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!

Kids Out and About Logo

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

29,038

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

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2 hours ago

Due to cancelling Home for the Holidays this weekend - our voting has ended for our Gingerbread House Contest. We had some great entries this year! 🎄
The winner of the 2025 Old World Wisconsin Gingerbread House contest is....Haley Dolata and Julia Silvers with the 1880s Pomeranian Farmhouse! 🏠
We look forward to the Gingerbread Contest becoming a yearly tradition at Home for the Holidays, so start planning your entry for next year!
... See MoreSee Less

1 day ago
Due to cancelling Home for the Holidays this weekend - our voting has ended for our Gingerbread House Contest.  We had some great entries this year! 🎄
The winner of the 2025 Old World Wisconsin Gingerbread House contest is....Haley Dolata and Julia Silvers with the 1880s Pomeranian Farmhouse!  🏠
We look forward to the Gingerbread Contest becoming a yearly tradition at Home for the Holidays, so start planning your entry for next year!

Comment on Facebook

Well deserved 1st place!! Hard work paid off because it’s simply stunning!!

Woot!! That's who we voted for!!

So creative! Congratulations Julia & Haley!

Awesome job!!!!

They were all amazing!

Can we see photos of the others? We didn’t get to come vote for our own!

That one got our vote!

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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

2 days 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

Can the recipes that were going to available for pick up be posted?

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

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

It’s the Polar Vortex Express

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!

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