Spring Into the Spectacle
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.
Start your history road trip!
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!
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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All Wisconsin Historical Society members enjoy unlimited free admission to our 11 historic sites and museums, exclusive merchandise and special event discounts, a complimentary annual subscription to the Wisconsin Magazine of History and more. Join at the Family level and above for added benefits and discounts at over 1,200 organizations nationwide!
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀!
The wait is almost over! Step right up and take a seat for the debut of Holidays! under the Big Top! It’s all happening this Friday!
Prepare to be dazzlCircus World World! Our summer season starts on Friday, May 16.
Book your tickets: wihist.org/4iSYprX ... See MoreSee Less
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What acts are planned for this year?
Can't wait! First Circus is so exciting!!
𝟭 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗨𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝗽!
The wait is almost over! We are drawing back the curtains on the Great Big Top Summer just one week from today.
Experience the Amazing at Circus World this season. We open on Friday, May 16 for our summer season.
Book your tickets: wihist.org/4iSYprX ... See MoreSee Less
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Saw the tent was up! Rats, I missed the raising of the tent. 1st time in many years. Will be there for opening day though.
𝗪𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆: Today’s featured wagon is known as the Fairy Tale Tableau to fans and includes imagery recognizable to audiences of all ages. The wagon was built in the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus winter quarters in the early 1920s and used by the show until its closure in 1938. It was converted from a traditional baggage wagon to a tableau wagon in 1934. At this time the show added elaborately carved skyboards and fairy tale paintings of Little Red Riding Hood and Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater created by clown Emmett Kelly. Arthur Bros. Circus used the wagon in 1945, and it was featured in multiple film and television productions before being acquired from Universal Studios in 1963.
Come learn the history of Circus World’s wagon collection during our guided wagon tours, available Wednesday through Monday at 9:45 a.m. beginning on May 16!
📸: Wagon began as a traditional baggage wagon with the show’s title on the sides | Image ID CWi 7235
📸: Wagon included a clown band riding on top during a Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus parade in 1935 | Image ID CWi 9435
📸: Wagon had the name TNT Circus from the television program Frontier Circus on it when acquired by the museum | Image ID CWi 7237
📸: Hagenbeck-Wallace Tableau No. 75 in Milwaukee’s Great Circus parade | Image ID CWi 7233 ... See MoreSee Less
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I have seen this wagon many times but never knew the back story. Thanks for the information. Love it.
If memory serves me correctly, this wagon was pulled in it's first 'Great Circus Parade appearance by Dick Sparrow from Zearing, Iowa. He later drove the 40 horse hitch for Schlitz then O'S Gold Seed company. 1972 through 1977. (He did not pull this wagon with 40 horses. The hitch was a 12 up of Belgians.)
Thanks 😊 for Sharing