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!”
Your Pastport to the Past
It’s time for a history making summer road trip!
Take advantage of your free admission to the Wisconsin Historical Society’s sites and museums with your Member Pastport! Collect stamps for store discounts and even a chance to earn a FREE membership.
Not a member? Join today to get in on the fun. Let’s hit the road!
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!
Members Get Free Admission!
Become a Wisconsin Historical Society member and visit all 12 of our historic sites for free! Membership pays for itself in as little as two visits and includes other great benefits like discounts and reciprocal benefits to more than 1,200 organizations.
We join the circus community in our heart felt congratulations to this years inductees into the Circus Ring of Fame. Each one so deserved, giving of their time and immense talents to make the circus industry shine brightly. Bravo!Circus Ring of Fame Foundation® Announces Inductees for the Class of 2024
Sarasota, Florida – September 19, 2023. The Circus Ring of Fame Foundation® announced today four new inductees for the Class of 2024.
The four inductees are:
• Her Serene Highness Princess Stephanie of Monaco, President of the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo
• Circus Executive and Producer, Wayne McCary
• Multi-talented - circus equestrienne, animal trainer and vocalist, Catherine Hanneford Carden
• Guinness World record holder for longest and highest human cannonball shot, David Smith Jr. and his father David Smith Sr.
• Also inducted into a special category honoring circus arts coaching, Bob Yerkes will become the inaugural winner of the Willie Edelston Circus Arts Coach of the Year award.
Formal induction will take place at The Circus Ring of Fame Awards show on February 10, 2024. Ticket information will be announced soon.
“This year’s class of inductees exemplifies the highest of achievement in circus arts and culture” said Bill Powell, chair of the Foundation. “We congratulate the winners and their families and look forward to seeing everyone at the awards show. With this stellar group of inductees, the demand for tickets will be at an all-time high” Powell noted.
For detailed information visit our website: www.circusringoffame.org
The Circus Ring of Fame® class of 2024 inductee short biographies:
HSH Princess Stephanie of Monaco – Her Serene Highness Princess Stephanie of Monaco took to heart her father’s commitment to supporting traditional circus artists and their families through an annual festival. Fifty years after its establishment by Prince Rainier III, the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo is produced by Princess Stephanie and remains the world’s highest competitive platform for circus arts. In 2012, Princess Stephanie created an additional festival to recognize the achievements of young artists. The Princess’s eldest daughter Pauline now presides over Festival New Generation, thus continuing the legacy of her grandfather. Envisioned by Princess Stephanie to preserve circus arts and culture, the World Circus Federation was established in 2008 and continues to operate under her patronage. Princess Stephanie’s tireless work, dedication, and advocacy honors and sustains circus arts, artists, families, and culture worldwide.
Catherine Hanneford Carden - Catherine is a seventh- generation performer having started with her family at age five as a ballerina on horseback under the watchful eye of her great uncle, the legendary Poodles Hanford. She not only trained elephants and horses in her teens, but also learned skills as an acrobat, aerialist, trampolinist, dancer, and later vocalist and announcer. She appeared with Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey starting in 1998 with her featured liberty horses in The Living Carousel, followed by four years with the Ringling Gold Unit alongside husband Brett Carden. Later, they toured their own circus presenting over 200 shows a year.
David Smith Sr. and David Smith Jr. - Smith, Sr. was an accomplished gymnast before learning the flying trapeze and forming the Rock Smith Flyers. He built his first cannon in the early 1980s debuting on the Hubert Castle Circus. David Sr., and Jr. hold the Guinness World record for height and distance appearing with circuses and events worldwide and on numerous television shows such as America's Got Talent Extreme. For three decades they have thrilled audiences with their daredevilry.
Wayne McCary - Highly regarded entrepreneur Wayne Cary produced Shrine circuses and oversaw the Eastern States Exposition (The Big E) for more than 30 years as President and Executive Director. In that position he was instrumental in establishing and producing the annual Big E Circus. His accomplishments received recognition in John. H. McConnell’s “A History of the Shrine Circus” and Robert L. Parkinson’s “Directory of American Circuses 1793-2000.” McCary has made it his lifetime ambition to entertain millions of enthusiasts through his contributions to the amusement industry. He serves as vice chair and director of the World Circus Federation, collaborating with Princess Stephanie of Monaco promoting her love for the circus arts worldwide.
Bob Yerkes - Circus artist and stuntman Brayton "Bob" Yerkes, born in 1932, started tumbling down Santa Monica’s Muscle Beach at age 11 and ran away to join an acrobatic troupe with Clyde Beatty Circus at age 15. Yerkes formed several trapeze acts for the circus including the Flying Alexanders and Flying Artons. ... See MoreSee Less
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Some terrific fall events on the horizon here at Circus World so be sure to mark your calendars. This Saturday September 23rd, the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Oktoberfest here on the grounds, celebrating our state's German Heritage. Tickets can be purchased for $7 in advance at the Chamber or $10 at the door. A full schedule of fun from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. Further details can be found at oktoberfestbaraboo.com.
Then prepare to step back in time, as Shakespeare on the Edge presents their annual "A Gathering of Rogues & Ruffians" here at Circus World on October 14th & 15th from 10am to 5 pm each day. Advance tickets and more details can be found at their website agatheringofroguesandruffians.com.
We hope to see you all here! ... See MoreSee Less
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Great community events!
Make Circus World part of your fall travel plans. Open weekdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm, explore our 64 acres and seven buildings filled with engaging exhibits on the timeless traditions of the American circus.
Save time upon your arrival and purchase your tickets in advance here: buy.acmeticketing.com/orders/514/calendar?eventId=621f981ed751820835ea2d4c&cart ... See MoreSee Less
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Been there. Loved it.
Get there before exhibits come down in preparation for next year's items!
And let's take a moment to remember Chappie Fox who passed away 20 years ago today. He was to Circus World Museum what John Wayne was to the movies. An indomitable influence we'll cherish forever.
My late Uncle Bobby Gibbs and his wife Rosa Gibbs preformed there with many animal and other acts
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