See You in Spring 2026!

Thanks for another great season! We reopen for visitors in May 2026!

Keep Wisconsin’s rural heritage alive! Your donation to Old World Wisconsin helps preserve historic buildings and hands-on experiences that bring our state’s rich history to life. Support our mission with a gift today!

See You in Spring 2026!

Thanks for another great season! We reopen for visitors in
May 2026!

Keep Wisconsin’s rural heritage alive! Your donation to Old World Wisconsin helps preserve historic buildings and hands-on experiences that bring our state’s rich history to life. Support our mission with a gift today!

A young black girl with cute hair poms smiles excitedly as she's taught how to work with wood by a white woman in period clothing, as some children and a man look on with curiosity. OWW Summer 2022 Photoshoot

Travel Through Time and the Stories of
America’s Heartland

Experience the world of Wisconsin’s early immigrants at Old World Wisconsin.  Step into the daily lives of the people who called this world home as you help with chores and cooking, try your hand at crafts and trades, and play – yes, even the grown-ups! Lend a hand in the blacksmith shop, say hi to the farm animals, look at veggies in the gardens, dye and spin wool, knead bread, collect chicken eggs, try on wooden shoes, ride high-wheel tricycles, and sample tasty beer in the Brewhouse. This is where history comes alive! 

Wittnebel’s Tavern

From large breweries to corner bars, big labels to modern microbrews, beermaking is a huge part of Wisconsin’s culture and heritage.

The Reviews Are In!

Best of the Burbs winner logo 2025

2025 Best of the Burbs’

Old World Wisconsin has been placed on the Best of the Burbs’ list by Milwaukee Magazine! Come see what all the fun is about!

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Kids Out and About

Thanks to your votes, Old World Wisconsin has been placed on the Top 20 Places to Take Kids list by Milwaukee Kids Out and About for the last 4 years!

What more could you want!?

“What more could you want!? I loved coming here as a kid and still enjoy it as an adult.
There’s animals, history, and nature.”

Kelly L.



MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Aerial view of the new New Arrivals entrance to Old World Wisconsin

NEW ARRIVALS: A CAMPAIGN

CREATING AN IMMERSIVE WELCOME EXPERIENCE AT OLD WORLD WISCONSIN

Get the Best Deal in History 

Wisconsin Historical Society members receive unlimited free admission to our 11 historic sites and museums, a complimentary annual subscription to the Wisconsin Magazine of History, merchandise discounts and more. Join at the Family level and above for added benefits and discounts at over 1,200 organizations nationwide! 


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Old World Wisconsin

Old World Wisconsin

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Experience the world of early immigrants at Old World Wisconsin, where history comes alive!

We are so sad to cancel this event - but for the safety of our staff, animals and guests we feel it is the best decision. Wishing you all Happy Holidays! ... See MoreSee Less

23 hours ago
We are so sad to cancel this event - but for the safety of our staff, animals and guests we feel it is the best decision.  Wishing you all Happy Holidays!Image attachmentImage attachment

Comment on Facebook

It’s the Polar Vortex Express

Good job protecting your staff!! Will the events at all WHS sites in southern Wisconsin be likewise cancelled??

It was a wonderful event and glad we got to experience it last weekend.

Thank you, for letting us know. Good call canceling the event, keeping animals and people safe.

Good call. I’m glad we went on Sunday.

Good shout!

View more comments

Here is a sneak peek of some of the pages of our new Coloring Book! You can buy one when you shop at the Ramsey Barn Gift Shop during Home for the Holidays! ... See MoreSee Less

4 days ago

Comment on Facebook

Was this designed by a real artist? If so can you tell me who. Thank you!

Paggrs? 🤔