Experience the amazing at Circus World! An incredible 64 acres showcasing the incredible history of the American Circus is yours to explore. From the world’s largest collection of restored historic circus wagons to seven National Historic Landmark structures that more than a century ago were the wintertime home to the Ringling Bros. Circus and are now filled with thousands of circus treasures, you’ll delight in this extraordinary, one-of-a-kind wonder.
Step Right Up! Limited Time Engagement!
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see four extraordinary historic circus wagons, including the legendary Ringling Bros. Bell Wagon – believed to be the last remaining circus bell wagon in existence. Visit us at the home of the world’s largest collection of circus wagons.
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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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!
You can see all four of these historic circus wagons when Circus World opens for the spring season on Monday, April 21! ... See MoreSee Less
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The season openings are not the same without “Heavy” Harold Burdick being there. Thanks to his 45+ out of 66 season openings Circus World is what it is today. You felt like family when you saw “Heavy” on the grounds proudly showing you the details of the many wagons that he and others helped restore. I don’t know about anyone else that comes to visit yearly but I am sad that he is not there anymore and he had some pretty big shoes to match up too.
𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆: We’re featuring an exquisite velvet jacket and skirt with an elaborate dragon design of gold embroidery and sequins. According to donor records, equestrienne Nola Satterfield wore this wardrobe in 1910 while performing with Dode Fisk Circus, a dog and pony show based out oWf Wonewoc, WI. This seemed a little out of place, since smaller shows did not often have the means to purchase expensive costumes. Interior labels noting “Lot 44” indicated the pieces may have originated with Ringling Bros. Circus, and research showed that Satterfield performed with the show in the early 1900s. Although she may have also worn the wardrobe on Dode Fisk, the discovery of a photo from a Ringling Bros. parade in 1906 verified that it originated with that show.
📸: Object ID 1956.1488
📸: Image ID CWi 1951 ... See MoreSee Less
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Great research everyone. You are an treasured link to circus history.
A stunning piece. The black velvet is in lovely condition and the dragons! Oh they are also perfect. Loved this piece when on display a couple years ago. Thanks for sharing.
Lovely!
𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀: We have baskets and colored eggs on our minds as we prepare for the arrival of the Easter bunny this weekend, so we thought we should share an appropriately themed artifact from our collection!
President Rutherford B. Hayes held the first White House Easter Egg Roll in 1878, an annual tradition that has continued into the 21st century. At times, the event drew more than 30,000 participants to the White House South Lawn. Souvenir wooden eggs are now given as keepsakes for participants of the event, with a design on the front and signatures of the President and First Lady on the back. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey clowns have regularly participated in the festivities over the years, including boss clown Scott O’Donnell who donated this 2007 commemorative egg.
📸: Object ID 2013.45.10 ... See MoreSee Less
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Cool!