The Past Makes a Great Present
Travel Through Time and the Stories of America’s Heartland
Old World Wisconsin includes 60 beautifully restored historic structures, relocated from throughout Wisconsin, on over 600 acres of picturesque landscape. Through stories of perseverance, you explore the lives of those who came before us – connecting people and inspiring understanding. Your day will be fun, engaging, enriching, and authentic as you encounter history by exploring sensory-rich spaces, stories, and hands-on activities.
Each area at Old World Wisconsin showcases different stories. As you travel through time from the 1840s to the 1910s, you will find historic spaces to explore, gardens and trails to wander through, and costumed staff ready to help you get hands on with history. You will also meet a variety of animals that helped our ancestors survive and thrive in America’s Heartland. Experience the daily life of the people who called these buildings home as you help with chores and cooking, try your hand at crafts and trades, and play – yes, even the grownups!
MORE TIME FOR FUN!
Planning your visit is easier than ever with advance online ticketing. Purchase your tickets today and make more time for fun on your next adventure.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Cheers and Chocolates Holiday Beer Pairing
Sat Dec 3 & 10 | 3 – 4 PM
Raise a glass and prepare your taste buds as we combine two of Wisconsin’s favorite holiday treats: chocolate and beer! Step into the site’s beautiful Clausing Barn and experience the magic of local winter beer flavors paired with hand-made truffles from Milwaukee’s own Indulgence Chocolatiers.
The Brewhouse
Now Open!
From large breweries to corner bars, big labels to modern microbrews, beermaking is a huge part of Wisconsin’s culture and heritage.
HAVE YOU HEARD?!
Old World Wisconsin has been voted the #1 place to take kids in the Milwaukee area! Travel through time and experience the stories of America’s heartland with hand-on activities and fun for the whole family!
NEW ARRIVALS: A CAMPAIGN
CREATING AN IMMERSIVE WELCOME EXPERIENCE AT OLD WORLD WISCONSIN
The Wisconsin Historical Society is excited to open the brand new Brewhouse at Old World Wisconsin in 2022. This building is just the first new structure completed as part of a $5.5 million project that represents the first two phases of a larger, multi-year master plan to transform the site’s entry area with a reimagined Welcome Experience.
Best Deal in History!
Becoming a member is the best way to explore Wisconsin history. Members get free admission to our historic sites and discounts on special events!
Old World Wisconsin
Stories of early immigrant settlers come to life as you explore homes, farms, and gardens at this hands on living history experience.
The Old World Museum store will be open on Saturday during our Home For The Holidays event and we are stocked with all of the perfect gifts.
Until then, check out below for all of the other places you can get a Wisconsin Historical Society gift!Shop local on Small Business Saturday!
A few of our museum stores are open today.
The Wisconsin Historical Museum store is open today from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Villa Louis Historic Site museum store is open from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wade House in Greenbush is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Stonefield Historic Site museum store is open from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
And shop the Madeline Island Boutique at Madeline Island Museum from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Your purchases help support history in your community.
Learn more: wihist.org/3AyVeSe
📸: December 1947
Wisconsin State Journal
WHI Image ID 34454 ... See MoreSee Less
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Congratulations to Terry and Nancy! We are so thankful for the work that our volunteers and the Old World Foundation do to support Old World Wisconsin every day! ... See MoreSee Less
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Thankful for your dedication!
Some fun facts for your Thanksgiving meal!
What is your favorite Thanksgiving side?Do you prefer your cranberries in a can or homemade?
The majority of Americans (73%) prefer their cranberry jellied in the shape of a can! According to Ocean Spray, 80 million pounds of cranberries are consumed by Americans each year during Thanksgiving, and 5,062,500 gallons of jellied cranberry sauce are consumed by Americans every holiday season.
Wild cranberries are native to the marshlands of central Wisconsin, and Native Americans have harvested them for centuries. Local Ho-Chunk Nation Indians carried on a large trade for them with early settlers of Juneau County in 1849. Commercial production in Wisconsin began near Berlin in Green Lake County in the early 1850s. In the past 28 years, more than 250 Cranberry growers across the state of Wisconsin have come together to produce more than 60% of the United States' Cranberry supply and continue to provide more than half the world's supply! That’s something to be proud of! So, dig in and have some cranberries today, as it is officially Eat a Cranberry Day on November 23!
Learn more: wihist.org/3Gm2rbW
📸:Thunder Lake Marsh, circa 1947
WHI Image ID 1994 ... See MoreSee Less
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Fresh cranberries chopped, with 2 oranges juiced with 1/8 cup sugar. Mix all together and let it sit for a day or two.
Either, but I’ll pick fresh over canned if available.
Homemade sauce or relish is best. Bur for leftover turkey sandwiches, slices of jellied is best because it doesn't run out of the sandwich. Also dried crans in a salad.
Homemade cranberries appeal to me the most. My sister has the family recipe. It's a succotash with orange zest, some sugar and thawed out frozen cranberries.
Turkey is just an excuse to eat cranberry sauce.
I like both but always make homemade
Home made relish
Home made cranberry sauce…family recipe.
Canned jellied sauce all the way.
.. Stuffing is just a vehicle for the gravy.
Brandy
Don’t like cranberries. 
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