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: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Hippo Cage Wagon No. 73 is believed to have been built in 1903. Although the original builder is unknown, the wagon was regularly maintained for many years by the Moeller & Sons Wagon Works, cousins and longtime business associates of the Ringlings. The wagon housed black-tailed deer for most of its time in use, but it also later held lions and was retrofitted for a pygmy hippo in 1943. Feld Entertainment loaned the wagon to Circus World in 1984, and it was restored in 1987.
This wagon was one of four historic circus wagons that made their grand return to Circus World last month.
See this wagon and so many more when you visit us this spring! We open on Monday, April 21.
📸: Spectators watched the cage wagon roll past during a street parade in Decatur, Illinois in 1910. Though the top skyboard has changed, the distinctive bottom and corner carvings can easily be seen | CWi 4989
📸: Circus World staff Leonard Perkins paints the carved corner decorations of the Ringling Bros. Cage Wagon No. 73 during restoration in 1987 | CWi 4990
📸: Ringling Bros. Cage Wagon No. 73 shortly after its 1987 restoration | CWi 4991
📸: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Hippo Cage Wagon No. 73 returns to Circus World | March 10, 2025 ... See MoreSee Less
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Do you know which wagon this is? It has a 41 on the back. I would love more history on it. www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=149147427640696&set=a.149148580973914
𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: During the golden age of the American circus (1872-1929) few things could eclipse the size and scale of a circus. With hundreds of shows on the road each circus vied to outdo the competition with numerous huge tents, a diverse collection of exotic animals, three performance rings including an elevated stage, and a massive colorful train to carry it from town to town. Even the titles could be a mouth full as is evidenced by this 1890 poster showcasing the massive Sells Bros. and S.H. Barretts New Monster Shows.
📸: CWi 19688 ... See MoreSee Less
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Love these little history posts
Wow! Really cool poster Pete! So much detail, so much information! Love it!
As my mother once said, oh Paul, you were born a hundred years too late!
Now this is an original poster I'd love to have.
𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀: Ella Bradna came from a European circus family and became a premier equestrienne as a young woman, performing in locations such as the Nouveau Cirque in Paris and the London Hippodrome. While in London, she married a former German army lieutenant named Fred Ferber before they came to the United States with Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1903. She performed in a double bareback act with Fred Derrick that was both artistic and acrobatic, featuring dancing, somersaulting, and Roman riding. Beginning in 1919, she presented “The Act Beautiful” that included three white horses, 60 pigeons, 30 dogs, three clowns, and 12 ballet girls.
Fred Bradna became one of the best-known equestrian directors in circus history and a model for ringmasters to come. He created a well-balanced performance and ensured that it ran with precision, managing dozens of personalities both in and out of the ring with ease. Ella and Fred Bradna retired in 1945 after 42 years with Barnum & Bailey Circus and the merged Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
📸: Ella Bradna in her dressing area with Barnum & Bailey Circus | Image ID CWi 7115
📸: Ella and Fred Bradna | Image ID CWi 11169
📸: Fred Bradna in the backyard of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1924 | Image ID CWi 11283
📸: Barnum & Bailey Circus lithograph featrung Ella Bradna in 1915. Image ID CWi 15149 ... See MoreSee Less
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"three white horses, 60 pigeons, 30 dogs, three clowns, and 12 ballet girls" Wow. To have seen that!