Wisconsin Historical Museum — Attraction in Madison

Stopped here because it was so close to the Capital building. My son and I were on a road trip touring Wisconsin in 2022. Decided to check it out. It stated online that it was free but upon entry, we were asked for a donation by the attendant. I told him it is advertised online that it was free. He didn't back down so, I gave him $10. Then he asked, "is that for both of you?" I understand the place has to make some money in order to function but I don't appreciate being pushed to make a contribution or creating a spectacle in front of my son. We were on a budget for this road trip and I had to watch expenses. I told him, "it will have to do because that's the only cash I have." Which was true! He accepted and we were given pamphlets to the museum. We toured each floor with its own different themes. For the most part, it was enjoyable and cool to learn about our history. There wasn't many interactive exhibits. Mostly just look at this and read this. I like videos explaining things or exhibits I can touch and play around with. I'm like a big kid I guess. Enjoy more hands on than just reading. I could tell after about 20 minutes, my son was feeling the same way as me. It was getting boring. When we had our fill, we spent about 40 minutes total in the museum. Made our way back outside and enjoyed the street market happening around the Capital. That was more fun. If you are really into history and learning about Wisconsin, this is a place for you. If you're a family with little ones, there's probably a better choice than this. It's an ok place to visit and its worth visiting if you are...

The museum is very informative. As a dairy farmer I really enjoyed the job with the history of farming on the 3rd floor however I was not impressed with the "farmer" clothes in the bin in front of the tractor. Farmers in the past and currently wear many hats like agronomist, dr, nurse, accountant, hr and the list goes on. We run our farms with guidance and precision planting off sattelites and have computers to assist us with every day tasks with employees and cattle. I felt we were portrayed as hillbillies with the clothes in the bin that the mother was having her children put on calling them "farmer" clothes. There are less people now than ever that have not been on a farm and know where their food comes from and small things like this arent helping the...

The Wisconsin Historical Society, a state agency, forces elephants and other animals to perform every summer at a museum called Circus World in Baraboo, WI. At Circus World, elephants Isa and Viola (who were torn from their wild families in Asia 50 years ago) are forced to perform grueling tricks in shows twice a day, seven days a week, even though their feet were chronically swollen and they showed signs of other ailments. They are prodded with sharp bull hooks and not given access to mud and water for baths to cool off in the hot summer. Release these wild animals to a proper sanctuary! The Wisconsin Historical Society...