Experience Circus History

Explore Circus World

What began with less than an acre of land, six historic circus wagons plus a lot of grit, determination, and passion, has now become an internationally recognized and respected institution encompassing 64 acres, 30 permanent structures, seven winter quarters buildings along Water Street, plus the Ringling Bros. Circus Train shed complex, and over 260 spectacular wagons. Circus World truly is “Wisconsin’s National Treasure!”

Start your history road trip!

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Our Treasures

As other entertainment forms gained popularity, Circus World began documenting and collecting important treasures of the American Circus. From original Ringling Circus buildings to the smallest flea circus prop

Our Treasures will astonish!

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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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Circus World

Circus World

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Circus World - Official

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10 hours ago
Circus World

Dressing room trailers are lined up, ready to be placed for the season ahead. Our performers get to relive the timeless tradition of using vintage circus wagons as their dressing trailers, a direct link to past performances. We are only 9 days away from the start of our summer performance season, as we BLAST OFF on May 17th. (photo courtesy of Bill Johnsen & Kayce Dervetski). ... See MoreSee Less

Dressing room trailers are lined up, ready to be placed for the season ahead. Our performers get to relive the timeless tradition of using vintage circus wagons as their dressing trailers, a direct link to past performances. We are only 9 days away from the start of our summer performance season, as we BLAST OFF on May 17th. (photo courtesy of Bill Johnsen & Kayce Dervetski).

Comment on Facebook

That is awesome! 🎪

I want to join the circus.😁

Bring on the clowns!!!!! I can not wait!!!!

Oh boy.....!

3 days ago
Circus World

This is the week that the big Top rises again along the Baraboo River. It is our theatre, chapel, stadium and performing art center for the circus arts. May 9/10 baring any schedule delay is when it will billow into the air for our 65th Anniversary season. Make sure you get your tickets, season passes or memberships now, as our live performance season begins May 17th through September 1, 2024. Purchase your tickets now: buy.acmeticketing.com/orders/514/calendar?cart=true&eventId=621f981ed751820835ea2d4c (photo by Bill Johnsen). ... See MoreSee Less

This is the week that the big Top rises again along the Baraboo River. It is our theatre, chapel, stadium and performing art center for the circus arts. May 9/10 baring any schedule delay is when it will billow into the air for our 65th Anniversary season. Make sure you get your tickets, season passes or memberships now, as our live performance season begins May 17th through September 1, 2024. Purchase your tickets now: https://buy.acmeticketing.com/orders/514/calendar?cart=true&eventId=621f981ed751820835ea2d4c  (photo by Bill Johnsen).

Comment on Facebook

Franzen Bros will be there in June!!

How exciting 😀 YAY!

We'll be there for opening day!!

Always wish to be there

Kim Pint Schaefer

The Clown Connection

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4 days ago
Circus World

May your Cinco de Mayo holiday be filled with music, fun and celebration!

Cinco de Mayo’s history dates back to 1862 and honors the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla, which was a big deal because the Mexican army was a lot smaller than France’s.
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May your Cinco de Mayo holiday be filled with music, fun and celebration!

Cinco de Mayo’s history dates back to 1862 and honors the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla, which was a big deal because the Mexican army was a lot smaller than France’s.