Kids looking excitedly at a hot poker in the blacksmith workshop

Summer Camps at Old World

Weeks in June, July, & August
Mon – Fri | 10 AM – 3 PM

Calling all explorers, crafters, adventurers and historians-in-the-making! Old World summer camps are full of exciting opportunities—peek into the life of a 19th-century apprentice, visit log cabins, make and take home unique souvenirs, see farm animals, tend plants and flowers and more.

Summer Camps at Old World

Weeks in June, July, & August
Mon – Fri | 10 AM – 3 PM

Calling all explorers, crafters, adventurers and historians-in-the-making! Old World summer camps are full of exciting opportunities—peek into the life of a 19th-century apprentice, visit log cabins, make and take home unique souvenirs, see farm animals, tend plants and flowers and more.

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! 


Follow Us!

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
Old World Wisconsin

Old World Wisconsin

29,043

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

LIVE THE OLD WORLD DREAM!
We are now accepting applications for our Teen Volunteer program. This is a summer long, college-prep program that puts teens in the action, exploring the past, learning historical skills, and gaining experience working with the public. Program is open to those entering 8th through 12th grade.

For more information and to get the application packet, please email [email protected]
... See MoreSee Less

1 day ago
LIVE THE OLD WORLD DREAM!
We are now accepting applications for our Teen Volunteer program. This is a summer long, college-prep program that puts teens in the action,  exploring the past, learning historical skills, and gaining experience working with the public. Program is open to those entering 8th through 12th grade.

For more information and to get the application packet, please email lea.kowalewski@wisconsinhistory.org

Comment on Facebook

Are there adult programs? I think working with a blacksmith would be interesting.

I participated in this program when I was in 8th grade. I cherish my summer spent at Kvaale and still love visiting OWW today!

My daughter and I visited in 2025 and it was a great place. I snapped this in the blacksmith demo. My favorite one of the day. All the people that worked the experiences were very knowledgeable and polite.

Is there lodging for them?

Well worth the time spent. I love to watch the teens become experienced and a part of our community. ❤️

It’s too bad we live a little far from there otherwise my son would love it!

Way to hold that hammer 🔨

View more comments

... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

Happy 2026!
We are looking forward to warmer temperatures and smiling faces at Old World Wisconsin! But, in the mean time, you can now register for some of our upcoming events... including Summer Camps!
oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org/upcoming-events/
... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago
Happy 2026!  
We are looking forward to warmer temperatures and smiling faces at Old World Wisconsin!  But, in the mean time, you can now register for some of our upcoming events... including Summer Camps!
https://oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org/upcoming-events/