Madison’s Hidden History: From Myth to Mystery

Beneath the neatly kept streets of Wisconsin’s capital, secrets and stories abound—go beyond the well-known facts, figures, spaces and places of Madison to learn about odd characters, mysterious happenings and macabre events. From hauntings and hijinks to magic and even murder, From Myth to Mystery takes tour-goers on a strange ride through Madison's lesser-known past. Stops along the way include local hauntings, the sites of stunts performed by famed magician Harry Houdini, the remains of Jeffrey Dahmer, a rumored mythical lake monster and much more.

COST

Adult: $20

Teen: $20

Senior: $20

Child (5-12): $20

Children under 5: Free

Advanced registration is required

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

Know Before You Go & Accessibility

This tour includes content that may not be suitable for participants under the age of 16.

Please contact Jenny Pederson at jennifer.pederson@wisconsinhistory.org or (608) 669-5160 with any questions or for further information.

The tour will start in front of the U.S. Bank Plaza building, located at 1 S. Pinckney St., Madison, WI 53703. The end of the tour will return to the U.S. Bank Plaza Building. From start to finish, the tour loop covers approximately 1.4 miles, The tour route is paved but does include some hilly terrain.

Bring appropriate walking attire. Wearing comfortable shoes are strongly recommended.

After arriving at the starting location and prior to the start of the tour, check-in with a WHS staff member to confirm your tour reservation.

Tour participants are encouraged to bring water with them as the tour will be taking place outdoors and shade will vary.

Walking tours will happen rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, consider bringing an umbrella.

There are public parking options available in downtown Madison. There is a public parking garage, Capitol Square North Garage, located within two blocks of the tour’s starting location. In addition, there is street parking information on the City of Madison website.

Tour participants with questions about the tour content, or with mobility concerns are encouraged to contact Jenny Pederson at jennifer.pederson@wisconsinhistory.org or (608) 669-5160.