Experience   

• The opportunity to create two knives (May 2, May 9, May 16 & Nov 7), a knife (Sep 26, Oct 3) or a hatchet (June 13, Oct 24) under the instruction of a talented blacksmith  

• Custom craft making that you can keep for yourself—or give to friends and family as a unique gift

Organizer: Wisconsin Historical Society / Wade House

Cost

Full-day Workshop: $225/person 
Half-day Workshop: $125/person 

Society members receive a 10% discount, please verify your membership where prompted to receive discount at check out.

Advanced registration is required