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A Magnificent Marvelous Trip to the Circus Awaits
Performance Season is May 17- Sep 1, 2024
About Us
Step right up and experience the splendid spectacle of Circus World!
Just past the Wisconsin Dells in the city of Baraboo lies a splendid secret waiting just for you: Circus World, a marvelous museum replete with only the most spectacular sights, lights and delights! Gaze in wonder and marvel at your own pace as you travel through seven National Historic Landmark buildings in this historic, stupendous space. From a parade of wood-carved wagons to live shows and more, there’s something here for the whole family to explore.
Year Round Fun
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 and property in Baraboo, to artifacts ranging from the smallest miniature circus prop to magnificent, gilded parade wagons; Our Treasures will astonish and inspire!
Miniature Circus
Marvel at the details of this diminutive circus – a tiny world of whimsy and wonder where the imagination knows no bounds!
Deppe Wagon Pavilion
Explore an unparalleled collection of authentic wood-carved wagons in this unique trip through circus wagon history!
C.P. Fox Wagon Restoration Center
Learn about the restoration process and the artisans who return these historic circus treasures to their former glory.
Historic Ringlingville
See 10 National Historic Landmark Structures, part of the former winter quarters.
Why Choose Circus World?
Only minutes from the Dells
Plenty of FREE, onsite parking
Big Top performance included with admission*
More than 64 acres of indoor and outdoor fun for kids of all ages
Tickets are good from open to close – leave and return throughout the day at no extra cost
Big Top Performance
Blast Off! at Circus World
*Performance Season is May 17- Sep 1, 2024
For its 65th anniversary, Circus World features world class acts—then flips them—with the gravity-defying artistry of an upside-down show including a a cavalcade of comedic canines, acrobats flying high in the dome of the big top, joyous juggling, kooky comedy, memorable music… and yes, a legendary lady shot out of a cannon.
Performance Season Experiences!
Guided Wagon Tours
Daily | 10 AM
Witness the grandeur of wagons used by ringmasters and performers to bring the artform and culture of the circus to American audiences from coast to coast.
Milky Way Musical Revue
Hoop and holler along as the cast shakes, rattles, cranks and honks on a crazy, colorful collection of mesmerizing music makers—with songs quite amazing and talents you’ll be praising—that will leave you begging for more.
Kids World Circus
Let your kids experience the magic of the circus as they play the part of performers—and animals!—in a wholly unique Big Top performance that’s sure to surprise and delight children of all ages.
Animal Partners
No circus is complete without amazing animals—our animals are as much our partners in performance as they are revered and respected members of our Big Top family. Come see our cherished animal partners!
Carousel
Step into a whirl of nostalgia and joy on our old-fashioned carousel where every spin will bring a smile!
Cookhouse Grill
Need to refuel during your circus extravaganza? The Cookhouse Grill has you covered with a delicious menu of ready-to-eat hot meals and classic circus treats.
Pony Rides
What does the circus look like from atop a pony’s back? Find out for yourself when you climb abord for a ride on one of our perky prancing ponies!
What will you get up to in Baraboo?
Join the circus and adventure through a spectacular day of sights and delights!
Ditch the hullabaloo for Baraboo at Circus World this summer!
Grab your tickets now and see all the circus has to offer.
Circus World Gallery
EDUCATION
Field Trips
The best day of your school year awaits! Don’t just read about history, experience it firsthand. Field Trips at Circus World Museum, and all of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s historic sites and museums, allow students to step into the worlds they’re studying through fun adventures and engaging experiences around the state for grades k-12.
“It was wonderful!”
“A really fascinating place! One of the only places in the world where you can see the facilities where the animals were kept, the range of circus organs and wagons is so big, and the posters are comprehensive and riveting.”
Katherine L.
Wisconsin Historical Society Sites
Circus World is one of 12 historic sites and museums owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Explore all of these sites below.
Black Point Estate & Gardens
Circus World
First Capitol
H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum
Madeline Island Museum
Old World Wisconsin
Pendarvis
Reed School
Stonefield
Villa Louis
Wade House
Wisconsin History Center