Eagle, Wis. – The Wisconsin Historical Society is pleased to kick off the summer season at Old World Wisconsin starting with our Family Fun Drive which will take place the weekend of May 29-31, 2021. General admission to Wisconsin’s premier living history destination will open on Thursday, June 17. The site will be open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through August 29, with adjusted fall hours beginning in October. Old World Wisconsin will offer three separately ticketed tour options this season, each exploring different themes and areas of the grounds, which are scheduled on Wednesdays beginning mid-June through the month of August.
Old World Wisconsin gives guests an immersive experience and shares the stories of the immigrant communities who came to this region from all over the world to create a home in Wisconsin. The site offers visitors of all ages a glimpse into the past with one-of-a-kind experiences that transport them back in time to a world where the complexities of modern life melt away.
“There is so much to explore and enjoy at Old World Wisconsin this year, such as encounters with animals on our historic farms, opportunities to see the blacksmith at work, or a ride on one of Old World’s replica 1880’s tricycles,” said Dan Freas, site director. “The experience will be different this year as we strive to keep our team and guests safe, but we are excited to welcome the public back to enjoy all that we have to offer.”
Following a season interrupted by the pandemic, visitors can once again experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the world in the 19th and 20th century by touring the property at their own pace or through separately ticketed guided journeys. These tours draw on exciting themes including “Beasts and Barns,” “Makers and Moo-vers,” and “Building a Home.” Tickets for guided journeys can be purchased by calling (262) 594-6301.
Visitors this season will get a sneak peek at the new Brewing Experience taking shape on the property where future guests will learn about Wisconsin’s fascinating brewing legacy and traditions. In addition to a new building currently under construction, restoration of the historic Wittenbel’s Tavern will continue at Old World Wisconsin through this year. When finished, the Brewing Experience will demonstrate how early brewers transformed grain and hops from their fields into the kinds of beers still enjoyed across the nation today.
Throughout the summer months, Old World Wisconsin will offer all-new Summer Camp Kits for children featuring a camp backpack, activity workbook, buy-one-get-one admission coupons to Old World Wisconsin and Circus World, as well as exclusive Wisconsin Historical Society swag. As the weather begins to turn cold, the “Halloween Legends and Lore” special experience in October will feature spooky stories and family-friendly enjoyment after hours. “Home for the Holidays” will wrap up Old World Wisconsin’s 2021 season in December.
The Wisconsin Historical Society is committed to prioritizing the health and safety of our guests, members, and staff. Visit us online at wisconsinhistory.org/sites for more information about our 2021 health and safety protocols. For more information about Old World Wisconsin, and to access the most up-to-date information about our tours and special experiences, visit oldworldwisconsin.org.
About Old World Wisconsin
Old World Wisconsin is a 600-acre regional history attraction that features interactive environments and immersive stories of 19th-and early 20th-century Midwestern immigrant farm and rural life. It is one of twelve Wisconsin Historical Society sites and museums around the state. The museum offers guests hands-on activities, led by period-clad staff members, as they visit 10 working farmsteads, explore 12 heirloom gardens, meet heritage animal breeds and try historic crafts and skills. Old World Wisconsin is located on Highway 67 just south of Eagle, Wisconsin in the Milwaukee/Chicago/Madison triangle. Check our website for seasonal hours. For more information visit www.oldworldwisconsin.org or call 262-594-6301.
About the Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit wisconsinhistory.org.
