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!”
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!
Members Get Free Admission!
Become a Wisconsin Historical Society member and visit all 12 of our historic sites for free! Membership pays for itself in as little as two visits and includes other great benefits like discounts and reciprocal benefits to more than 1,200 organizations.
Soon . . . . we anticipate a tentative big top tent raising date of May 9/10. We are in a final countdown, with 20 days to go until we Blast Off! (photo courtesy of Bill Johnsen). ... See MoreSee Less
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As Circus World approaches its 65th anniversary this summer, we wanted to take the opportunity to share some highlights from throughout the years. Stay tuned throughout the month of May as we take you through each decade and its memorable moments.
Opening on a rainy day on July 1, 1959, Circus World attracted 40,000 to the festivities and 10,000 paid admission tickets on that first day. The museum’s first ten years featured tremendous growth, adding dozens of wagons and countless other circus memorabilia to its collection and attracting one million visitors by #circusworldsworld ... See MoreSee Less
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We would come to the Circus World a couple times every summer since I was 5 or 6 yers old. I'm 64 now. Always a great experience. Loved watching the elephants load and unload the railroad cars. The giraffe tried to eat my hat one time while we were waiting in line for our seats in the Big Top tent. The different acts. Loved the acrobats and high-wire artists. Cotton candy. The Clowns in training. And the Calliope that greeted you on the way in the old gate. My mother-in-law (bless her), worked in the office. Loved going to visit her in the old office building. Miss those times.
Circus World is an amazing, historical place and an American treasure. Happy Anniversary!
Thank you for this amazing post. You hit spots in my heart and I’m crying like a baby… ♥️
The year i was born we started visiting around my birthday during the summer every year since i turned 4 years old. Till i was 19 travel from where ever we where stationed in the Navy and after retirement from the Navy from South Carolina. Why family lived in Baraboo and LaValle that was our summers every year. The best memories. In 2021 took my grandkids on their first trip to Circus World and they keep asking to go back. I just hope i can take them again.
What a great idea to share memories of the development of the museum and the parade as well as the people that made it all happen. The museum collection and historic grounds and buildings will insure that current and future generations can appreciate the importance of the circus culture in America.
CWM has been a part of my life since early memories. Silly me, I thought everyone had a circus in walking distance. 🎪
I was gifted an entrance ticket from opening day. The best!
The article in the News Republic said CWM never owned any elephants. But here it says Wilbur purchased one for the museum. I'm confused.
What an awesome to see
It's cool ti live here with so much history! 🎪
Masta Freeze
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Mark your calendars everyone! Hope to see each of you this year for this grand all American tradition.Circus entertainment’s universal appeal will be on display on Saturday, June 8, 2024, as the Big Top Parade returns to the streets of Downtown Baraboo.
Historic wagons, marching bands, animals and community floats will delight children of all ages along the parade route. Each entry will observe the parade’s “Blast Off” theme, which also is the theme of Circus World's 2024 big top show.
“This year’s parade will be out of this world,” said Nanci Caflisch, co-chair of the Big Top Parade organizing committee. “Here in the Ringling Brothers’ hometown, we love celebrating our legacy every summer.”
The parade will step off at 11 a.m. June 8, anchoring a weekend full of circus-themed fun.
“It’s a thrill to showcase Circus World’s unparalleled collection of wagons in our parade,” said George Althoff, Executive Director of the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce. “I can’t wait to see the far-out floats our sponsors and community groups add to our galaxy of stars.”
The weekend-long circus celebration will start Thursday evening, with a circus-themed installment of Baraboo Concerts on the Square. On Saturday morning, marching bands and the Wild Rumpus Circus for kids will entertain the crowd downtown before the parade begins. After the parade, all are encouraged to visit Circus World and see the “Blast Off” big top show at 1:15 and 3:30 p.m.
“We are over the moon, we’re so excited about this summer’s show,” said Scott O’Donnell, Executive Director of Circus World. “We are ready for liftoff in celebration of our 65th anniversary!”
Watch for updates on this summer’s parade and related events at bigtopparade.com.
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Would you please swing down through central Kansas for those of us who can't make it to Baraboo?