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!
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𝗪𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆: This week we’re sharing Sells-Floto Ticket Wagon #62 from our amazing assortment of vehiclCircus World World. This wagon was built in the winter quarters of Sells-Floto Circus in Peru, Indiana in the late 1920s. At that time the show featured Western film star Tom Mix, and the paint scheme of the wagon in 1931 advertised Mix along with his Wonder Horse, Tony. After Sells-Floto shuttered in 1932, Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus used the wagon until its closure in 1938. A California man named Louis Goebel purchased many of the show’s wagons and leased them to a variety of circuses and film production companies over the next 25 years. The wagon came to Circus World in the mid-1960s emblazoned with the “Wonder Circus” on its side from the film Billy Rose’s Jumbo, but it was soon restored to its 1931 appearance.
The wagon was painted red with the Benzini Bros. Circus title in 2010 for use in the film Water for Elephants. Local artist Joan Stevens recently did incredible work in the Circus World wagon shop to bring it back to its historic paint scheme.
📸: Wagon shop used a color photo of the wagon from National Geographic in 1931 as a basis for the paint scheme.
📸: Wagon on Sells-Floto Circus about 1929 | CWi Image ID 1939
📸: Wagon featured numerous paint schemes while with Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus in the 1930s | CWi Image ID 1938
📸: Cristiani Bros. Circus used the ticket wagon in 1959 | CWi Image ID 26871
📸: Arthur Bros. Circus used the ticket wagon in 1945 | CWi Image ID 1937 ... See MoreSee Less
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❤ LOVE THIS! ❤ Incredible history. Man, the stories that wagon could tell! Beautifully restored.
Love this!
Well that was fun
Singing Ringmaster, Robert Trader, returns to the beautiful Big Top at Circus World. Is there an International Ringmaster Day? Well, there certainly should be to celebrate Robert’s resonant baritone voice and singing talents. Robert's skill and heart are always on full display in Center Ring.
When not under the Big Top, Robert will also once again serve as our beloved Kid’s World Circus host, guiding kiddos through the power of play and imagination to become circus stars.
Celebrate classic and kooky holidays with our all-star cast during our live summer performance season Friday, May 16 – Sunday, August 31. 2025. Make your plans now for your family to celebrate with us! ... See MoreSee Less
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Fantastic to have such talent coming to town. Way to go Robert.
So glad to see you Robert
Yay Robert! May can't come quick enough!!
So glad you will be back
Well, that’s fun!
I'll support International Ringmaster Day!
👏👏🎪🎪
Yay!
ROBERT👏👏👍👍💫
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Tickets available for Gunhild! ... See MoreSee Less
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I enjoyed it there , I bought my mother a brick
Love it