Experience Circus History

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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!

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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.


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Circus World

Circus World

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Circus World - Official

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17 hours ago
Circus World

Gone, but always in our hearts is Sandra Lou (Gollmar) Edwards who passed Saturday, March 23, 2024. Sandra was born to Judge Robert H. Gollmar and Alice Marie (Gault) Gollmar on September 22, 1927. She met her future husband Daniel in grade school and later graduated with the class of 1945 from Baraboo High. She continued her education and was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

Sandra was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Baraboo, Eastern Star, and a member of PEO and the Sauk County Historical Society. Sandra was most proud of her Circus heritage as granddaughter of Fred Gollmar, one of the brothers who owned the Gollmar Bros. Circus, and were first cousins of the Ringling Bros. Her father, Judge Robert Gollmar and Grandfather Fred were two of the three founders of Circus World Museum, Inc., which served to create and support Circus World Museum.

Sandra was a lifetime member of CWM, Inc., and the Gollmar, Moeller, Ringling Tent #100 of the Circus Fans Assoc. of America. As a member of the GMR Tent #100 she worked to protect and promote Baraboo’s rich circus heritage. She loved everything about the circus, especially the elephants, and volunteered at Circus World for many years. She worked on the Ringling Centennial celebrations and helped create and expand the circus wall on the north side of the square in downtown Baraboo. Sandra brought her positive support to the Circus World staff, and along with her brother Bob, and sister Gail, funded the restoration of the Gollmar Bros. wagons at Circus World. Our heartfelt sympathies for Sandra’s two sons, Daniel Jr. (Kathy) of Raleigh, NC and Robert (Tammi) of Eagle River, WI, and for her sister, Gail Phillips of Portage, WI.

We will forever remember Sandy’s warm smiles, grace and the twinkle in her eyes. This isn’t goodbye, dearest Sandy; because we’ll see you in the smiling faces and hear you in the laughter of children who visit the circus. We’ll see you again… down the road!
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Her Dad,Judge Gollmar was a close friend of ours.On the Board of Directors at Baraboo Federal(I worked there) and my husband Brad cut his grass as a young man in Baraboo. Judge married us in 1972. Loved him

Rest in Peace Sandy . A Great , and Wonderful Lady. So Many Memories, and Great times in Baraboo, and at Circus World. You will be missed.

♥️

23 hours ago
Circus World

The Most Unique Congregation on Earth exhibit debuted March 18, and features a number of interesting circus ministry artifacts from the museum collection, and on loan from members of the circus ministry, all on display for the first time to help bring this little-known aspect of the big top to life.

Make your 2024 travel plans to visit us here at Circus World.
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