See You in Spring 2025!

Thanks for another stupendous season! We reopen for visitors in March 2025.
Your donation supports Circus World Museum’s preservation efforts and helps us continue sharing the wonder of circus history. Give today and be part of the legacy!

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!

Start your history road trip!

Pick up your 2024 Member PastPort and start collecting stamps when you visit Circus World! Redeem your stamps for discounts or even a free year of membership!
Not a member? Join today to get in on the fun.

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Wisconsin Historical Society members receive unlimited free admission to our 11 historic sites and museums, a complimentary annual subscription to the Wisconsin Magazine of History, merchandise discounts and more. Join at the Family level and above for added benefits and discounts at over 1,200 organizations nationwide! 


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Circus World

Circus World

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Circus World - Official

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5 days ago
Circus World

👻 Ghost stories from Circus City have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 🎪

The haunted history of Baraboo comes to life--even when the main players are dead. Visit the Old Baraboo Inn to catch a glimpse of the spirits who checked in but never checked out. Or take a drive down the infamous Highway 12, but keep your eye out for the road's very own spectral hitchhiker.

Be sure to add The Ghostly Tales of Baraboo by author Anna Lardinois to your fall reading list.

Shop NOW: wihist.org/40heUYl
... See MoreSee Less

👻 Ghost stories from Circus City have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 🎪

The haunted history of Baraboo comes to life--even when the main players are dead. Visit the Old Baraboo Inn to catch a glimpse of the spirits who checked in but never checked out. Or take a drive down the infamous Highway 12, but keep your eye out for the roads very own spectral hitchhiker. 

Be sure to add The Ghostly Tales of Baraboo by author Anna Lardinois to your fall reading list. 

Shop NOW: https://wihist.org/40heUYl

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Circus World there’s also the travel channel episode of Hometown Horror, Three Ring Terror.

Ah "When the Ghost Walks" was an expression in old English theatre and circus communities meaning that you were assured of getting paid that week!

Just outside baraboo in North Freedom, in the cemetery many nights we'd see a bright orb bouncing amongst the memorials there. As if someone with a lantern was walking amongst the graves.

I have this book and have been waiting to read it! Now is a great time.

A friend and I saw the hitchhiker on Hwy 12 years ago...

Will Brown Sam Brown Captain Zach Brown Dianne Brown

Lynn Wyman

Lisa Hammermeister Schell

Leigh Dorsey

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2 weeks ago
Circus World

Starts tomorrow! 10am to 6pm, through Sunday! ... See MoreSee Less