WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

COVID-19 Updates: Open for reservation based programs. See below for details.

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Welcome!

Wilkommen! Tervetuloa! Velkommen! Powitane! Fáilte! Croeso! Vítejte!

About Us

Kid opening a glowing door... into the past?

Old World Wisconsin includes 60 beautifully restored historic structures on over 600 acres of picturesque landscapes. Through stories of perseverance, you explores 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 this new world. Experience the daily life of the women and men 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!

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Things To Do

Spring Into The Past

May 9 – June 7 | Saturdays and Sundays only

Experience the traditional Old World journey through a self-guided exploration of the full site! Celebrate spring with us as we begin our springtime chores! Guests can check out the newest additions to our flocks and see how we transform wool from sheep to socks with hands-on experiences for all ages. Help prepare the gardens for the growing season and lend a hand in the kitchen or barn as you step back in time.

Man riding Old World bike with cute little girl in glasses

An Old World Summer

July 1 – Aug. 30

 Self- Guided Adventures | Friday – Sunday

Explore generations of Wisconsin’s stories as you create your own day of hands-on history. Walk or take the trams, go fast or slow, start in the 1840s or the 1910s! Make your day your way as you explore 600 acres and 60 buildings that bring immigrant and migrant stories to life. Shop in the general store, help in the kitchens, ride a vintage tricycle, learn to spin wool, or just stroll through a beautiful heirloom garden. The day, and the adventure, is yours!

OWW Tour Guide in Historical dress talking to a large group in front of a historic building

Guided Journeys | Monday – Thursday

Join a costumed host as they travel back in time with you by their side. Explore select historic spaces with an expert, and hear stories not shared on self-guided days. These small group experiences are perfect for those new to Old World Wisconsin, or those who want to dive deeper into the rich collection of stories of those who came to call Wisconsin home.

Fall Fun on the Farms

Sept. 9 – Oct. 16

 Self- Guided Adventures | Saturday – Sunday only

Come experience the harvesting, preserving, cooking, and community that comes with Fall Fun on the Farms! Everyone can lend a hand, try something new, and sneak a taste while exploring the past like never before.

Older man shows young kids how to use farming equipment

Wisconsin Journey | Wednesday – Friday

Join a costumed host as they travel back in time with you by their side. Explore select historic spaces with an expert, and hear stories not shared on self-guided days. These small group experiences are perfect for those new to Old World Wisconsin, or those who want to dive deeper into the rich collection of stories of those who came to call Wisconsin home.

Celebrate the holidays!

Old World Wisconsin closes for the season from Oct. 17, 2020 until May 2021, but the fun doesn’t end there! The site hosts holiday events through the Fall and Winter, including “Halloween Legends and Lore” in October and “An Old World Christmas” in December. Check out these and events happening throughout the year at Old World Wisconsin below.

Plan for 2021!

Winter is also the perfect time to plan for the upcoming season! Explore future
workshops, register for summer camps, and plan your next visit.

Food & Beverages

Clausings Barn

Clausing Barn Café

Friday – Sunday  |  11 AM – 3 PM

Enjoy a simple, seasonal lunch inspired by our immigrant kitchens at this café located near the site entrance. Cold drinks and premium ice cream is always available. Seating is located outside on the garden patio or inside the air-conditioned café.

Crossroads Creamery

Friday – Sunday  |  11 AM – 5 PM

Relax and refuel. During your journey, you can grab a snack at the Creamery located in the Crossroads Village. If you purchase a Time Travel Token from the museum store, you can redeem it for soda water in the Four Mile House.

Shopping

Guests peruse the museum store shop

Museum Stores

Visit our charming on-site museum store to take a little of the Old World Wisconsin experience home with you. You’ll find handcrafted soaps, cookies, baskets and other items that are sure to delight visitors of all ages, including books, old-fashioned games, T-shirts, gifts,  quilts, toys, seasonal treasures for your home, and much more!

Enjoy 10 percent off store items as a Wisconsin Historical Society member.

 

Beautifully lit building filled with dried flowers and an lovely older woman

Garden Shop

Features a large seed selection of heirloom varieties seen at Old World Wisconsin, including vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Find high-quality garden tools recommended by the Old World Garden Department as well as unique, handmade garden implements. The Shop carries prints, historic apothecary items, custom teas, informative books, and much more!

Enjoy 10 percent off store items as a Wisconsin Historical Society member.

Education

Older man great mustache hold lamb with little girl

Field Trips

A Field Trip to Old World Wisconsin is where memories are made! Thinking about sharing Old World Wisconsin with your students? We have redesigned our Field Trip programs based on new standards, new experiences, and feedback!

Learn More

Workshops

Discover a new craft as you step back in time at our Workshops!  These one-day classes are a chance for guests to try their hand at a historic skill alongside our professional staff in the beautiful setting of Old World Wisconsin.

Learn More

Summer Camps

Summer Camps at Old World Wisconsin are adventure-filled, educational, and, of course, FUN! Camps run from June through August with programming for kids entering first grade and older. There’s even a new camp for adults to join in the fun!

Learn More

Explore seasonal events at Old World Wisconsin!

Plan Your Event

Old World Wisconsin prides itself on providing everything needed to make your event historic. The site has beautiful and unique locations that help our clients stand out from the crowd and provide the perfect backdrop for weddings, reunions, and other private events. Your event tells an exciting story and adds another page in the history of Old World Wisconsin. We are proud to have your day become a part of that history.

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Wisconsin Historical Society Sites

Old World Wisconsin is one of 12 historic sites and museums owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Explore all of these sites below.

Members receive FREE admission to all locations across the state of Wisconsin.

Become a Member

Black Point Estate & Gardens
Circus World
First Capitol
H.H. Bennett Studio
Madeline Island Museum
Pendarvis
Reed School
Stonefield
Villa Louis
Wade House
Wisconsin Historical Museum

Learn more about all our sites here!

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