Explore
Travel Through Time and the Stories of America’s Heartland
Halloween
Legends & Lore
Select Fri & Sat | 5:30 – 9:30 PM
October 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21
Explore the historic Crossroads Village after nightfall for a spirited, one-of-a-kind adventure that includes storytelling, games, performances and spooky fun. Discover supernatural stories from the many cultures of immigrants that came to Wisconsin!
Sponsored by WaterStone Bank and Old World Foundation
About Us
Set against the backdrop of the Kettle Moraine State Forest and 600 acres of picturesque woodlands, prairie, and wetlands, Old World Wisconsin is a one-of-a kind-place where the modern world fades away to reveal over a century of history. The site includes 60 authentically restored historic homes, farms, stores, and workshops.
Along your journey from the 1840s to the 1910s, costumed ambassadors will invite you to get hands on with history. You’ll meet furry friends on the farms, enjoy an old-fashioned soda water in the general store, see sparks fly in the blacksmith shop, see how beer is made, and so much more!
How you explore is up to you – our historic areas are located within convenient walking distance of each other, or you can choose to hop on our complimentary tram.
Interactive Experiences
Craft a leather keychain*
Take home a hand crafted metal hook*
Enjoy an old-fashioned soda water*
Shop in the general store*
Help bake bread
Collect chicken eggs
Try on wooden shoes
Ride high-wheel tricycles
Wander the gardens
Sponsored by Milwaukee Tool Mukwonago Operations
Lend a hand in the blacksmith shop
Wash clothes on a wash board
Learn how to weave
Meet our oxen
Stroll down a wooded path
Try on period clothing
Prepare food in the kitchens
Take in a schoolhouse lesson
Set the dining room table
Play the pump organ
Stack wood
Try your hand at spinning wool
Pump water from the well
Sample beer made in the Brewhouse
Note: Some experiences are seasonal and dependent on staffing.
* Requires the purchase of time travel tokens
Plan Your Visit
to travel through time and the stories of America’s heartland.
Things To Explore
The Brewhouse
Open Now!
From large breweries to corner bars, big labels to modern microbrews, beermaking is a huge part of Wisconsin’s culture and heritage. The new Brewing Experience presented by the Cleary-Kumm Family taps into into the state’s brewing past by creating immersive environments where you can see, smell, feel, and — of course — taste this history. You’ll get hands-on, see how beer is made, engage with beermakers and bartenders, and relax with a few cold ones on your own.
CROSSROADS VILLAGE
To be successful often required immigrants to take risks and learn to adapt to changing circumstances. Walk through our “Main Street,” explore small town life, and learn how these settlers were able to adjust to ever-changing conditions. Shop in the general store, hear the hammer in the blacksmith shop, see the church pews, and tour homes from Irish and Yankee immigrants.
LIFE ON THE FARMS
Rural ingenuity enabled immigrants to live off their own resources with little or no cash income. See how farming traditions from the old world gave way to new ones in response to the land and resources. Learn about an early African American community in Wisconsin, and explore homesteads from Pomeranian, Polish, and Hessian immigrants.
SCANDINAVIAN HOMESTEADS
Survival in the new world was not guaranteed and perseverance was critical in order to survive. Experience firsthand the stories of creating a home and surviving in a new place. Take in a lesson at the Raspberry School and explore homes from Finnish, Danish, and Norwegian immigrants.
CATCH WHEEL FEVER
Discover how sports, technological innovations, and shared social spaces were key in creating community identity and connecting lives near and far. Hop on an early high-wheel bicycle and see how communities came together in the club hall.
HERITAGE ANIMAL BREEDS
Every animal you meet during your visit is a Heritage Breed – a traditional livestock breed of cows, horses, sheep, pigs, chickens, and more. Please ask our Historic Farmers for safe ways to engage with the animals. The Historic Farmers have fun stories about the animals too!
WOODED TRAILS
Walk the wooded paths around Old World’s grounds and experience scenic views similar to those who’ve tread before you.
As part of a 5 year project, Standard Process, Inc. will be assisting in restoring some trails to get them back on the map and available to guests!
Old World Wisconsin is Travel Green certified!
Old World Wisconsin Gallery
Learn with the Wisconsin Historical Society
Field Trips
Summer Camps
It definitely captures all the feels of those time periods
“All of the people dressed as characters from their designated time era did an amazing job in making it feels like a portal to a world before our time. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves historical places like this.”
Amber Sharapata
Wisconsin Historical Society Sites
Old World Wisconsin is one of the 12 historic sites and museums owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Explore all of these sites below.
Black Point Estate & Gardens
Circus World
First Capitol
H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum
Madeline Island Museum
Old World Wisconsin
Pendarvis
Reed School
Stonefield
Villa Louis
Wade House
