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!
𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀: Circus World’s new exhibit highlights numerous performers who have demonstrated incredible iron jaw talents. One of these legends is Hungarian-born Helen Deutsch, better known to the circus world as Tiny Kline. She started her entertainment career in burlesque and vaudeville before joining Barnum & Bailey Circus as a statue girl in 1916. Kline soon began performing as a standing Roman rider in the chariot races during the show’s finale. By 1919 she was working a revolving trapeze act and developing a breakaway “Slide for Life,” where she would descend quickly from the top of the tent while hanging by her teeth.
Tiny Kline enjoyed performing her daredevil acts in large public locations, including when she famously completed an iron jaw Slide for Life over Broadway in New York City in 1932. She continued working into her 70s, when she mesmerized Disneyland audiences as Tinker Bell soaring through the air from Matterhorn Mountain.
📸: Studio photograph of Tiny Kline posing while hanging from her iron jaw mouthpiece | Image ID CWi 7223
📸: Tiny Kline dressed as Tinker Bell in the early 1960s | Image ID CWi 7224
📸: Handbill depicting some of Tiny Kline’s acts | Image ID CWi 1962 ... See MoreSee Less
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Incredible talent!!
I think that I saw her at Disneyland where she signaled the start of the fireworks.
Her autobiography "Circus Queen and Tinker Bell" is astounding!!
youtu.be/BpnZhoNcwto?si=rYpSsbBK6PT9b_dF
May is Member Month! We’re celebrating YOU heCircus World World! 🎉
To show our appreciation for our members, we're offering special discounts, activities, and prizes this month!
Visit wisconsinhistory.org/membermonth to learn more about these special benefits.
Not a member? Join now to get in on the fun! ... See MoreSee Less
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See you next week for the summer performance opener!
We have some very exciting news to share with you here at Circus World! We are pleased to welcome Julie Parkinson, Circus World Site Director, to the Wisconsin Historical Society!
Parkinson previously served as the company manager for the Big Apple Circus in New York as well as in artistic and production capacities for five Cirque du Soleil shows, including the blockbuster “The Beatles LOVE” show in Las Vegas. More recently, Parkinson has served as the general manager for “The Nazarene” and “Beyond Van Gogh” large-scale immersive experiences in Texas and Florida, respectively. Parkinson began her new role at Circus World on April 21, 2025.
Parkinson has a wealth of experience in the circus industry, both from a management and performance perspective, as well as strong ties to Circus World itself. Parkinson will represent the third generation of the Parkinson family to serve Circus World in a leadership capacity. Her grandfather, Robert L. Parkinson, founded the site’s world-renowned Library & Research Center in 1965 and continued as its director for 25 years, while her father, Greg Parkinson, served as Circus World site director from 1985 to 2002. Parkinson herself performed at Circus World for ten seasons in the Big Top circus performances as well as part of the popular “Theater of Illusion” stage show led by her maternal grandfather, Richard L. Berry.
Parkinson currently serves on the Circus Historical Society’s board of trustees and has authored several circus history articles published in the organization’s magazine, “Bandwagon.”
In her new role, Parkinson will be responsible for leading the operations of the National Historic Landmark site and the internationally-renowned circus destination. She will oversee the restoration of the historic Ringlingville buildings and spearhead the multi-year evolution into a year-round performance attraction. ... See MoreSee Less
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Third generation. Grandpa is smiling.
Welcome home Julie! Congratulations!!
Wonderful Choice!
Congrats, welcome back to Baraboo Circus life!
Congratulations Julie!! Very exciting news!! 🎪🎉
Welcome home Julie
Congrats!
Best wishes, Julie!
Fantastic! Welcome back.
Impressive resume! Welcome and congratulations! 🎪 🎪 🎪
Beatles Love was spectacular!
Welcome home, very excited for this good news
Congratulations Julie!
Congratulations! My dad was Frank McIntyre, a long time Circus Fan of America member and was part of the forming group of the Circus World Museum! He loved the circus! And was a terrific dad!
Congratulations Julie! 🎪🐘🤡
Welcome back, Julie!!!
Very nice! Bob and Marilyn would be so proud!!
Congratulations!
Welcome 🤗
Cannot wait to meet you on the 16th.
Congratulations, and I so loved your grandpa!
Congratulations Julie!
Congratulations!
Congratulations Julie!
What a great addition to Circus World! Welcome back, Julie!
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