Plan Your Visit
FALL & SPRING SEASON
HOURS
WINTER
Sep 30, 2023 – Mar 17, 2024
CLOSED
During Spring & Fall,
there are NO performances at Circus World.
FALL & SPRING 2024
Mar 18 – May 16 and Sep 3 – Sep 27
Weekdays
10 AM – 4 PM
Circus World Museum is closed on the following holidays: Labor Day
ADMISSION
FALL & SPRING PRICING 2024
Mar 18 – May 16
Sep 3 – Sep 29
Adults (13-64): $11
Senior (65+): $9
Child (5-12): $7
Children under 5: FREE
Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free general admission
and 10% off events.
WHAT YOU’LL SEE
Our Treasures
Your admission includes seven massive buildings filled with fascinating exhibits about America’s most popular form of entertainment for over 50 years.
SUMMER
PERFORMANCE SEASON
HOURS
PERFORMANCE SEASON
May 17 – Sep 1, 2024
Daily
9 AM – 4 PM
Blast Off!
at Circus World
Rocket to a campy cosmic adventure as we “Blast Off!” under the big top for 2024!
ADMISSION
SUMMER PRICING
performance season
May 17 – Sep 1, 2024
Adults (18-64): $23
Teens (13-17): $23
Senior (65+): $20
Child (5-12): $15
Children under 5: FREE
Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free general admission
and 10% off events.
SCHEDULE
OPEN DAILY
May 17 – Sep 1, 2024 | 9AM – 4PM
| 9 AM | Grounds Open |
| 9:30 AM | Kids World Circus Hippodrome |
| 10 AM | Guided Circus Wagon Tour Deppe Wagon Pavillion |
| 11 AM | Blast Off! Big Top Circus Big Top Tent |
| 1 PM | Milky Way Music Review Hippodrome |
| 1:45 PM | Zenith Human Cannonball The Green |
| 2:30 PM | Blast Off! Big Top Circus Big Top Tent |
| 4 PM | Grounds & Exhibits Close |
PARKING & DIRECTIONS
Directions
Circus World is located on the original Ringling Bros. Circus Winter Quarters — a National Historic Landmark in Baraboo, Wisconsin.
We’re only a 15 minute drive from the Wisconsin Dells!
From Milwaukee
Take I-94 west to Madison. Continue on I-94 toward Wisconsin Dells. Take WI-33 (Exit 106) west towards Baraboo. Turn left onto Washington Ave. and then right onto Water St. (WI-113).
From Madison
Take I-90/94 west toward Wisconsin Dells. Take WI-33 (Exit 106) west toward Baraboo. Turn left onto Washington Ave. and then right onto Water St. (WI-113).
From Chicago
Take I-90 west toward Rockford. Crossing into Wisconsin, continue north on I-90 toward Wisconsin Dells. Take WI-33 (Exit 106) west toward Baraboo. Turn left onto Washington Ave. and then right onto Water St. (WI-113).
From Minneapolis
Take I-94 east toward Chicago. Crossing into Wisconsin, continue east on I-94 toward Wisconsin Dells. Take US-12 (Exit 92) east toward Baraboo. Turn left onto Ringling Blvd. (WI-33). Turn right onto Ash St. then left onto Water St. (WI-113).
Parking
Parking is FREE and we have parking in our own lots both across the street and down the street from the main entrance.
Local Resources
Baraboo Wisconsin
Baraboo and the nearby Wisconsin Dells offer a complete selection of family attractions that include boat rides, shopping, zoos and America’s largest water parks. Contact the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce or the Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau for more information.
For more information on restaurants, hotels and other attractions near Circus World, visit our sister site Travel Wisconsin.
Where to Stay
Bed & Breakfasts
For information on bed & breakfast options in the area, visit the Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association.
Hotels, Motels, & Camping
Many private motels, inns, and campgrounds are located within an easy drive from Circus World. For a complete list of accommodations, see the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce website. In addition, the Wisconsin Dells/Lake Delton area has more than 4,000 motels, hotels and campground sites. For more information, contact the Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau.
The world-famous Devil’s Lake State Park is just two miles from Circus World. Camping at the park offers plenty of sandy beaches, swimming areas and recreational trails. For more information on camping, entrance fees, and hours, contact the Devil’s Lake State Park website.
FIELD TRIPS & GROUP TOURS
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.
Group Tours
Explore America’s rich circus heritage with your group of 20 or more. Tour the National Historic Landmark site where the Ringling Bros. Circus built their winter home showcasing exhibits, authentic circus parade wagons, and more! During the summer, your admission also includes a circus performance by world-class talent under a real circus tent.
FOOD & GIFTS
Cookhouse Grill
Hippodrome – Open Summer Season
Death-defying feats and exhilarating exploits make a person hungry. So enjoy deluxe dining al fresco at the Cookhouse Grill!
There’s something for everyone with tasty sandwiches, hot and cold beverages, fabulous fried food, salads and other healthy options, plus pizza! For good food the whole family will enjoy, visit the Cookhouse Grill, located next to the Hippodrome and open throughout the summer season.
Additionally, Circus World offers a full range of circus treats located at stands throughout the grounds – cotton candy, hot dogs, brats, popcorn, sno-cones and ice cream!
Big Top Gift Shop
Irvin Feld Exhibit Hall – Open Spring thru Fall
Stop by the Big Top Gift Shop where you’ll find the perfect memento of your day at the circus. We’ve got something special for everyone in the gift shop located in the lobby of the Irvin Feld Exhibit Hall.
The store features reproduction circus posters, a full range of circus collectibles and figurines, DVDs, CDs, fun novelty items, limited-edition books on circus history, plush, photographic prints, candy, film, plus t-shirts, sweatshirts and caps for children of all ages!
Enjoy 10 percent off store items as a Wisconsin Historical Society member.
Is there a lot of walking?
Yes. Please wear comfortable shoes and complimentary golf carts will assist guests needing accommodation move around our site during our summer performance season. It will be approximately half a mile of walking and includes an incline to view the wagon collection.
Can we leave and come back once we buy our ticket?
No, we do not allow in-out privileges however we encourage you to enjoy your walking tour at Circus World. We will allow a member of your party to get forgotten items from your car if required.
Are the buildings air-conditioned/heated/dry in a storm?
There are two buildings on the grounds that are temperature-controlled, the Feld Visitor Center and the Fox Wagon Restoration Building. The rest are not. All exhibits and performances are in a building or tent, or under a rooftop, but you do have to walk from place-to-place outdoors.
Will you have the shows if it rains?
Yes, the shows will go on rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, alternate showtimes might be suggested for the safety of our guests.
Are wheelchairs available to guests?
Yes, we have a limited amount of complimentary wheelchairs that are available on a first come, first served basis.
Do you rent motorized scooters/chairs?
No, we do not currently offer adult and child strollers. We do not rent strollers, however we have a limited amount of complimentary wheelchairs that are available on a first come, first served basis. We also offer during our summer performance season, complimentary golf cart chauffeuring around our grounds for those requiring assistance.
Can we use our motorized scooter?
Yes. Some shows may be limited on space and you’ll be asked to leave it outside if possible, but you may certainly use it most anywhere on the grounds.
Is there an onsite ATM?
Yes. Circus World has an ATM for our guests convenience located inside the Irvin Feld Exhibition Hall and Visitor Center.
What kind of parking is available?
Parking is FREE and we have parking in our own lots both across the street and down the street from the main entrance.
Do you have parking for a Motor Home/RV/Camper?
Yes, we have a large lot that will also accommodate several buses at a time. No overnight parking is allowed.
Do you have live animals?
Circus World will feature live animals during summer performance season.
Can we bring our dog?
No pets are allowed on the grounds with the exception of licensed service animals.
Where can we eat during our visit?
Full food services will be available for our 2023 summer season inside the Big Top and at our Cookhouse Grill.
Can we bring a picnic lunch?
No. We have food service on the grounds; therefore we do not allow outside food to be carried in unless you are a group of 20 or more and have advance reservations with us.
How do I learn more about the Circus Archives or speak to an archivist?
There is more information on how to contact our archival team and visit our archival library on the Parkinson Library & Research Center Page or contact us!
“Can’t wait to come back!”
“Who would have guessed that Baraboo played such a significant role in the history of the circus in the US? The history shared here was fascinating – this is the place where the Ringling Brothers started their circus in 1884, and they wintered here until 1918.”
Marissa C.