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.
May is Member Month! To show our appreciation for our members, we're offering special discounts, activities, and prizes this month!
Visit wisconsinhistory.org/membermonth to learn more about these special benefits. Not a member? Join now to get in on the fun! wisconsinhistory.org/membership.
And a gift membership makes a great gift for mom or grandma for Mother's Day! Gift memberships are now 40% off. ... See MoreSee Less
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Happy 1rst of May!
Today the circus community celebrates a special day in our culture, a day that historically signaled the official start of a new performance season. It also represented the start of an amazing journey for first time performers, staff, and crew, who would be known for their first year as first of Mays.
That first year was likely filled with triumph and frustrations, with travel and amazing stories to tell, a welcome into a special community, a place to call home. Today, and everyday, we honor that spirit of a welcoming city without a zip code, a sawdust and spangled community of timeless circus traditions.
Live circus performances begin under the Big Top here at Circus World on Friday May 17th! ... See MoreSee Less
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Circus World is the best place to go to! I have been going every year since I was about 2 years old and I'm 30 years old. I cannot wait to bring my son to Circus World this year, it will be his first time.
Good memories! Happy the Clown.
Thrilled to honor Merlin & Jenele Zitzner as this years Big Top Parade Grand Marshals. They truly embody the institutional motto of their beloved Baraboo State Bank - Banking better together! Their generosity, support, and leadership have made Circus World soar, and have kept our hometowns circus heritage vibrant. ... See MoreSee Less
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So awesome 👌 💘
May All Your Days Be Circus Days From Jim Craine The Care Taker Of The Steel Pier High Diving Horse