Wisconsin at Work
Wisconsin has a long history of working people organizing, and occasionally raising a little hell, for better working conditions. With “Wisconsin at Work,” the Wisconsin Historical Society presents a walking tour of downtown Madison tracing the people, places and movements that shaped labor rights from the mid-1800s through the 1970s. Comfortable shoes recommended; comfort with the status quo optional. The tour starts at the History Maker Space in the US Bank building on the Square.
media release:
Thursday, Sep 3, 2026 | 5 PM–6:45 PM
Saturday, Sep 12, 2026 | 10 AM–11:45 AM, 1 PM–2:45 PM
A Walk Through Wisconsin’s Lasting Labor History
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!
What You'll Experience
A new way to explore Wisconsin’s long labor rights history
A guided tour spanning the capital including locations important to labor rights movements
Adult (18-64): $20; Teen (13-17): $20; Senior (65+): $20; Children (5-12): $20; Children Under 5: Free
Advance registration required. Society members receive a 10% discount, please verify your membership where prompted to receive discount at check out.
History Maker Space is an active, community-focused space that hosts school groups, pop-up exhibits, author talks, public programs and more; located in the US Bank Building on Madison's Capitol Square.
1 S. Pinckney Street, Madison, WI 53703
Know Before You Go
General Information
Please note the starting and ending locations of this tour are different. The tour begins in front of the U.S. Bank Plaza building (1 S. Pinckney Street) and ends at Library Mall (816 State Street).
Upon arrival at the starting location, please check-in with a staff member to confirm your tour reservation.
The guided tour is approximately 1.3 miles in length and is on paved, but slightly hilly terrain.
Comfortable shoes for walking are strongly recommended. Tour participants are encouraged to also bring water, sunglasses, and a hat with them.
Walking tours will happen rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, consider bringing an umbrella.
Tour participants with questions about the tour content or with mobility concerns are encouraged to contact Jenny Pederson at [email protected] or (608) 669-5160.
Parking
For For the Thursday tour, 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 PM on weekdays and will not reopen until Friday morning when regular business hours at the U.S. Bank Plaza building resume.
For the Saturday tour, the underground onsite garage at the U.S. Bank Plaza building is not open.
As an alternative to parking onsite at the U.S. Bank building, there are public parking options available in downtown Madison. There is a public parking garage, Capitol Square North Garage (218 E. Mifflin St., Madison, WI 53703), located about two blocks and a 6-minute walk from the tour’s starting location. In addition, there is street parking information on the City of Madison website.
For guests who wish to park near the end of the walking tour, the nearest city of Madison parking garage is the State Street Campus Garage – Frances Street. In addition, there are parking options available through UW- Madison Transportation Services.
For more information, please contact the box office at 608-264-4848 or [email protected].
