Contact: Lisa McGovern,
Communications Manager
Office 262-594-6304
Mobile: 414-217-5447
lisa.mcgovern@
Emphasis on Fun and Guest Engagement Pays Off:
Old World Wisconsin Attendance Up 21 Percent for 2013 Season
Eagle, Wis.– Old World Wisconsin closed the 2013 season by posting a stunning 21-percent attendance gain vs.2012.
“We are thrilled by the guest response to the enhancements we implemented in 2013,” site director Dan Freas said. “Our focus has been on making the Old World Wisconsin experience exceptional, and guests responded to our efforts to make ‘history fun’ with a 21-percent increase in attendance.”
Factors leading to the increase included an expansion of popular themes like Laura Ingalls Wilder from a single weekend into a monthlong event, the launch of new, interactive programming like Civil War Wisconsin and the debut of family friendly events like Halloween Legends and Lore, which received high marks from guests. Reallocating hours open to the general public vs. those dedicated to group and school tours also paid off: school tour attendance was up 19 percent in 2013. Lower temperatures during peak visitation in July were also a factor.
New 2014 Initiatives
“We will keep the momentum going in 2014 with exciting new programming like our Catch Wheel Fever! experience, something you can’t find anywhere else in the country,” Freas added. When the new 1890s cycling experience opens in June, children and adults will be able to hop aboard replica tricycles and bicycles from the era and take a spin around the track. Guests can tinker at the workbench in a simulated bicycle repair shop of the era, become a member of the Badger Wheelmen, put on period apparel, and climb aboard a replica high-wheel bike and have a one-of-a-kind photo taken. This new experience was made possible, in part, by a generous lead grant from the Sally Mead Hands Foundation. Additional support has been provided by the Old World Foundation.
On July 19 guests will be able to ride bikes on site for the first time ever as they travel on a special ride with The Wheelmen, an antique bicycle enthusiast group.
Day camps have been re-launched as Time Travelers Adventure Camps, including new team-based experiences. There will be even more interactive activities available during Civil War Encounters in August, engaging additions to Halloween Legends and Lore and new holiday programming for families.
Old World Wisconsin will reopen to the general public on Saturday, May 3, 2014.
Overview of Old World Wisconsin
Old World Wisconsin, located in the Chicago/Milwaukee/Madison triangle, is an outdoor museum of late 19th- and early 20th-century Midwestern immigrant farm and rural life. During the daily operating season May through October, plus postseason and holiday events in November and December, the museum offers family friendly activities, led by period-clad interpreters, as they visit 10 working farmsteads, explore 12 heirloom gardens, interact with heritage animal breeds, and try historic crafts and trades. Old World Wisconsin is located at W372 S9727 Highway 67, Eagle, WI 53119. For general information and details about 2014 activities, call 262-594-6301 or visit www.oldworldwisconsin.org.
Media Requests:
For media inquiries, contact Lisa McGovern at 262-594-6304 (office), 414-217-5447 (mobile), or lisa.mcgovern@
