Start your history road trip!

Opening Mon April 21

Pick up your 2025 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.

Start your history road trip!

Opening Mon April 21

Pick up your 2025 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.

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!

Get the Best Deal in History 

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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14 hours ago

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 ... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago

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 ... See MoreSee Less

Comment on Facebook

Love these little history posts

Wow! Really cool poster Pete! So much detail, so much information! Love it!

Now this is an original poster I'd love to have.

As my mother once said, oh Paul, you were born a hundred years too late!

6 days ago

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 b ... See MoreSee Less

Comment on Facebook

"three white horses, 60 pigeons, 30 dogs, three clowns, and 12 ballet girls" Wow. To have seen that!